“Nikki, why are you talking like that? Oh wait, shit, is he with you?”
“Sure, okay, yes, get the papers drawn up.”
“Okay, sorry, didn’t realize. Listen, she’s in the office, but… but… she’s acting weird.” His voice quietens, trying to explain it all. “She took a shower, got changed, and it was like a different person emerged from the bathroom. She told me not to forward any personal calls to her, make sure security doesn’t allow Lex in the building, and she said no one was to enter her office, including me. I don’t understand what I suddenly did wrong?”
Eric is hurt and betrayed, and I don’t blame him for feeling that way. He doesn’t know the Charlie I knew, the one who, when in that dark place, doesn’t care for anyone.
“Let’s meet at midday. We’ll discuss any concerns, then.”
I hang up the phone without saying goodbye.
Lex and Rocky glare through the rearview mirror. With Will in the car, we are unable to talk. A second later, my phone lights up.
Lex: Was that her??? Tell me what the fuck is going on.
I didn’t appreciate him taking his frustration out on me considering it isn’t my dick that landed him in this hot mess, but I sympathize with him. I cringe, not liking myself softening toward him.
Me: No, it wasn’t her. I don’t know what’s going on apart from the fact that she has told our security you are not to enter our building so don’t even try to see her at work, Edwards.
With his anger suppressed under his cold exterior, it’s the last of the conversation as we cross the bridge into the city. The sky is gray as we drive in, a far stretch from the perfect blue we had experienced the past few days. The weather alerts predict severe storms for the next few days.
Rocky drives to the Waldorf where Lex is staying. As he pulls into the valet parking, I ask Rocky to park the car for a moment, so I can have a word with Lex alone.
We both exit the car, but I’m quick to stop him walking away without getting my thoughts out.
“Do not fuck this up any further, you understand? Let her cool down. She’s stubborn, and if you push her, she’ll run to Julian, and then you might as well say bon voyage.”
The mention of Julian’s name is enough to burst the vein popping on his forehead. Fury tears through his face as he bows his head with his fists clenched at his sides.
“What the fuck do you want me to do, Nikki? Stand here and do nothing? I need to see her and explain. You think I don’t know full well that she’ll run to him? That she’s probably already with him.”
“Explain what, Lex? She won’t listen to you. I’m wa
rning you, do not attempt to approach her. Let me speak to her, or I swear to God I’ll chop off your balls and wear them around the city as earrings.”
“I’m sorry, Nikki, I can’t. I need to see her.”
“Don’t be a stubborn asshole. Once again, you broke her, and once again, I’m left picking up the pieces. When I met that girl, she was broken beyond repair. I don’t know exactly what else you did besides leave her. You might think this is fixable, and maybe it is, but you need to back off right now.”
Lex stares at me, defeated. His eyes no longer shine that green that he is known for. Instead, they look dark, the ramifications of this situation weighing him down. With his shoulders fallen, he walks away to the entrance of the hotel before disappearing through the glass doors.
Heading back to the car, I ask Rocky to take Will home as I head into the office.
After a quick drive, I enter the reception area and catch sight of Eric sitting in his office. I walk in, closing the door behind me.
“What the hell happened, Nikki?”
“Look, Eric, I don’t want to get into the semantics. How is she?”
“A total mess when I found her.”
“When you found her?”
“Yeah, on the floor of the basement. She was crying. She texted me to meet her.”
“And now?”
“She’s in her office. She asked that no calls be transferred to her because she’s working on the Mackenzie case. She seems to be okay now. I can’t believe Lex screwed her over again. I mean, those photos. Wow! Can’t the guy keep his beautiful dick in his pants?”