Page 34 of Alex

My hands ball into tight fists. I want to hit something, anything, to keep my mind off Peter.

Just as I’m about to turn around and head to my car to go back to Elise’s apartment, Dad comes back outside.

“Good news, son. We are allowed to head inside and pack up some stuff. Upstairs is safe if we stick to where they outlined. I have boxes in my office we can use to pack up the files.”

“What about all the computers and other electronics? How are we going to pack them up?”

What good is having all the files, but none of the electronics?

“I’ll get someone from IT to come and pack up my computer and Elise’s and set them up at the house. Everything else can stay. I can have them bring a computer for you if you’d like.”

He looks at me like he wants me to say yes, but I shake my head and disappointment clouds his eyes.

“I don’t need a computer here when I have my laptop at home. I can do everything from it.”

Dad doesn’t smile, but the edges of his lips curl up slightly into a bemused expression.

“In that case, let’s get started. We have a lot to do.”

The longing in my heart causes me to blurt out the question in my mind. “Hey, Dad, have you heard from Elise?”

Maybe she called him when he was inside and said she was on her way.

Or maybe she called and told him what I did and quit, too. Just like Peter.My mind screams at me.

“Not yet, son, but I’m sure she’s fine. Peter said he was alone, so I know she wasn’t in the building at the time of the ransacking.”

Sure, he answered my question, but that didn’t answer the question in my heart or in my mind.

Will Elise want to see me again?

Chapter Ten

ELISE

I showerand change in record timing, or it could be that my mind was stuck on Alex the entire time.

He seemed so angry in his bedroom when I asked him if he was embarrassed to be seen with me. I was genuinely curious and didn’t expect him to take it the wrong way.

He’s hot, rich, and fun to be around, so he could have any woman he wants. Why did he pick me?

Was it because I was easy the first time and then he found out I lost my virginity to him, so he feels obligated to be with me?

I shake those questions out of my mind because I can’t be trapped in the never-ending circle of doubts and questions.

Grabbing a bottle of water from my refrigerator, I take two pain relievers and gulp down the rest of the bottle.

I grab my phone from my purse to listen to thevoicemail and grab a banana to get some food on my stomach.

Mr. Strickland’s worried voice sounds through the phone.

“Hey, Elise, I’m calling because Peter left me a voicemail early this morning, letting me know that someone broke into the office, trashed the place, and then started a fire.”

He sighs before continuing.

“I’ve already called the other employees and told them not to come to the office on Monday and to be on standby for further news from me. I’m going to head there now to assess the damage, but I could probably use your help and organizational skills.”

He lets out a shaky breath before clearing his throat.

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