Page 62 of Love Undiscovered
Chapter 17
Chance
Remi and I agreed that I would meet her at her office, and we would walk down the street for lunch. When I get there, I’m surprised to see that it’s a controlled access building with some serious security. Technically, I don’t know exactly what she does for a living, but I didn’t expect it to require such safeguards.
I get buzzed into the lobby after mentioning I’m there for Remi. The receptionist waits until I’m standing in front of her before looking up from the pad of paper she is doodling on.
“Oh! Um, well, hello,” she says, perking up when she sees me.
“Hi, Chance Bauer here for Remi Vargas,” I say giving her a big smile.
“For, Remi?” Her head snaps up and her eyes widen.
“Yes, for Remi,” I confirm.
“Huh, ok. I’ll let her know you are here,” she says. “May I tell her what it’s regarding.”
“She knows,” I say. The receptionist continues to look at me, expectantly. She looks vaguely familiar. But I’m not sure if it’s because she’s kind of checking me out and sorry to say I’m used to that look. Or because we’ve met before.
“I’m picking her up for our lunch date,” I say. She looks a little disappointed at that but calls Remi anyway to let her know.
“Can I get you anything while you wait?” she asks.
“No, thank you.”
I look around the lobby, it’s nice. Lots of large green plants, dark tile floors, and large tinted windows. After a few minutes, I sit on one of the plush couches they have scattered about. The receptionist keeps stealing glances at me, so the next time I see her from my peripheral, I turn and wink.
The look she gives me in return stuns me for a minute. But also clues me in as to why she looks familiar. She has the same face shape and mannerisms as my ex, Helen, just different hair. I’m still staring at her, mouth hanging slightly open when Remi approaches.
“Same tricks, same dog,” she says, her eyes narrow and her mouth pinched.
“Icy, nice to see you too,” I say, turning to take her in; ignoring the comment. She looks stunning, not that today is an exception to any other day. She’s wearing a full skirt with flowers on it, a black cap sleeve tee with crisscrossing across the V-neck, and little ballet slippers. Yes, I know what cap sleeves and ballet slippers are, I have three sisters.
“Connie, can you mark me as out for the next hour, please? Thank you,” she tells the receptionist. I take Remi by the hand and lead her out the doors.
“Sure thing. Have a nice lunch, Rem,” Connie calls after us.
“Is there a woman that you won’t flirt with?” she asks as we walk toward the end of the block. “She’s my friend. You’re shameless.”
“I wasn’t flirting with her,” I say. “I just winked at her. And I’m not even sure why I did that. There is no reason to be jealous. Plus, it’s not her I’m taking to lunch.”
“Oh, I’m not jealous.”
“Then why the comment?”
“Why the wink?”
“You look very nice today,” I say, changing the subject. I have to wonder if there is anything in her closet that she doesn’t rock the hell out of.
“Thank you.” She looks me over. “So do you.”
“This old thing?” I say gesturing to jeans, t-shirt, and biker boots, my typical off-work outfit. And sometimes my typical at work outfit as well.
She laughs. And, I notice, still hasn’t let go of my hand.
“So, where are we going for lunch?” I ask.
“Greek,” she says. “That okay?”
