Page 3 of Stolen Sun

“No questions. Here’s my information.”

He stands and reaches into his jeans’ pocket while taking a step toward my desk. His eyes are locked on mine as he leans over slightly to put his business card on my desk, closer to my side. Now that he’s in my space, I can see the dare in them. He looks down at my mouth then back up.

His tongue caresses his lips before he says, “See you soon.”

Once he is out of sight, I exhale the breath I’d been holding since he leaned over my desk. Nerves carry me straight to the window to watch him leave. I close the blinds to prevent him from catching me as he gets into a blacked out F250.

Jesus Christ, what am I going to do?

A beep alerts me to a message on my laptop. It’s probably from Joe asking me how the meeting went. I’m sure he is curious about why it would be over so quickly. Initial meetings usually last at least an hour.

Joe Vendelini:How’d it go?

Noel Williams:Went great! Blank canvas project!

Joe Vendelini:Thatta girl!

My email dings. It's from Claire Morris at Velocity Logistics.That was fast.

TO: [email protected]

FROM: [email protected]

SUBJECT: MarketingInformation

DATE: July 14, 2024

Mrs. Williams,

Here are the files for all graphics the company currently uses. I’ve also created login credentials for you to access our website in order to make updates.

Username: JVMarketing

Password: password

Mr. Adams would like to schedule a follow up meeting with you at our main office this Friday at 8:00AM. Please let me know if this is agreeable.

Claire Morris

I quickly open the files and can already see why he wants an overhaul. The designs are all very basic and created using outdated software. It’s going to be easy to impress. Not that I want to impress Declan, but Joe will be thrilled to hear from a happy client. I respond to Claire letting her know I will be able to attend the meeting requested and set to work brainstorming ideas.

The afternoon is consumed by playing around with graphics, and it’s time to shut down for the day in what feels like no time at all. I’m not sure I would’ve even noticed the time if not for everyone walking by my door to leave. Taking my time to gather my things, I end up being one of the last ones out.

Evenings are still the toughest part of my day. I used to rush home to cook elaborate meals or get dressed for nights out. Nate and I both loved trying new restaurants in town and going out with our friends. Now, I go home to a large, empty house with no one to cook for and no plans to pass the time. It’s hard enough to miss Nate, but the loneliness of a quiet, empty house makes it harder to enjoy down time even now that I’m doing better.

Thankfully, my best friend, Kate, is coming over tonight. While I suffer through family visits to avoid hurting anyone's feelings, I actually look forward to hanging out with Kate.

As soon as she walks into my house, she notices that Nate’s shoes are no longer in the shoe rack by the door. I watch her expression as she looks up from the shoe rack to me standing in the kitchen. She silently walks over and gives me a hug.

“That was a big step, Noel. I’m so proud of you.”

My answering sigh is a mixture of relief and pain. “I had so much fun this afternoon on a new account at work that I still felt really energized when I got home. I started walking around the house moving things around. The next thing I knew, I was boxing up the shoes. It just happened. I’m not really sure how I feel about it now.”

“Okay…Let’s not think too much into it then. What’s the new account?”

The grin stretches across my face. “A total overhaul! My day was over in the blink of an eye. I had so many ideas!” I tell her excitedly because I am. I’m already enjoying this project.

“See! Going back to work was exactly what you needed. What company?”

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