8
Charlene had been too tired and sore to talk to Sal last night when he brought her home. But no matter how much discomfort she’d been in, she wasn’t so out of it not to have been disappointed that Seth hadn’t stayed. Granted she hadn’t known him for long, but she never expected him to just leave like that, without even saying goodbye.
But he was supposed to come by today and take her out. Not that she really felt like doing any walking on that foot right now, but she’d figure something out. Hopefully whatever surprise he had planned didn’t include anything which would require her to be steady on her feet for any length of time, like ice skating.
It was almost ten and she hadn’t heard from Seth. They hadn’t set a time, and it was very possible he assumed she was trying to rest and recover a bit this morning, but she’d still like an idea as to when to be ready because she was still lounging around in her pajamas. If he showed up unannounced, she was sure he’d be scared off. Charlene looked a bit rough this morning. Even her long, straight, silky, baby fine hair seemed reluctant to get into place. It was one of those mornings that she didn’t want to get off the couch. But she couldn’t help herself. She was looking forward to seeing Seth.
As though he knew she was thinking of him, her cell phone rang. Before she made a fool out of herself, she confirmed the caller ID first.
“Good morning. I was worried you’d forgotten our date,” she said. She wished she could take back that last word. It was an outing. No one ever said date. But a girl can hope can’t she?
“I thought I’d check on how you’re feeling.” Seth said, his voice sounding…flat.
Could he still be upset with her for not wanting to sit on his lap? That would be ridiculous. Yet his tone was so…formal. This wasn’t a business call. Or was it?
“I’m fine. Don’t worry Seth, I didn’t get injured on Lawson property if that’s what you’re worried about.” Two could play at that game and she intentionally left out any warmth in her voice.
“We’re insured if you had. I wanted to let you know I’m traveling on business.”
Charlene couldn’t believe she was hearing him correctly. Had he totally forgotten that he’d asked her to spend the day with him? If so, her opening line should’ve been like a red flag, reminding him.
Fine Seth. Be that way. I don’t care. Not one bit.
“Traveling? My, I guess you’ve finally come to realize I don’t need a babysitter.” She was capable of doing her job. And maybe with him gone, she actually could do it.
“I have notified my brothers of my status. If you have any questions or concerns, you might want to direct them to either Jordan or Ethan. I believe Charles is also busy this week. But once again, we are asking that you refrain from answering your office line. There still seems to be an issue.”
Yes there is and it’s you.
“No problem. I’ll bring a few different colors of nail polish. You know, so I have something to do instead of looking at the walls.” So many other snippy remarks were waiting to flow past her lips, but she held back. This wasn’t a boyfriend whom she was irritated with. It was her boss. Although she didn’t believe he’d fire her, she needed to remember where her paycheck came from. A nice hefty one at that. Removing her sarcastic tone, she stated. “Safe travels.”
“Thank you. And I’m glad your injuries weren’t…severe.”
“Me too. Thank you for calling,” she said. So I know you’re not taking me out any longer. She ended the call before she couldn’t hold back the bitterness and disappointment any longer. Charlene didn’t even get to put the phone down before it rang once more. “I’m sorry. I thought we were through. Is there something else you needed to tell me?”
“Guess you were expecting this to be someone else,” Sofia said. “And whoever it is might be in the dog house.”
“And why do you say that?” she asked.
“Because I know that tone. It’s the one you use when you’re trying to be nice, but what you mean is that they’re close to getting their head bit off.”
Charlene sighed. “You know it’s getting very annoying that you know me so well.”
“Probably just as well as you know me. So tell me, did you talk to Sal last night?”
“You mean about Mr. Sheen?”
“Of course that’s what I mean. Or did you decide to tell Seth?” Sofia asked.
“No to both questions.” Even if she wanted to tell Seth, it was too late. He had brushed her off to his brothers. And I’d rather just sit in my office and be alone.
“Well I didn’t think you would tell Seth. You seemed quite adamant about that last night. But why haven’t you talked to Sal?”
“I was still contemplating what to do.”
“Simple. You tell them what that piece of crap said to you. And if you don’t, I will!”
“No! Please Sofia. You promised me you wouldn’t.” That would make things so much worse than what they were. And if anything it’d prove, even to herself, that she wasn’t qualified for the job.