When I got home I dumped my stuff on the couch and ran for my closet. Peeling out of my clothes, I pulled on my favorite yoga pants and t-shirt. There was no way I was going anywhere tonight, my couch was the furthest I’d be.
I called my favorite Chinese take out and plopped on the couch. I mindlessly flipped channels on the television while thinking about the day’s events. My blood still boiled at Mr. Hammond’s actions and I had to keep telling myself to let it go.
When I heard the knock on my door I grabbed my wallet. Thanking the delivery guy for the food, I handed him the money and his tip then shut the door. My dinner smelled delicious, I couldn’t wait to dive in.
Dropping the bag on the coffee table, I went to the fridge and grabbed a beer. I flipped it open and sat back down on the couch. Seeing a rerun of ‘Seinfeld’ was on, I immersed myself in the silly antics of Jerry, Elaine, Kramer, and George.
I must have dozed off because pounding on the door awakened me. I got up and once again, looked through the peephole. I was shocked to see Paul’s face. Unlocking the door, I opened it, staying at the threshold.
“Are you okay?” he asked, breathing hard. “I’ve been calling and texting and you never answered.”
I opened the door wide to allow him to come in. He stepped inside, staying close to me. I turned to face him when I shut the door, leaning back on it.
“I’m sorry, I fell asleep. I’m fine,” I told him.
He swiped a hand through is chocolate waves and uttered a sigh. “Thank goodness. It was so hard for me to let you walk out my office today, but I knew I had to. I know I need to give you your space and act professional at work, but I was worried, and had to know you were okay.”
“I’m fine, Paul. Really.”
“I’m glad. Walter shook us both up today and I hate him for it. I never really liked the man anyway, but today just solidified it. I’m sorry you were dragged into it and that I told you what his condition was. That was a moment of weakness and I apologize. It was never your battle to fight and I shouldn’t have ever opened my mouth.”
I shoved myself away from the door, walking toward the couch, but deciding not to sit when I got there. Being around him now was torture; I wasn’t sure how much longer I’d last. Remembering what he’d just said, I turned to face him. “It is my battle in a sense as he wanted you to get rid of me. Don’t you see that? He was possibly going to affect my livelihood, the job that I love. Of course it’s my battle.”
“But it’s one I could have saved you from had I just told him to go to hell right there and then. He caught me so off guard that he took advantage and told me he’d be in touch to see what I’d decided. I beat him to it and called him after you left, telling him I’d made one. I’m on my way to meet him right now. I wanted to do it in person.”
My face paled at that. “Don’t do anything stupid, Paul. Please.”
He walked to stand before me, and brushed the back of his fingers along my cheek. I drew back a bit but it didn’t seem to faze him. “You have nothing to worry about, sweetheart,” he said. “Walter deserves everything I have to say to him. It’s been a long time coming.”
Nausea assaulted me and I knew nothing good would come of this. “He can break you, Paul. He can railroad the company. You could lose everything.”
He smiled. “You’re being over-dramatic. No one is that powerful and you seem to forget whom you’re talking to. I too have connections and I won’t hesitate to use them if needed. I’m tired of being bulldozed by Walter, dear, and it’s time to put an end to it.”
I knew I couldn’t convince him to change his mind so I just nodded, looking in his eyes. He brushed my face one more time then drew his hand back, resting it to his side. He leaned over and kissed the top of my head then headed to the door.
“I’m glad you’re okay,” he told me as he opened it. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“Wait,” I called out to him.
He turned, looking at me.
“Please call me after your meeting with Mr. Hammond. I can’t wait until tomorrow to hear what happened. Please.”
He nodded, gave me a wink, then was gone. I wrapped my arms around my waist, bending over. My nerves were on overdrive and I couldn’t shake the feeling that not only would things change when I told Paul about Ethan, but that everything I knew and loved would never be the same again.