Page 22 of Degrees of Acceptance
“You’ll learn your way around soon enough,” he says, leading us up the elevator and to our room.
“You seem so much more relaxed, Honey,” I say as we climb into bed.
“It’s been a long day, and I’m glad we’re home. The security team is always a little jumpy when we’re off grounds when these things occur,” he says.
“Chase, does this type of thing happen a lot?” I ask.
“I would not say it’s common, but it is something we have to deal with from time to time. Now, I think someone wanted me to curl them up and go to sleep if I recall correctly,” he says pulling me close, curling his body around mine.
I wake to sunlight pouring into the room. I glance at my phone on the side table, and it’s already 10:15 a.m. I can hardly believe I slept this late. Chase is obviously already up and moving. I’ve missed three calls from Jenny, but she didn’t leave a message, so it must not be urgent. I see she’s also left a text for me.
Message: Hey, give me a call when you can.
Reply: Sorry, we were out late last night. Call me when you get a chance.
I need to go for a run and clear my head after last night’s events. I select a pair of running shorts, sports bra, socks and shoes and then throw on a t-shirt not knowing who I will run into on my way to the gym. I find my way to the treadmill, pull off my t-shirt, select my playlist and turn it to shuffle. It takes me a few minutes to figure out the operations of the machine, but once I do I’m lost in the music, and my thoughts. I have to admit, while one of the downsides of running on the treadmill is usually the view, that’s certainly not the case in this situation. The sprawling window overlooks the choppy blue of Lake Michigan and the trees around the property are adorned with brilliant gold, yellow, red and orange leaves. I adjust the speed, getting used to the stationary equipment and my breathing. I am reflecting on the events of the last night. I still can’t believe my mom agreed to come with us and how did Chase figure out who my father was? Carlos Larussio. I say the name out loud. Chase said he was a friend of the family. What a small world. I can’t help but wonder what he looks like, and what it would have been like growing up with a dad. I realize I’ve been on for an hour, lost in my thoughts, as my cool down song comes on. I wipe the sweat from my neck and shoulders feeling invigorated now that I’m done. Jenny’s ringtone blares and I take the call.
“Kate, where have you been?” she exclaims.
“I slept in; we were up late last night. We had to make a quick trip to Florida, and my mom ended up coming home with us. It’s a long story… I’ll tell you over drinks.”
“Well, we had a little excitement ourselves last night. We had a break-in at Torzial,” she says.
“What?” I exclaim. “Were you there?” I ask.
“No, it was later in the evening. I’m not sure what they were looking for, but they left a mess. I’m glad most of your stuff was sent via delivery over to Prestian Corp. I’m sorry to say they completely ransacked your office, Kate,” she says. It can’t be a coincidence. I better let Chase know.
“You know the even weirder part. The silent alarm was tripped, and the police arrived shortly after the burglars left. They canvassed the area to see if anyone saw anything. A local guy was a little way down the street and couldn’t really see a lot, but told the police when they came out of the building three men jumped them and put them in the backseat of a car,” she exclaims.
What the hell. I wonder if our security guards were watching Torzial thinking they would look for me there. I put my t-shirt back on suddenly feeling chilled. She proceeds to give me a couple of work updates and then has to hang up to catch a web conference.
Message:Where are you?
Reply:Just got off your treadmill. We may need two. BTW… I’M MAD AT YOU!
Message: We can arrange that. Whatever for? I’m intrigued.
Reply: Keeping things from me.
Message: I see. We may need to discuss this in the bedroom so I can make you see things my way.
Reply: Don’t think your prowess in bed is going to get you off the hook!
How did he think I would not find out about the break-in and why didn’t he tell me?” He probably didn’t want you to worry.
I head towards the main level finding my way back to the dining and kitchen area. “I figured you would be wherever Gaby’s food is,” I tease, reaching up to kiss him firmly on the lips and finding his eyes alight with amusement at our recent texting game. Gaby smiles and discreetly turns away busying herself with pulling food out of the refrigerator for lunch.
“Have you seen my mom?” I ask.
“Yes, she was down for a late breakfast, had coffee with me and then went to get some work done. You were exhausted so I thought I would let you sleep,” he says.
“What about you? Did you get a better night’s sleep last night?” I ask.
“I was able to get some sleep, Katarina,” he says as a mirage of emotions plays over his expression.
Gaby has laid out a feast for our lunch. “Gaby it looks fantastic. You are spoiling me rotten,” I add, giving her a warm smile. The meal is delicious, consisting of chicken salad with walnuts and apples, fresh oat bread, a marinated apple cider coleslaw, and fresh blackberry pie. Chase cuts two pieces of the pie and puts one on each of our plates. Dessert first,” he says wickedly, laughing at the mock astonishment and disapproval on Gaby’s face. She sashays past us and out of the kitchen still lamenting over the attack on her pie.
“Chase, what happened last night at Torzial? Jenny called me and said there was a break-in and that they ransacked my office. Why didn’t you tell me?”
