Page 16 of Office Mistakes

Chapter 9

Audra moved slowly the next few days, like she was in a fog.

Her excitement and elation over the promotion were dampened by Charlie’s accusations and the sinking feeling that he might be right.

She boxed up Christmas ornaments and returned the tree to its storage place. Once the wreath was off of the door and the nativity scene packed away, the condo felt different.

Empty. Cold.

She missed Charlie.

Giving into the sudden need, Audra curled up on the bed, her pillow muffling her sobs.

It was late afternoon before Audra roused herself. After washing her face, she reached for her phone.

“Hi, Beryl. Are you busy? Can we grab some coffee and talk?”

Charlie lostcount of how many times he’d paced around the apartment.

Of how many times he’d picked up his phone, only to put it down again.

He missed Audra.

And didn’t that make him a damned fool. With a harsh laugh, Charlie lifted the last of the six pack to his lips.

After mooning after her for almost two years, his fantasy had finally turned into reality.

And the reality was, Audra didn’t care about him at all.

Sighing, Charlie told himself to get over it. He’d have to face her at work. It was best to be cool, professional, detached.

It was best to act like Audra.

After three daysof polite nods and no talking, Charlie clicked to open an email from Audra.

It was a formal offer to interview for a spot on her team.

“She’s got balls,” he muttered darkly.

“She does,” Beryl agreed, startling Charlie.

“Ahh…”

Beryl smiled, dropping some papers onto his desk. “She’s also incredibly stubborn. Not unlike someone else in this room.”

Charlie scowled. “She wants me on her team.”

“I’m going to be joining her team.”

“How can you be friends with someone so cold?”

“Do you really think she’s cold?”

After a brief hesitation, Charlie shook his head. “No,” he admitted. “I know she’s not cold. I just can’t understand her, or why she insists on keeping us a secret.”

Filled with sympathy at his woebegone expression, Beryl offered him some gentle encouragement. “Audra is a good leader, and she’ll carry her team to the top. You’re a good, strong attorney, and she’s looking for people like you. Let me ask you this: If there were no feelings involved, would you want on the team?”

“Yes.” The answer was swift and sure.

“Then reply to the email. At the interview, ask Audra about Malcom.”

Charlie opened his mouth but, before he could form the question, Beryl hurried away.

He sat for a long while, staring at the computer screen.

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