Page 162 of Secrets (The Sins Trilogy 2)
Chapter Sixty-Six
Ivy
I’m over half an hour late for work. Nobody mentions it, since I’m generally early. One of the things I learned about the foundation is that even though we’re supposed to work at least thirty-five hours a week, Elizabeth doesn’t care when or how we do our job so long as everything gets done on time.
Fridays can be either super hectic—to get everything done before the weekend—or easy because everyone’s a little bit distracted. Thankfully, today’s the latter. I get straight to my tasks, doing my best not to think about what Yuna said. She only showed up to demonstrate whose side she’s really on. And it’s not mine.
Around eleven, I get a text from Byron. He’s back in town.
Heard about what happened from Julie. I’m sorry to hear that.
His “sorry” doesn’t upset me much. He didn’t do anything wrong, and I appreciate his concern. It’s okay.
How are you feeling?
Fine, I lie. Given our recent disagreements, I don’t feel comfortable enough to bare my soul to him. Even if I wanted to, I’m not texting my pathetic story. It’s too weird.
Wanna go for a drive today? It’ll be nice and help you clear your head.
I don’t, not really. I’d rather go apartment hunting or just play some piano or maybe sleep. But what Yuna told me earlier in the morning fleets through me—you’ll never feel alive or whole without Tony. Suddenly, a drive sounds like a great idea, if for no other reason than to prove her wrong. Why wouldn’t I want to take a nice drive with a friend? He’s more real than her or Tony anyway. At least Byron never lied to me about my name! So I text, That sounds great. When?
After work?
Traffic’s going to suck.
So leave early or leave late…
I check my calendar. I don’t have anything to do from two thirty, and I can get all my tasks done by that time. Two thirty good?
Perfect. See you then.
I munch on a few crackers at my desk and work through lunch. I also check with Elizabeth at one thirty, and then again at two, to make sure there aren’t any emergency items. She says no, her eyes carefully searching my face. She’s been doing that a lot recently, and I show her nothing but a serene smile in return. I’m not giving away anything. After a moment, she sighs and dismisses me.
At two thirty, I leave. Bobbi follows, and I tell her, “I’m going on a drive with Byron, so if you want to head home early, that’s fine.”
“I’ll follow in the Escalade. Just in case.”
“You don’t think he can protect me?” I ask, surprised. Byron’s big, competent and probably able to throw a decent punch if he has to.
“I trust nobody with my job.”
I should be used to her stubborn pride by now. “If you’re sure.” I shrug, hoping Byron won’t mind. If he’s still hung up on that theory about her being Tony’s spy… Well, he’ll have to just get over that, because I’m not interested in fights or arguments. I just want to have a nice, conflict-free time.
Byron’s already waiting at the curb, his Maserati gleaming as usual. He’s dressed in a blue V-neck shirt that brings out his eyes, and slacks that fit him just so to emphasize the lean strength of his legs. He gives me a hug. “Good to see you.”
“Same here.” I squeeze him back. It’s a huge relief to see a friendly face who just wants to help me cheer up, especially after back-to-back visits from Tony and Yuna. “I heard from Julie you were away on business. Hope it all went well?”
“Yup. Let’s go.” He opens the door to his car, then squints. “Is that…that woman?”
Guess he spotted Bobbi. “Go ahead and get in. I’ll explain.”
He does and pulls into the traffic. Bobbi follows. He isn’t exactly a slow driver—hello, he’s got a Maserati—but she keeps up. So. She can speed. Just not when I’m late. Figures.
“Why is she tailing us?” he asks.
“Her contract with Tony isn’t over yet, and she insists on finishing the job,” I say, glossing over the fact that Bobbi’s month was up two days ago. But if I say that, Byron might jump to conclusions, and I’d rather not deal with that. Not right now.
“That’s…very professional of her.” His tone makes it clear that “professional” isn’t really the word he wants to use.
