Page 33 of Don't Leave Me

I was flattered but thought of my next problem.

“I don’t have any clean underwear,” I said, waiting for his next solution.

He gave me his intense stare. “Don’t wear any,” he ordered.

I didn’t give two thoughts to it. I slid the previous day’s jeans and wedged boots on, put on the plain white shirt that Michael handed me, then grabbed my jacket and we were out of the door 2 minutes later.

Luckily, I carried my makeup around with me in my huge purse; I quickly applied my mascara, blush and lipstick on the crowded train. I followed Michael off the train at the Whitehall Street station and trailed behind him, unsure if he wanted us to walk into work at the same time.That would look kind of obvious, wouldn’t it?Michael looked back at me and waited until I caught up with him.

“Quickly, Hana,” he ordered, then continued to walk.

I smiled to myself and walked beside him.

The elevator doors pinged open and Michael and I walked into the office, Maude the receptionist greeting us and looking suspiciously between the two of us. Michael didn’t say anything to me as he walked into his office and shut the door behind him. I walked to my desk, glancing at the clock above the break room entrance.11 AM…oops.

“Hey, Han,” Evan greeted me, a cup of coffee in his hand as he leaned against my cubicle.

“Hey,” I smiled, opening up my Macbook and setting up for work.

“Boss didn’t mind you coming in late?” he questioned.

I looked up at him.He sounds awfully suspicious. Or maybe I’m just being paranoid.

“Hedidmind. He’s making me work late,” I lied, putting on my best annoyed face.

Evan just nodded knowingly. “Hmm,” he replied and walked away.

Okay, maybe he is suspicious. Maybe he realized Michael and I were sitting way too close in his office when he came in yesterday. Okay, but who cares if he’s suspicious? He can’t prove anything. He wouldn’t do that anyway. Just ignore it and work, Hana…

I couldn’t focus for the entire day. I was too excited to go home with Michael.Oh shit. I should probably call my mom and tell her he’s coming with me…it was 4:30 PM when I went up to the roof to make the private phone call.

“Hi, sweetie!” my mom answered excitedly after the first ring.

“Hey, mom,” I smiled, shivering from the cold and windy rooftop.

“How are you? On your way home yet? You’re still coming tonight, right?” she asked eagerly.

“Yes, I’m still coming. I won’t be heading there until about 7 or 8, though. And I wanted to let you and daddy know that I’m bringing someone with me,” I explained, then held my breath.

“Really?” my mom exclaimed.Oh my god, she can get tiring sometimes.“Who?”

“He’s um…his name is Michael. He uh, he works with me,” I stammered out.

“Michael, huh? How come I’ve never heard of this Michael before?” she asked in that concerned motherly way.

I sighed. “Because it’s new, mom. But he’s great, you’ll love him,” I assured her excitedly.

“Okay, sweetie,” she replied, and I could tell she was smiling. I never brought home a guy before…well, not since high school, so I knew she would be excited.

“Does this Michael like turkey or is he a vegetarian too? I’m trying to plan dinner and everyone has some sort of allergy or they’re gluten-free or whatever the hell it’s called,” she rambled on.

I smiled. “I’ll figure out the list of his dietary restrictions,” I jested.

“Okay, sweetheart. Should I make up another guest room or will he be…you know, staying in your room?” she asked with a giggle.

I sighed and rolled my eyes. “He’ll be staying with me, mom,” I answered, feeling embarrassed already.

“Your dad’s not gonna like that. But you know what? You’re not a little girl anymore. I’ll talk to him,” she said sternly.

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