Page 55 of The Phyre that Burns

“Yes, ma’am?”

“Are you going to let me in?”

“Phyre isn’t home yet. He?—”

“Open the damn door!”

Begrudgingly, I went to the door and let the woman in. Her presence was baffling because I was sure she knew her son was still at the office.

“Hello, and come in. I’m sorry about that. I was just a bit confused by your visit.”

She stepped inside, not waiting for me to lock the door, and headed straight to the kitchen. She was already seated at the table when I entered.

“Who are you?” she asked without wasting any time.

“I’m Ginae. Would you like something to drink or eat?”

Ignoring my question, she said, “Ginae? That name sounds familiar. Who are you to my son?”

“His girlfriend.”

We locked eyes, and I could tell my response surprised her.

“He must like you a lot to leave you unsupervised in his home.”

“He loves me,” I responded with confidence.

“Is that so?”

“Yes. I’m sure you’re well aware of Phyre’s work hours.”

“I am, but a friend of mine lives in the neighborhood, and as I was leaving, I saw an unfamiliar vehicle in the driveway. I thought maybe Phyre had forgotten to mention he’d gotten a new truck and had taken the day off.”

I didn’t park in the garage because I’d only planned to be here for a short time. Damn it!

“No. That’s my truck, and I took the day off.”

“What do you do?”

“I’m a nurse practitioner.”

“Oh? Do you work with Phyre?”

“Yes and no.”

“Care to explain?” she questioned.

“I’m a traveling nurse. I live in Chicago and was assigned to work in Phyre’s office for six months.”

“When did your assignment start?”

“A little over a month ago.”

“And you’re already sleeping with the boss. I see you didn’t waste any time.”

I wanted to say something slick but decided to hold my tongue. Aside from her nasty attitude toward me, she’d done nothing to me, but I resented her and her husband for what they’d done to Phyre.

“This isn’t what you think, ma’am. I?—”