What just happened? Do I really have a date with the hottest guy I’ve ever laid eyes on? I couldn’t get a read on him that first time in the stairway, and what’s strange, I’m still having trouble. It’s like there’s a shield up or maybe, he’s got some kind of block on me? And who the hell is Amber? Do I even want to get involved with someone who might have a girlfriend?
I glance up at the ticking clock on the wall—ten past eight.
“Shit!”
I’m late for work, Adam is gonna be pissed.
I make a run for my bedroom, open my closet and yank a tan blazer from its hanger. I grab a pair of loop earrings off my nightstand from yesterday and look up.
My purse, crap! Where’s my purse?
Spotting it on the back of a chair, I grab the strap, throwing it over my shoulder with keys in hand. I rush out the door and lock the deadbolt, catching a quick glance down the empty hallway. A trail of quarter size blood droplets line a path to the stairs and I yank off my left flat. No sign of injury.
That’s so weird.
I don’t have time to think about it and shrug it off. Adam will be waiting, and I’ll have to suck up to him. God, he’s an asshole.
Chapter Five
“Well, well, the princess has arrived,” Adam holds up his wrist, glancing at his watch. “Are we inconveniencing you?” he glances over at Tammy then back to me.
“Sorry,” I avoid eye contact as I tuck my purse in the side drawer of my desk. “I overslept,” I lie.
“Hmm, you do realize alarm clocks were invented a couple centuries ago, right?” he mocks me with his stupid history sarcasm.
I sigh. “Yes, Adam, I’m well aware,” I roll my eyes and catch Tammy grinning at me so I smile back. She gets up from her desk, making a funny face at Adam behind his back. He whips his head in her direction too late to catch her and I have to stop myself from bursting out laughing.
“Lucky for you,” Adam glances back at me, “I’m gonna to let you off the hook,” he winks and I want to gag. “But, you’ll have to work a little later to make up for it.”
“Later?” I make a face. “It was only ten minutes, Adam.”
“You left Tammy and me to answer the phones,” he lifts a brow. “And, you know how much I hate answering the phones.”
Fuck.
“Here,” he tosses a thick file on my desk. “I need you to go through these claims after closing time.”
I look up at him, trying to keep my anger in check. “Come on,” I sigh, “these will take hours to go through.”
He moves closer. “I’ve got a bottle of whiskey in my desk,” he whispers so Tammy can’t hear. “I’ll help you.”
What a piece of shit.
“I can’t,” I say, scrambling for an excuse not to be alone with him. “There was an accident in the apartment above me, a water leak. My floors are damaged and I need to be there…”
“I thought you said you overslept,” Adam raises his voice, nostrils beginning to flare.
“I-I did, but…”
“Hello?” the door dings, interrupting our exchange and I look up. A short, heavy-set man walks in, holding a large envelope. “I need to talk to someone about a claim,” he glances back and forth from Adam to me.
“I can help you,” I quickly chime in and smile, relieved to be free of Adam’s third-degree bullshit. “What seems to be the issue?”
***
Thankfully, Mr. Johnson’s claim ended up taking over an hour and by then, Adam had to leave to inspect a section of roofing at a townhome complex. He won’t be back for a while, which is fantastic. He can kiss my ass if he thinks I’m going to stay late with him. Besides I have a date, even though I’m nervous as hell about it.
Tammy left early as well to pick her daughter up from school. Camilla just recovered from strep and had a scheduled follow-up appointment. I knew Tammy felt guilty for leaving me to deal with the rest of today’s work, but I assured her it was perfectly fine with me. The busy work would keep my mind occupied.
A few hours later, I glance down at my phone.
5:03
Good, Adam never made it back.
I quickly clean off my desk, set the phones to the answering service and lock up. I know Adam will confront me in the morning, maybe even threaten to fire me. But there’s no way in hell I’m going to stay late, especially with him. I’ll slap a sexual harassment suit if I have to. God knows I’ve had legitimate reasons since damn near the first day he hired me. And, if need be, I can play dirty too, I’m sure his wife would love to hear my stories.
***
I turn from side to side, inspecting myself in the mirror. I don’t want to look too dressed up or too casual. Finding the perfect balance is getting frustrating.
“Nope,” I shake my head, yanking off another pair of skinny jeans. “Too many holes,” I whisper to myself, slipping on a white pair folded next on the pile.
That’s better.
Flipping through the hangers I pause on a purple, jewel-toned blouse, cut deep down the middle. Perfect for my slightly larger boobs. I slip it on and smile. The color looks great with my white jeans. Thinking back, I couldn’t afford the blouse at all, but the sales lady gave me a discount, convincing me I had to have it. So, I bought it on a whim, deciding to save it for special occasions only.
I guess that occasion has arrived.
Checking my hair and makeup one last time, I unplug the flat iron as the alarm on my phone dings. I glance down at the screen.
6:59
I’m right on time.
I can’t stand being late, an OCD, need-to-be-in-control thing I’ve always had. But for tonight I’m not sweating it, I’m taking my time. Besides, arriving a few minutes late would probably be a good thing.
My phone dings again but this time it’s another text from Adam, asking why I’m not at work. I ignore it and flip the switch to silence. I don’t need his bullshit tonight, he’s tomorrow’s problem.
“Sylvia?” I whisper, making my way to the front door. God it’s quiet. I’m not used to this. Spirits have always been around me. I grab a mint from my purse and pop it in my mouth. Guess I’ve been more preoccupied than I thought?
That’s a first.
Sylvia,” I raise my voice, slipping on my black flats. “Are you here?”
“Yes,” she whispers, her voice coming from behind and I turn around.
“Finally, where have you been?”
“Close,” she answers, her expression washed in concern, “be careful tonight.”
I nod, watching her lips twist. “I will, why are you so worried?”
“The portal, I don’t like what I’m seeing. So many spirits coming and going,” she blows out a breath. “And most are not good.”
Gulp.
“Okay, I’ll keep an eye out but, I haven’t seen any tonight.”
“The portal is keeping them away from you,” her eyes narrow. “But, I’m not sure they will stay away if you’re up there,” she glances back up at the ceiling.
“I’ll be fine,” I assure her. “See?” I hold up a dime-sized amethyst. “I’ve got protection, and I meditated a little while ago.”