Page 13 of One More Night
“We’ve got an expert coming in to work some analysis on what we can do to make our systems watertight. Hopefully that’ll be enough to assure F & T it won’t happen again.”
“Okay. What can I do?”
“I need somebody to run down to the deli and pick up refreshments. It’s going to be a long night.”
Hear that hiss? Yeah, that’s my balloon of confidence screaming around the office as it deflates. “I can do that. Of course.”
“We’d only need you here for another hour or so.”
“Honestly.” I wave a dismissive hand at Ted. “It’s no problem. I’ll just make a phone call, and then I’ll go set up the boardroom.”
He runs a hand through his short curly hair. “Thanks, Corinne. You’re a real help.”
No. I’m a web technician. But if being the sandwich lady gets me brownie points toward a promotion, then I’ll give it a try.
I pull my phone out as he walks away, sinking into my chair with a sigh.
“Hey, babe. I’m in the foyer still.”
I stand and wave to Sarah across the expanse of cubicles. “I have to stay back for a bit.”
“You want me to wait?”
“No.” I drop back into my seat. “I’ll be a while. I’ll catch you tomorrow morning.”
“Okay. See you then, babe.”
I disconnect, and then stand to watch as she gets into the lift and disappears from view. Ted’s voice drifts from his open office door, the call on speaker as I walk past to prep the boardroom.
The answering tones of his caller leave a chill tickling my spine. No way. My steps falter, and I hesitate just out of view to listen in.
“I’m on my way over. Stuck in a bit of traffic, but I’ll be there soon.”
“Thanks for coming in at such short notice, man. I owe you one.”
“Hey, I owe you plenty after the shit we pulled in college. Don’t sweat it.”
Ted knows Jordan. Is there anybody in my goddamn life who doesn’t know the guy? I totally should have moved interstate after graduating; would have avoided these kinds of run-ins, that’s for sure.
I continue to the far end of the office space, yet instead of entering the boardroom like I was supposed to, I veer right and head for the restrooms instead. I’ve had a long day, and I can’t guarantee that I look all that great after fidgeting with my hair like I do while transitioning data from one site to the next.
He might not have intended on seeing me again, but I know without a doubt that after Jordan sees me today, I’ll make sure he won’t ever feel that way again.