Page 36 of Brassy Bigwig

CHAPTER TWELVE

CHLOE

Ican’t remember a time when I was angrier than I am right now. Maybe when I found out the real reason my parents split was because my mom cheated on my biological father with the man I was raised to think was my real father. But this may even top that.

How dare he come at me with his accusations and insinuations. I get he had a shitty thing happen to him, but who the hell does he think he is, acting like that?

“Taxi,” I scream when I get to the curb outside of the building.

Thankfully, one comes fairly quickly, seeing as how it’s three o’clock in the afternoon and not five o’clock in the evening. As I get situated in the back seat, I pull out my cell phone and shoot off a message to Shelby.

Me: Get the wine out. Do I have a story for you!

Shelby: !!!What???

Me: This is not something I can tell you over text, girl. It’s going to require lots of alcohol and curse words. Maybe even a re-enactment.

Shelby: Uh-Oh. The Brassy Bigwig?

Shelby and her nick-names… I swear.

Me: Yes.

I think about my answer for a second. Is this more a Mr. Andino problem or more of a Trey Everett problem?

Me: And also no.

Shelby: I’m confused.

Me: Same. Wine.

Me: And maybe ice cream, too.

Me: I’m in a cab now. Be home soon.

Shelby: See you then.

I’m home in record time, also due to the early hour in which I left work. I could get used to this. As I ride the elevator to the eighth floor, I laugh to myself. I still can’t believe everything that just happened.

“Un. Real.” I say to no one.

When the doors open, I walk to mine and Shelby’s apartment and put my key into the lock. No sooner do I unlock the door, Shelby is nearly attacking me, begging for details.

“What happened?”

“Wine first. And I need to change into some comfy clothes.”

“Ugh. Fine,” Shelby pouts.

I’m dressed in sweats and my Wharton College t-shirt and sitting on the sofa in no time as Shelby hands me a large glass of Pinot Grigio.

“Okay, you have the wine and your comfy clothes. Now spill.”

I take a large gulp before placing my glass on the coffee table and standing up.

“So I was sitting at my desk earlier, minding my own business, when the elevator dings. I was a little confused because Mr. Andino is on vacation, and there was no reason for anyone to come up to his floor.”

“Uh-huh,” Shelby answers impatiently.

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