Page 31 of Forged in Peril

Before he could ask what on earth Grace was babbling about–or remind her that everyone was late because she hadn’t mentioned the order at all until five seconds ago–Bristol started to laugh. It was a real laugh, complete with what he would have probably called a snort, but in that moment, it was the prettiest laugh he’d ever heard.

“She’s talking about Legally Blonde,” she said after a moment, catching her breath. “And yeah, Grace, that movie is totally realistic about what lawyers do. I highly suggest you quote it the next time you want Jaclyn to rip your face off.”

“Anyway,” Cameron said, shaking his head and glancing down at his smartwatch, “Jaclyn has been looking for you, Grace, and I suggest you see what she wants. And make sure that order is dealt with before the end of the day.”

“Yes, sir,” Grace said, tossing the cosmetic bag that Bristol had returned into her purse. She turned to Bristol with a questioning look, and, seemingly satisfied by her nod, she got to her feet. “See you guys later.”

Cameron sat there across from Bristol, suddenly very much aware of how empty and silent the room was.

He didn’t want to pry at whatever she and Grace had been talking about, but on the other hand, he didn’t know how to force himself to go downstairs and head back to work.

Before he could figure out what to say, however, Bristol spoke.

“I have a lot to finish up this morning, and I’ll probably just skip lunch to do it so Jaclyn isn’t kept waiting, but…”

Her voice faltered, and she looked down at the table, drawing an unsteady breath.

“But before I do, if you have time, can–can I talk to you for a second?”

Worry mingled with relief.

He wanted her to open up to him. He wanted to help. But why did she want to come to him now? Had Grace convinced her, or was she in more trouble than he thought?

“Let’s go to my office, if you’re comfortable with that,” he suggested, his voice gentle.

“Probably a good idea,” Bristol admitted, glancing up at the big silver clock on the wall above the espresso machines. “It’s almost lunch. People will be coming in here soon.”

Bristol said nothing as he guided her into the elevator and down to level three, but as soon as he’d closed the door of his office behind them, she sunk into one of the chairs, rubbing at her temples with her fingertips.

“First of all, I assume you’ve already heard everything about my being late this morning, if you spoke to Jaclyn,” she said.

Was that all this was? Would she really call a private meeting just to apologize for a single late arrival?

“I heard, yes. Sounds like it worked out okay in the end, though. And as tough as she is, Jaclyn isn’t going to hold a grudge. These things happen.”

He paused for a moment, realizing that as much as he wanted to be gentle about her mistake, he also didn’t want to seem like he was playing favorites.

“That said, I really do hope this won’t happen again,” he continued. “This place isn’t exactly a nine to five job. Most of us have to put in late nights and early mornings, at least part of the time.”

“I understand that,” she said, the crushed look on her face almost enough to make him want to take back the scolding he’d given, however mild it was. “I’m used to long hours, and I can live with early mornings. I’m sorry,” she said.

She looked like he wanted to say more, so he waited.

“But, Cameron, I didn’t come here just to apologize. There’s something else I need to talk to you about.”

Her mouth was pinched, and her knuckles were white against the armrests of her chair.

“Bristol, what’s wrong?” he asked, not bothering to conceal his alarm.

She didn’t look worried about getting into trouble.

She looked scared.

She paused again, glancing around the messy room as though ensuring that her escape route was clear.

“I’m here,” he said gently, leaning toward her just slightly, wishing once again that he could offer a comforting touch but not daring to get too close. “I’m listening, okay? Whatever it is, you can talk to me.”

She waited for several long seconds, not quite meeting his eyes.

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