Page 76 of Zimyra

I see worry and concern in his eyes as he looks at me. I really didn’t want to see him – not while I’m still bruised up. It’s embarrassing. And I don’t know why I feel this way, but I have this nagging feeling that this is somehow my fault. I’m the naïve ‘little girl’ my brothers think I am. For all I know, Axel thinks the same thing.

I say, “Yeah. I’m fine.”

“What happened when you got to the hospital? Did everything check out okay?”

“Yes.”

“Did they do the X-ray?”

“Yes. I have no fractures. They just told me to apply a cold compress to my face. It was swollen yesterday, but it’s gone down substantially.”

He reaches to touch the bruise on my face. I move so he can’t. I don’t want to be touched. I just don’t.

I say, “But I’m fine. There’s no need for you to be worried about me.”

He frowns slightly like I’ve offended him somehow.

I say, “I’ll be back at the office on Friday.”

“No, you won’t. It’s too soon.”

“It’s not. I told you—I’m fine. If I didn’t think I could do it, I wouldn’t. My tenants are looking forward to this paint and sip, and that’s what they’re going to get.”

He shakes his head. “I think you’re making a mistake.”

“And I think you need to let me do my job.”

“Zimyra—”

“I expect to see you at work on Friday.”

He sighs heavily, making his disappointment apparent. “Understood. In the meantime, if you need me, I’m here.”

“I appreciate that.”

He turns and heads down the stairs. I go back inside and get my laptop. After signing into a secure VPN, I access my company email. Getting back into work mode will take my mind off this.

I check the first email. It’s from corporate:

Dear Ms. St. Claire:

We are deeply saddened to hear about your ordeal at Atlantic Properties. We take the safety of our employees very seriously. To that end, we would like for you to take as much time as you need to recuperate. Also, we will be hiring an assistant in the office so tours can be conducted safely and efficiently with two people instead of one. In addition, we will also hire security to monitor the campus. If you have any further input regarding these measures, or if you have any suggestions, feel free to reach out to us.

Thank you,

Peter Bayne

CEO, Leverage Realty Group

I move on to the next email:

Dear Ms. St. Claire:

We are pleased to announce that you have been approved for a one-time performance bonus of $4,000. This will be in your next paycheck. Thank you for your hard work and commitment to this role.

Thank you,

Human Resources

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