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Anagram(9)
Author: Sienna Grant

 Margie smirks and nods. “I’ll get on that right now.” Leaving my office, she pulls the door closed behind her.

 It’s not long before Margie is strolling back into my office with my much-needed snack. “For you. One Americano with a double shot and one croissant. Enjoy.”

 Just the smell of the French pastry has me salivating, and I can’t wait to dig in. I take a big bite of the croissant and my back hits the chair as I sigh in pure pleasure. It doesn’t take me long to finish it, and I’m soon getting back to work.

  Picking up the receiver I ring through to Margie, she picks up almost instantly. I smile to myself. Her efficiency is remarkable. “Margie can you pop into my office please and bring a notepad.” Placing it back down I pull a chair around for her. After a soft knock on my door she comes in with a gentle smile and steps up to the desk.

 “You called Ms. Quinn.”

 “Why don’t you come and take a seat and I’ll show you some of the business side of Hicks Lifestyle. This will make you sharper in your job and know what to look out for in clients.”

 I run through some of business associates and show her the requirements for each one. She takes everything in and makes notes. I know we’ll be just fine with her.

 Finally, it seems I’ve found a decent assistant.

 After a long but productive day, I start packing up my desk.

 “Are you sure, Ms. Quinn? I don’t mind staying longer.”

 “You know, Margie, usually I’d say yes, but I’ve been here since six, and I rarely go home before seven, I’m taking advantage of the extra time and going to see my family.” I find myself smiling at her. It’s something I’ve never really done with the staff, so I’m in unfamiliar territory. At the mention of family her chin drops, and a frown settles between her brows, instantly making me regret sharing my plans. She soon smooths her features into a polite smile, and with a nod she leaves my office and goes back to her desk. Nothing like putting my foot in my mouth. Fuck! How could I be so heartless? I feel a little sorry for her that she has nowhere to go other than an empty house. I find myself wanting to find out what happened to her parents, the rest of her family.

 I look up in time to see Margie with her bag on her shoulder, arranging her desk for tomorrow. I scurry to stop her before she leaves. “Margie…”

 She turns and looks at me over her shoulder. “Yes, Ms. Quinn?”

 “I’m sorry. I didn’t even think.” I sigh, shaking my head at my stupidity.

 “Oh, don’t be silly, it’s fine. I’m used to it now; it’s been a long time.” Her smile is sad as she turns and begins walking to the door.

 “See you tomorrow.”

 Lifting a hand in a wave she leaves.

 Still quietly berating myself for putting my foot in it, I go back to my desk to gather my belongings before getting out of here for the day.

  Every Tuesday, the family and I have dinner and spend some quality time together. I could never promise more than that, what with being so busy with work, and they’re okay with it. Mom does a good old-fashioned roast with all the trimmings.

 I have a paternal aunt who couldn’t have children, Mom was an only child, and both sets of grandparents aren’t with us anymore, so we’re a really tight knit family. They were so supportive when I started my career, and when I became CEO, they were so proud. I loved seeing the look on their faces when they’d tell their friends that I’m chief executive of a leading pharmaceutical company.

 Grabbing my bag from the passenger seat, I get out, and once the car is locked, I let myself into my mom’s house.

 “Oh, here she is.” Mom pops her head around the door and smiles. “I didn’t think you were coming for a minute.”

 “It’s Tuesday, of course I’d be here. I can’t miss my roast, Mom.” I smirk and kiss her cheek, then pull her in for a tight squeeze. With her arm still wrapped around my waist, we walk into the living room.

 “So, how’s life in the corporate world, Reagan?”

 “Oh, you know, busy; dog eat dog, or so they say.”

 “It’s good to be busy. Go sit down, dinner won’t be long.”

 Mom leaves me to go into the kitchen and I walk over to the couch that my brother is sprawled out on. I drop my bag over the side smirking as I watch it lands on him.

 “Ouch. I am here, you know.”

 “Get your lazy ass up, then.” As soon as Hayden has swung his legs around and sat up, I plop down next to him. “How’re you doing?”

 “I’m good.” It hasn’t been too long since his fiancée decided to break off their engagement. She left him with nothing but a huge amount of debt and a wedding to pay for. I offered him the money to help him out, but he wouldn’t take it. His theory was he got himself into the mess and he’d find his way out of it. I hate seeing him like this, he’s been so down and depressed.

 A smirk appears on his lips as his fingers run over the keyboard on his phone, typing away furiously.

 “What are you smirking at?” I ask in vain, knowing he won’t tell me.

 “Nothing in particular. Just one of the guys.”

 “It’s about time you got back out there and found yourself a girlfriend.”

 Turning his head to look at me, the corner of his mouth tips up in a smirk. “What if I said I had one, what then?”

 “Then I’d be happy. I hate to see you upset. I know how much Penny leaving hurt you.”

 “Do you have to mention that bitch’s name?”

 And there you go, that’s how much his break-up destroyed him. “Hayden…” I say softly.

 “Reagan…” he mimics me in a high-pitched voice. “What do I need another woman in my life for when I’ve got you. You’re enough of a pain in my ass.” He rolls his eyes. “Anyway, how’s Mr. Big Shot? It’s about time you brought him to meet Mom, don’t you think?”

 Now it’s my turn to roll my eyes, but that means using muscles that are already exhausted, so instead, I give him the finger. “Maybe.” Hayden knows the situation with Everett and me, and he’s just trying to get a rise out of me to take the attention off him. Asshole. His arm goes around me and locks me in a headlock, pulling me into him.

 “I don’t think Mom would approve if you told her you were just fucking,” he whispers, laughing under his breath at the same time.

 “Fuck you, dickhead.” Removing his arm from my neck, I get up and take my cell from my purse. “I’m going to give Mom a hand in the kitchen.”

 The sound of his laugh follows me into the kitchen. I don’t know why I even bother.

 

 

Ten

 

 Reagan

 

 “Did you have a nice time with your family last night, Ms. Quinn?” Margie asks as she places some paperwork on my desk for me to sign off on.

 “I did, thank you, Margie.” I can’t help the smile that creeps onto my lips. Not one of my employees has ever even asked me about the weather, let alone my family. Then again, I suppose I’ve never given them a reason to.

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