rumors, but I’m making an exception because the one I overheard at dinner Saturday involved a J&C employee that I personally recommended. Is there anything you’d like to report regarding your supervisor?”
She sat up straight and folded her hands. “No, sir.”
“Has any staff member at this firm treated you poorly?”
Lexie looked him in the eye. “No, sir.”
After a long moment, he nodded. “Please don’t hesitate to contact HR if you change your mind, or have any future issues to bring to HR’s attention. We consider all reported incidents equally. No staff members are exempt from the rules. Is that understood?”
“Yes, thank you, sir.” She waited for him to leave, then picked up the coffees and moved into the office.
“Alexandra, have a seat.”
So awkward.
“I understand if you want to have me reassigned.”
Ms. Swann’s eyes lit. “Letting those little gossips chase you away?”
“I figured you’d feel most comfortable with that.” She shrugged.
“Why?”
Lexie sank onto the leather seat and lifted her chin. “I slept with Matthew Hennessey.”
Ms. Swann twirled her silver monogrammed pen. “No man has ever stood up for me like he did for you.”
“I swear I didn’t know he was the same trainer until last night.”
“I believe you.” Ms. Swann set down the pen. “Want to talk about it?”
She shook her head, swallowing hard and willing the tears to stay put in their ducts where they belonged. “Told you I’m not real good at romantic stuff.”
Her boss’s shiny blond hair tilted to one side. “From where I sit, you two had it all figured out.”
Unsure how to respond, she turned to leave.
“Take the day to sort things out.”
She’s sending me home? I’ll just hide under the covers some more.
“I’ll expect you back at nine tomorrow. So work it out before then.” Ms. Swann’s tone brooked no argument.
“Yes, ma’am.”
A half hour later, Lexie was home and back in bed. Phone powered down, she closed her eyes to the world, her favorite Wicked song playing on repeat in her head. She tossed and turned, snippets of lyrics popping up in Technicolor in her mind. She jerked up and tore off the sleep mask she wore for naps. Maybe we can make it work?
What had Matthew said about the song? She moved to the sink and poured a glass of water.
A key turned in the deadbolt—interrupting her thoughts—and Sam slid into the apartment. “Thank goodness. Isabella called my office and tracked me down to say you went home, and that she was worried. I tried to call, but when you didn’t answer I became worried, too.” Her friend pulled her into a tight hug then backed up to take a long, hard look at her. “You okay?”
“I’m sorry. Didn’t mean to worry you two.” She moved to the living room and picked up her phone to power it on. “I’m not ill. She insisted I take a mental health day.” She closed her fists. “I’ve decided. I’m going to fight for us.”
“Imagine that.” Sam shot her an impish smile. “All’s well that ends well.”
Lexie arched her brows. “Seriously?”
“It was worth a try. Too soon?”
She nodded. “Considering I haven’t talked it through with him yet. As far as he knows, I hate him.”
“Aw, it’s going to work out.” Sam hugged her close again. “Individually, you two might have a flaw or two.” Sam’s smile softened her words.
“Ya think?” Lexie tried to laugh.
“But together, you’re perfect.” Sam headed for the fridge. “Or close to it. So call him, already.”
She shook her head, staring at her phone as a text notification appeared on the screen. She held up her phone. “Can you believe he just asked if I’d stop by Manhattan U anytime today? Says he has a surprise, but if I can’t or don’t want to come to him, he’ll come to me, whenever and wherever I choose.”
Sam took a swig of her Coke. “He should come to you. It’s not like the guy’s going to have some flash mob performance all set up.”
“Huh?”
“C’mon, this was your favorite game back in middle school. You made me play it all the time, remember? We called it The Nonsense Story, where we’d take turns adding one line at a time?”
“Oh, yeah.”
“So…it’s not like the guy’s going to have some flash mob performance all set up.”
This time Lexie was ready. “Or have the red carpet laid out and cameras rolling when I arrive.”
“Or hand you a beautiful bouquet of a hundred red roses—”
“Gerbera daisies,” she inserted.
Sam smiled. “Or a bouquet of Gerbera daisies in one hand and a huge