“I have to report the news.”
“I didn’t say you didn’t, but I’d appreciate some warning.”
Short, bald, and incredibly intuitive, Frank had been her boss for three years. “He didn’t tell you.” It was a simple statement rather than a question. One that said he’d been sure she already knew.
She let out a breath. “No.” Then softer. “He didn’t tell me.”
Frank studied her a minute. “He probably hoped he’d make it go away before the press got hold of it.”
“Right,” Zoe said, feeling embarrassed and betrayed. True, she and her father didn’t talk a lot, but she was close to her oldest brother, Mike, and he worked with her father. Mike should have talked to her. Hell, her father should have talked to her. Somebody. Anybody. She shouldn’t be finding out like this.
“Go see him,” Frank said. “Get lost. Deal with this how you need to.”
Frank looked out for her when he didn’t have to. She’d told him that a million times. “No. I have an interview to write and turn in.”
“And you will. You’ve never missed a deadline. That doesn’t mean you don’t need some time.”
“I don’t need time.”
He considered her words. “I think you do.”
She didn’t want time. “I—”
“You do. Get out of here, deal with this, and then don’t miss the deadline. Consider it an order.”
Zoe took in his so-called “order” and decided he was right. She was in a bad place and she needed to find a way to get out of it. Having Lena gloating over her shoulder wasn’t the way. “Okay. Fine. I’ll go.”
Without another word, Zoe turned and walked to her desk. She ignored Lena’s questioning gaze, murmured a few replies to questions from various people, and made a quick escape. But by the time Zoe found herself on the street walking, she didn’t know what to do next. Go home? Go see her father? She almost turned around and went back to work. If only her mother was still alive. No way would she have allowed Zoe to be surprised like this. Then again, maybe her mother would have been just as shocked as Zoe was that her father could be charged with anything illegal.
Her thoughts were jumbled. She didn’t know what to do. And she felt almost…needy. It was a horrible thought. One she didn’t want to feel. It had begun even before the news over her father. Declan had really gotten to her. Made her want to see him again. Yet, he’d said goodbye, kissed her at her door, and left. No talk of another date. Zoe laughed and forced her feet to walk in the direction of the Marks offices. At ten a.m. and the humidity was already thick. Her navy silk blouse, which matched her skirt, wouldn’t endure much heat. But walking felt like an outlet. One that might destroy her high heels, but still, a needed release. Now as her feet scraped the pavement, she reminded herself sex was not a date. Who was she kidding? But it, her encounter with Declan, had felt like more than just physical intimacy and she didn’t know why. Of all people, she knew sex meant nothing. Yet, something about the way Declan had not only demanded her submission but also made her free to give it, had really gotten to her.
To come to work already feeling out of sorts, and out of control, and then find this out about her father, really was messing with her head. And as hard as it would be, she had to get answers. Her father hated to be bothered at work, but then so did she. He would have to fit her into his schedule.
That thought lasted until she hit the street corner at which time she flagged a cab and gave them the address of Carlson Advertising to see her best friend Lucy. She knew Lucy was working, but Zoe really needed to talk.
Fifteen minutes later, after sitting at the same red light ten minutes, Zoe managed to make it to the Carlson lobby. She started pacing, unable to sit when Lucy appeared in the lobby with a newspaper in her hand. Her long brown hair was pulled back in a French twist. Her suit was pressed and perfect. Zoe, who prided herself in looking her best, felt like a sticky, rumpled mess in comparison.
“I just read the headlines,” Lucy said.
Zoe felt the instant comfort of her friend’s understanding. Without saying the words, Lucy had already extended her support. It was in her voice as well as her face. Without another word, Zoe followed Lucy to her office. And it was there, with the door shut, that Zoe cried for the first time in years.
Because Lucy wouldn’t judge her or call her weak.
Instead, Lucy hugged her and told her everything was going to be okay. And for just a few minutes, Zoe didn’t have to be strong. She could just let it all out.