“I’ve decided I’m going to wait,” Susan announced as they walked along the tree lined street. “Maybe not until I’m married, but at least until I find a guy of my own.”
Rachel put a hand on Susan’s forehead. “No fever. I think you’re finally cured.”
“Too bad it didn’t happen a little sooner.” Susan grabbed Rachel’s arm and squeezed. “Sorry.”
“I’ve been thinking about that, and if we hadn’t gone that night, I never would’ve met George. If I’d never met George, he never would have had a reason to invite me to his dinner party. If I hadn’t been invited to his dinner party, then Ryan never would have kissed me. As a matter of fact, there’s a good chance he would have ended up kissing that snake Molly, instead. So, you see? If none of that would have happened, I never would have known how he really felt about me. Of course, I’d still have my job and my self-respect, but who needs that anyway?”
Susan scrunched up her nose. “So I did a good thing?”
“I don’t know if I’d go as far as calling it good. Maybe fateful would be a better word.”
Susan’s cell phone rang. The annoying bird chirp ringtone grated on Rachel’s ears. “Hello?” A grin spread across Susan’s face. “Thank you.”
“Win the lottery?”
She snapped her phone shut. “Better. My apartment’s finished. Mind if I ditch you here? I need to run over and pack a suitcase.”
Rachel waved her off. “Get going. I’m tired of looking at you, anyway. Remember,” she called after her. “Be here before ten!”
Emotionally worn out, Rachel looked forward to a quiet day of shopping. It wasn’t too often she had a day off in the middle of the week and she planned to enjoy it. That little bubble of joy popped when she stepped inside her apartment building. Standing at the front desk arguing with the desk clerk was none other than Junior.
“I just want to go up and wait for her. How is that hurting anything?”
Tim was the desk clerk and he was having none of Junior’s tantrum. He’d had a crush on Rachel since she moved in and was sometimes a little too watchful. “You’re not permitted through the door, sir. You woke half the building last night and I’m afraid we can’t trust you.”
“Trust me?” The veins on Junior’s temple looked like they were about to explode.
“Yes, you. We have you on video and if you don’t leave, I’ll have to call the police.”
“It’s okay, Tim. I know this…person.”
Junior whipped his head around, scouring the area around her. She knew exactly what he was thinking, and a dose of instant fury set her on fire.
Rachel crossed her arms and assumed the stance. “She went home, if you’re looking for Susan.” She was tired of his stupidity and was ready to let him have it. “But don’t worry. She’ll be back tonight.”
He took a deep breath and brushed the errant hair back off of his forehead. “Of that I’m sure.”
“Why are you here, anyway?”
“Can’t we go somewhere more private?” Junior glared over his shoulder at Tim who was listening intently to their heated exchange.
“Open the door, Tim. I’ll take responsibility.”
A buzzer went off and the door unlocked.
“This better be good, Mr. Stanley, because I’ve got a million things to do.”
Her apartment still smelled like Susan – rose petals and nail polish. Rachel tossed her handbag on the lampstand and took off her shoes.
“Start talking,” she said, heading for the bedroom to change her clothes. “And make it fast.”
“I’m here to tell you my father would like for you to come along on our trip as our travelling secretary. We normally take Bonnie along on these types of things, but she’s still sick. There will be extra pay involved.”
“And who says I’m interested?” she called from the bedroom.
“Apparently you didn’t hear the words ‘extra pay’.”
Rachel slung the bedroom door open. “And suppose I want to use my free time to look for another job, instead? You don’t own me, you know!”
Junior picked up her phone and held it up to his ear.
“What are you doing?”
“Just making sure it works. It doesn’t.” He put the phone back down. “That’s why I’m here. I couldn’t – get through.” His words trailed off when he saw her.
She’d pulled her long hair over in a side braid and had slid into her favorite pair of cut-offs. Admittedly, they were a little short, but what was the point of wearing them if they weren’t?
“You’re going out like that?”
Rachel looked down. “What’s wrong with this? I have things to do and I want to be comfortable.”
“But won’t that attract unwanted attention?” He loosened his tie.
Rachel bent over to slip on her sandals. “Who said it’s unwanted?”
“Okay, fine,” he mumbled. “If you want to get yourself kidnapped or raped, don’t blame me. I tried to warn you.”
“Gee. That almost sounds like you care.” Rachel batted her eyes and shooed him toward the door.
“I do. I need a travelling secretary!”
“Oh, don’t be so grumpy! Double my weekly salary and I’ll go. But I’m taking Susan with me or it’s off,” she added.
Rachel never realized that gray eyes could turn red in a fit of anger.
“I’ll have to clear that with my father. He’s the one paying you.”
“I’m sure he won’t have a problem with it.” She just stood there smiling and twirling her braid around her finger.
Junior yanked a piece of paper out of his jacket pocket and slapped it down on the lamp stand. “These are the instructions and a basic itinerary. Be ready tonight at ten.” For the second time in less than twenty-four hours, Junior stomped down the same hallway. “And get that phone fixed!” he yelled over his shoulder.