Page 24 of Through You
I sigh and stop sorting through the papers. And turn around.
“Yes, sir?”
Two can play at the cold-shoulder game.
His impassive expression is void of any amusement or warmth.
“I want to apologize for the behavior I displayed the other morning. It was out of order on my part and it will never happen again.” There is no hesitation in his voice; he sounds certain, and his tone is very chilly. “I’d rather keep our relationship strictly professional.”
I cross my arms. “I agree, that has always been my intention, sir. I believe the one who was confused is you.”
Artemis, I can most certainly kick your ass at this game.
Fine cracks appear on his cold demeanor to reveal . . . something. Is he hurt? Too late—within seconds, he makes a quick recovery.
“All right. That’s all.”
He throws me one last glance before walking out. And I finally let the air that I had unintentionally been holding out of my lungs. I’m glad that he apologized. And that he made it clear that the relationship between us is simply about work. That’s all I’ve ever wanted.
So why am I not feeling great about it?
It feels like a breakup even though we’re not involved. I sit at the table and get back to reviewing my school assignment.
Time to remind myself of my priorities: my mother, my career, and keeping this job, which I would put in jeopardy if I was to get mixed up with Artemis. My mind flashes back to seeing him standing there—his cold-eyed stare, wearing that suit and looking stoic, like a damn iceberg!
“It’s Friday, bitches!” Gin exclaims, throwing her arms up in the air.
It’s almost ten at night and we’ve just left the university campus. We aced our presentation, and I have to admit I’m relieved.
My lips curve up into a grin.
Gin notices and covers her mouth in shock. “Is that a smile?
Oh my god! She’s capable of smiling.”
I slap her on one arm. “Don’t start with me.”
“You look so pretty when you smile. I don’t get why you don’t do it more often.” She links my arm with hers, and we make our way to the bus stop. The small campus is far from where we live.
Fortunately, the buses run late.
“I didn’t expect we would do so well,” I say.
“Hell, yeah, we did amazing. The professor was totally impressed with our work.” Gin rests her head on my shoulder while we wait at the stop. “We have to celebrate.”
“You and your crazy ideas.”
She pulls away. “You deserve a break. You said that your mother was already asleep when you left for school so why don’t we go out for a drink? My treat!”
“You know alcohol and I don’t mix.”
“Because it loosens you up and makes you act like the young woman you actually are.”
“No. In fact—” She covers my mouth with her hand.
“I don’t want to hear any excuses. I have two free passes for a nightclub with an open bar. You’re coming with me, Claudia.”
I give up, and remove her hand.
