“Oh, I wish. It being a new day is as good a reason as any to be happy for me. But I’ll take that lottery right about now. What do ya’ say—about a cool million?” We giggled.
I was wrapping up her visit when I got a page from Sharon that I had a call on line three. Now, Sharon knew not to bother me with a phone call unless it appeared urgent. What could be the emergency?
I flew down the corridor to my office instead of the next patient room. I picked up the line, “Rayna Brimm. How may I assist you?”
“How were you able to pull this one off? If repaying me, and with this much interest, was this easy what took you so long?” a familiar voice, that was eventually identified as Sebastian, bawled.
“What in the hell are you talking about?” I rustled, bemused by his questions and offended by his tone.
“Let’s not play games as if your guardian angel mysteriously sent me a cashier’s check in the amount of fifteen grand! That’s a fifty percent interest rate! Do you hate me that much, Rayna?”
It took me a minute to figure out what was going on. Was he saying I paid him back the loan with fifty percent interest? How could this be? Who would have that kind of money? Immediately the answer came—AZMIR! What in the hell did I say to him that would compel him to do this?
“Silence? Nice, Rayna! It makes me believe you laid on your back to get this money!” Sebastian fired off.
“Who the fuck do you think you’re talking to…you goddamn prick! Did you forget that I am a damn working professional? Why are you asking me questions anyway? Just be happy you have your money and move on before I say something that isn’t befitting of the workplace. Capiche?” and I slammed the phone in his ear.
I lost control of my breath, my heart began to pound, and my head spun. My hands trembled as I tried to wipe frustration from my face. I felt like my privacy and self-respect had been breached. In some ways, Sebastian was right; I had lain down to pay him back. If I’d never fucked Azmir, he would not have been so inclined to pay my debt. The trip and luggage was one thing; it was a part of the chase. The car was a loaner, but secretly paying off debt is totally different. I was nobody’s charity case!
I immediately called Azmir’s cell but got no answer. I then called his office. Old Nasty Peg said he was in a meeting that would be ending soon but he’d be going right into another. I hung up in her ear and headed straight over to the rec. I had the answer I was looking for, which was that he was next door. Damn a meeting or a schedule…just let me know where he is!
I entered the rec building without signing in. The receptionist working the front door this day recognized me from previous visits. She also knew I had an office in one of the suites. As the elevator ascended, I felt like I couldn’t get to the top floor fast enough. It so happened that as I was stepping out of the elevator and heading towards his office, I saw Azmir and his team walking towards me. At about five or so yards apart, we locked eyes simultaneously. I continued storming right at him.
In my approach, I could hear him say, “People, I’ll meet you downstairs. I need a minute to take care of something.” All without taking his quizzical gaze from mine. With that, his handlers continued toward the elevators.
He stood waiting for me with his eyes still glued to mine. “Is everything okay?” he murmured.
“Who in the hell do you think you are? No. I withdraw. Who in the hell do you take me for…a goddamn charity case?” I screeched in fury as I halted my charge square in front of him, my head leveling between his clavicle bones.