Broken by Patricia Haley

Author:Patricia Haley
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Gallery Books

chapter

31

Tamara scrambled to collect papers spread across the modest-sized table. She emerged from the cramped conference room, excited. Abigail was standing in the doorway of Don’s office, across the hallway. “Good night,” Tamara said to Abigail.

“You’re leaving?”

Tamara didn’t feel obligated to justify her time. A quarter to five represented a full day, especially when she started before seven. Her eight and a half hours were more than satisfied.

“I’ll see you tomorrow.”

Don came to the doorway. Abigail stepped to the side. “I’ve been meaning to ask if you’re still at the Hilton Garden,” he said.

“I am, but not for much longer.” She was staying there until cash from her first paycheck was received; she had to in order to be able to cover the bill at checkout. The bill was larger than the money she had left. “I’m looking at three apartments this evening.”

“Sounds like you’re going to stay around.”

“I’m looking at short-term leases until I can see what my future holds. The apartments close at six thirty.”

“You need a ride?” Don asked.

She wanted to decline but didn’t want to miss her appointments. A taxi was too much. “Actually I would like a ride. Are you leaving now?”

Don took a quick glance at his watch. “I intended to stay here until eight or nine, since we’re preparing a presentation for the board of directors. But don’t worry about it. We can take a break. I can zip you to the apartment and come back later to finish up.”

“You’re too busy, don’t worry about the ride. I’ll take the bus or get a taxi, no big deal.”

“No, it’s not a problem. I want to take you.”

“But I don’t want to pull you away.” Tamara’s excitement faded. The duo expected her to work late too, she thought. Yet, the apartment held her attention. The building offered the first month free, which was too compelling. She had to go. She had to stay.

“Seriously, it’s okay. I can finish tonight,” Don said.

“How about this?” Abigail interjected. “Go with Tamara. I’ll keep working. By the time you get back we can knock out what’s left. You can take a final review in the morning, mark it up. I can make your changes and have the final version on your desk by noon.”

“We could shoot for an early afternoon meeting with the board,” Don added. Abigail gave a thumbs-up.

Tamara was growing antsy. Each tick of the clock seemed like an hour. Four fifty already. Stay. Go. She needed the apartment. Equally she needed Don and Abigail to believe in her genuine commitment to learning the business. “Oh what the heck, I might as well stay.”

“Don’t change your plans,” Abigail said. “Don and I can get this done. We’ve burned the late-night oil together many times.” Tamara noticed the lift in Abigail’s voice when she spoke about Don.

“Tamara, she’s right. Between the two of us, we can do this. I don’t want you to put a hold on your apartment hunting. Finding a home is your top priority, and I don’t want to interfere.

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