Page 23 of Cherry's Jubilee

“It’s one train ride,” she whispers.

“And one car ride.” I tap a message to Ari on my phone. “Or you can stay here, but I’ll be tied up all afternoon. I’ll come by your place after work,” I say.

After Ari texts that he’s outside, we go to the private elevator, and my dad follows us. “Come to my office when you’re done,” he says. “Cherry, next time you visit, you two come to my office, and I’ll invite Clayton up. Make him shit his pants,” my dad says.

Cherry turns to me and eyes me up and down. “Look at your dad,” she says to me. “That’s what real power looks like.”

When we step outside, traffic is still heavy, but the Escalade is parked out front. As we approach it, a group of people are walking toward the building while laughing and talking at once.

“Cherry?” a female voice balks, clearly outraged.

I turn my head and notice Ashley Turner walking our way. She walks like a woman on a mission; like a woman who was wronged and is seeking answers. Cherry ignores her, and Ari holds the door open for her.

“Cherry!” Ashley says again, louder this time.

Cherry’s back stiffens when she stops at the door. I can see her take a deep breath before she slowly turns to address her cousin.

“What?” is all she says.

“What are you doing here?” the words come out almost accusatory.

“I’m here visiting my boyfriend, Ashley,” Cherry hisses. “Why do you care?”

“Yourboyfriend?” She points at me.

“Yeah.” Cherry finally smiles. “Thanks so much for throwing that little party. I never would have met Daniel otherwise.” Cherry wraps her arm around mine and rests her head on my bicep.

“You can’t possibly be serious,” she says. “You and him?” She points at me again.

“What’s with all the questions? And aren’t you late for work?” Cherry looks at her watch.

“Yes. Is there a problem, Ashley?” I finally ask, suddenly irritated by her attitude toward Cherry. My words must surprise her. Her head snaps back, and she visibly swallows.

“No. This is just a shock, that’s all.”

“Really? Why?” I push back.

“That you would—” Whatever she was going to say gets swallowed. “Never mind.” She looks from me to Cherry.

“Since you’re only here half a day today, please go up and check your email,” I order.

“Of course,” Ashley says. “You have a good day.” She doesn’t go inside. She takes a few steps away, stands there, and watches us. I decide to ignore her.

“I’ll be there by six,” I tell Cherry and tilt her chin up to give her a chaste kiss.

“That better mean six p.m. and not six days from now,” is all she says.

Chapter 15

Daniel

At this rate, I know I’m going to be late. It’s after five, and I still need to do a few things before leaving for the day. My floor is quiet when I get there, and I’m surprised when I nearly collide with Ashley. Unless I need her to stay, she leaves promptly at five. I’m okay with that because we offer a healthy work-life balance.

“Ashley, you’re free to go,” I say, but she follows me through the double doors into my office.

“I’m on my way out.” She sounds nervous, and I don’t understand why. We’ve always worked well together, and she’s always been comfortable around me. “I just wanted to warn you about Cherry.” My hands pause above my keyboard.

While we have a comfortable working relationship, we’ve always kept things professional. I don’t invite questions or commentary about my personal life, but I’m interested in hearing what she has to say. It will not sway me or change my feelings about Cherry, but it will reveal who Ashley Turner is.

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