Page 85 of Cameron's Contract
“I appreciate that, Cam.”
“Assign your staff to Chrysalis,” I said. “I want you to enjoy this evening.”
“That an order?”
“It is.”
I killed the call.
Whatever was going on in Germany right now was out of my control. And I hated that feeling.
The last time I’d been in here, Zie had delivered that skewered news about what she believed was going on at Charlie’s. My gaze roamed the table, chairs, and artwork.
That session with Zie and Laura rolled through my brain like the dark memory it was, yet with all this talk of closure and moving on I felt like the one who needed resolution now.
At my feet lay that trash can I’d mused over briefly, and curiosity led me to kneel and rummage through the few papers within. Laura cleaned out her handbag each day and here lay a trail of evidence.
How remarkable that one small piece of paper—a drink receipt from the Pump Lounge in Santa Monica for two margaritas could deliver the truth. It had been there all along, right in front of me, only Zie’s presence had thrown me off from seeing it. Being on the defensive, no part of me had thought to come out fighting. I’d merely needed to see her happy again.
And happy Zie was, in her new relationship with her smart and pretty girlfriend.
Laura breezed in with the air of someone carrying the new title of director of the clinic, and I was reassured I’d be handing over the office to such a dedicated professional.
“How are you doing?” she asked.
“Everyone took it well, so there’s some reassurance.”
“You’re making the right decision.”
“Thank you, Laura. I feel that way too.”
“Mia’s okay with moving to New York?”
“She’s excited. She’s leaving behind her best friends, but I’ve promised to fly Bailey and Tara out whenever they want.”
“That’s nice of you.”
“Least I can do. Couldn’t have done this without her.”
“Sure you could.”
“She’s been my rock.”
“Look after her.”
“She’ll always be my priority. I’m reassured you’re our new director, Laura. Please, don’t hesitate to call me should anything come up.”
“I’m sure I will.”
“So dinner tonight?”
She hesitated. “I’m meeting a friend.”
I unraveled the receipt.
She stared at it.
The way Laura had stared at Zie, the way she’d touched her knee to comfort her, her blushes when Zie’s sexual past was discussed all gave her away.
