“Miss Morrison, so nice to see you again. We’re sorry to have interrupted your lunch date, but we have some important questions to ask Mr. Sentinel,” Vin stated, emphasizing lunch date. Justice looked very angry as he eyed her over.
“Well, you can ask away, I was just getting ready to head back to the office.” She started gathering her papers and the iPad. Renaldo stepped toward her and placed both hands on her shoulders.
“I expect an update in a few hours. I can arrange to have dinner set up by seven if you want to return by then.”
“Renaldo, I told you that I’m not available for dinner tonight. In regards to getting an update, you’ll get it as soon as I finish the designs. Thank you again for lunch.”
She walked toward Justice and Vin.
“So nice to see you again. Both of you. Good luck.” She headed out of the penthouse.
By the time she pulled her car out of the private parking lot behind the building, her cell phone was ringing.
She saw that it was Unc. “Hi, Unc. Sorry I couldn’t return your call, I’ve been in meetings all morning.”
“Not a problem. I was just a bit concerned that’s all. Are we still on for lunch Wednesday?”
“Oh God, I’m not sure I can make it. I’m on deadline with this job, I’m meeting some friends tomorrow for a workout.”
“A workout? With Moira, Donella, and Jessie?”
“Well, Moira and some guy friends of ours.”
“You’re dating someone? When did this happen? Does he know about Paul? Why haven’t you mentioned this guy until now?”
She chuckled. “I’m not dating anyone. I’m just making some new friends. I’ll try my best to make it Wednesday.” She could hear the caller ID beeping in indicating she was receiving another call.
“I’m sorry, Unc, I need to take another call. I’ll call you tomorrow.”
“Be safe. Hope to see you Wednesday.”
She disconnected the call and answered the next one just as she approached the exit to the long road that led to her office building.
“Hey, Ellie. You sound happy to hear from me.” She nearly missed the
parking spot as Paul’s voice echoed from her cell phone. She placed the car in park and placed the phone to her ear.
“Ahh, speechless? That’s interesting. I didn’t mean to shock you.”
She took a deep breath and cleared her mind. She needed to act confident and unaffected by him.
“What do you want, Paul?” she asked, pulling the keys into her hand while she got out of the car. She closed her door and then opened the side door to retrieve her briefcase and bag.
“I thought you would be happy to hear from me. It’s been so long. Haven’t you missed me?”
“Of course not.”
“But I heard you’re single still. Haven’t let another man touch you since me.”
She swallowed hard. Her emotions, anger, hatred and fear of this man were beginning to make her shake.
“I have nothing to say to you. Please just leave me alone.”
“I can’t do that.”
“Why the hell not?” she asked, raising her voice as she walked toward the front entrance of the office building. She was going to regret parking so far away from the front entrance tonight when she got out late. But she couldn’t get any closer right now. The lot was packed.
“There was a time when you showed respect, and wouldn’t dare raise your voice to me. Someone in need of some discipline?” he threatened.