I said my goodbyes and left Cameron’s office with my head bowed as I strolled past the reception desk.
“Sorry for any confusion,” Susan called after me.
“You were just protecting the boss.” I threw her a smile, but it faded when I saw Shay.
He looked liked he’d been waiting for me.
“We have a meeting.” He threw a nod of thanks toward Sue and then gently took hold of my arm and led me to the elevator.
“I’m not sure about this,” I said softly.
“Not with Cole.”
My anxiety increased. “He’s really not here?”
“He came in briefly. He’s decided to take a leave of absence.”
Now I understood why Henry was in Cam’s office.
I was vaguely aware of stepping into the elevator.
We shot past my floor and kept descending. I watched Shay warily, wondering if he was going to escort me from the building. We stopped on the ground floor and I felt Shay’s fingers intertwine with mine. He led me into the foyer and we took a sharp left toward the Cole Tea Shop.
“What’s going on?” And then I saw him…
Chastain was sitting in the corner sipping a drink. His grey gaze rose slowly to meet mine.
“No.” I refused to take another step.
“Please, Mia, this is important.” Shay faced me. “Chastain has something for Cameron and he’ll only give it to you.”
“What is it?” I braved a glance in his direction, and noticed the strikingly beautiful woman beside him. She was bewitching.
“I won’t leave your side for one second.” Shay gave me a squeeze of reassurance. “Please, do this for Cole.”
“Does Cameron know he’s here?” I glared at him.
“Not exactly.”
The only reason I’d face Chastain again would be to help Cole. I raised my chin high and strolled toward them. Chastain pushed to his feet ready to greet me and so did his friend. I approached their table warily.
“Omani, this is Mia,” he said, “and of course you know Mr. Gardner.”
The woman looked at Shay fondly.
Chastain gestured to a seat. “Join us.”
I hesitated. “What do you want?”
“Please.” Omani came around the table and rested her hand on my shoulder. “We wanted to thank you.”
My gaze fell on the brown envelope on the table. “What’s in there?”
Shay pulled out a chair for me and we both sat close to each other.
“First,” Chastain swapped a wary glance with Shay, “I came to see how you are?”
“How do you think I am?” My tone sounded as bitter as I felt.