Page 77 of Zimyra

And here’s another one:

Dear Ms. St. Claire:

Recently, you put in an inquiry to request a system update for maintenance requests. I am happy to inform you that we are in the process of updating the website to roll this program out before the end of the year. With the new system, tenants will be able to log on to Atlantic’s website and submit maintenance requests directly to the office. You will have the ability to pull reports, close or re-open cases, and mark them in order of urgency. We hope that this new tool will prove beneficial to the operations at this location and others.

If you have any questions or feedback, do not hesitate to reach out to me.

Thank you,

Tech Support

I close my laptop and digest all of this.What the actual—

“What’s up?”

I glance up at Zander. I was so engrossed in these emails, I didn’t hear him come into the room. I say, “I just checked my work email. Not only are they giving me a $4,000 bonus, but they’re making a system update that I had requested when I first got hired.”

“They’re probably scared you’re going to sue.”

“No, that’s not it. I checked the emails and they came through before I was attacked. That’s weird.”

“Well, count it as a blessing. I mean, who couldn’t use an extra four thousand?”

“True,” I say, but something doesn’t feel right about this. I put that maintenance request in and it was denied the same day. I hadn’t heard anything further about it and now, all of a sudden, I’m supposed to believe the universe has spun something in my favor and is making things happen for me?

That’s absurd.

I’m a realist. I don’t believe in that law of attraction nonsense. I believe in hard work and effort. Maybe this company is finally realizing my value and that’s fine and all, but as soon as I get my certification, I’m starting my own company – a company where my success will depend solely on me. One where I make the rules without having to request anything from anyone.

CHAPTER 22

I thought it might feelweird being back at the office, but I think I’ve done a superb job of blocking out what happened to me.

It happened.

It’s over.

I’m fine.

Life goes on.

I’m sure this paint and sip with my tenants will ease me back into a state of normality. Nevermind the fact that I haven’t been able to sleep since it occurred. I’m running off of caffeine and fumes. Even at Zander’s house, I haven’t been comfortable enough to sleep, and it’s not for lack of trying. The problem is, when I close my eyes, I see this dreadful being with evil eyes and an ugly gray beard hitting me. Choking me. This time, he wins.

I place my hands on my temple. A wave of dizziness clouds me. I grip the counter for support, desperately seeking balance.

“Ms. St. Claire, are you okay?”

I blink out of my reverie to see Mr. Alton standing at the door of the clubhouse.

“Oh, hi,” I say, still holding the counter, wishing this dizzy spell away from me. “I didn’t know you were standing there. My mind is all over the place these days.”

“I know. I didn’t think you would be back this week after—you know—what happened.”

“Oh, I’m fine, Mr. Alton. Plus, I had this on the calendar already, and I know how much y’all enjoy it. So, it’s still on. I sent a reminder email late last night so everyone else knows as well.”

“And you sure you’re okay?”

“Yes. I’m fine.”

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