Page 243 of Unexpected Heroine

From the corner of my eye, I notice Amber’s head whip toward me. Feigning being non-bothered, I meet her eyes. With her forehead lowered, she warmly studies my expression. She must get the answer she seeks because she nods, offering a sad, tight-lipped smile.

My chest stings, and I press my fist into my sternum to stave off the discomfort. I recognize the sensation—guilt. Quite possibly with a side of heartburn.

I take another peek at the very pregnant Amber and her golden retriever husband, and my reaction makes more sense. I can’t let her sit here with me all day. Especially when this is their special alone time before she has the baby.

Despite taking control of my life, I won’t abandon my manners and who I am at my core.

I turn to give Amber and Cort an easy out when the door to the office opens, and a woman goes flying down the hall with her hand covering her mouth. She’s running. Full out. Odd.

“Oh, I recognize that run,” Amber mutters under her breath.

A moment later, someone else exits his office, closing the door behind her, then following the other woman without noticing us. If the red curly hair is anything to go by, she could be Mia.

With their departure, does that mean my father’s office is empty? Is this about to happen?

I lean close to Amber. “If you guys need to leave, I can get a ride back. It’s totally fine. Seriously, you’ve done enough. I’m so thankful, but I’ll feel horrible if you have to wait all day just because I’m stubborn as a mule.”

“I don’t know exactly what you’ve come here to do, but I’m beyond curious and ready to ride it out. I’ve been an Amos long enough to develop a craving for juicy gossip.” She winks, adding, “Plus, Tomer would kill me if I left you to find a ride. And I need to talk to him about whatever this threat is.”

“Do you think there is one?” I whisper, covering my mouth so Peggy doesn’t overhear. She’s likely corrupted. Can’t trust her.

“I’ve never seen the security like this before, but it’s been a while since I’ve been in the building. We’ll see soon, I guess.”

Another few seconds pass without Peggy going to see if dear old dad will see me now.

“Ahem.” Clearing my throat, I make eye contact with her. “Perhaps he can see me now since his office cleared out?”

Her brows furrow, deepening the wrinkles on her forehead. “That’s not?—”

Peggy’s reply cuts off when a feminine voice fills the space, stealing everyone’s attention. “What are you two doing here? And how did you get in with the increased security measures?” The woman who hastily exited the office a few moments ago has returned with Mia at her side and seems to have questions for my accomplices.

Amber stands. I do the same, moving behind her as she approaches the two ladies.

She hugs the brown-haired one, shakes hands with Mia. Other than that, I lose track of what’s being said. There’s soft laughter and joking, I think. But I’m not sure. I’m lost in a memory.

The sight of Mia and her kind smile pulls me back to that night. And how I clung to Tomer in the elevator like he was a lifeline while Mia offered me such a sweet expression full of compassion. Not unlike the one she keeps tossing my way while interacting with Amber, Cort, Peggy, and the other woman.

Before I know it, the ladies disappear behind the door leading into my father’s office. Ah crap on a cracker. With their departure goes my chance to expedite this encounter. Suppose they weren’t done meeting yet. Must have been a bathroom break.

A gallon of sarcasm fills me, causing me to envision bending at the waist and gesturing to the door while saying, “By all means, you first. I’ve only been waiting twenty-five years to meet him.”

I collapse back into my chair, battling a fresh bout of nausea along with that stinging pain at the base of my throat. My head sags into my hands as I breathe through the discomfort.

Slam.

At the sound of a door banging closed, I jerk to attention, spine stiffening and fists clenching in an automatic response. My stomach pitches and rolls as my eyes land on his.

Tomer.

Ain’t this the best? Not only am I gonna throw up, but he’s gonna witness it and then have me escorted out.

Looking slightly enraged, he approaches rapidly with his palms out in that stupid, placating gesture. “Lettie, you need to leave.” He points toward the elevator. “I’ll call you later. Please just go.”

My vision blurs with a red tinge. “Who do you think you’re talkin’ to like that?”

“Amber. Cort. Get her out of here.” He shoots a fierce glare at Peggy. “We’re on lockdown? Why are they here?”

She doesn’t respond other than to throw up her hands and mumble, “I’m getting too old for this bullshit.”

---