Loving Mr. Cane (Cane 3)

“I’m sorry, Tribble. Can I call you back tomorrow? I have an important call to make right now.”

“Oh, uh—yeah, sure, Mr. Cane. I’ll be looking forward to the call.”

I hung up and then snatched up my cell. One of the perks of my new office was that there was a door that led out to the rooftop. The roof wasn’t furnished yet. There was only a lounge chair out, one Cora had insisted I get since she knew I’d take the majority of my calls out there. From the roof, I could see most of the city. Cars whizzed by, and the people looked like bugs scattering about. Charlotte was a beautiful city and was growing by the year.

I dialed Lora, but of course she didn’t answer.

“Fuck,” I grumbled. I wasn’t in the mood for her games. I needed to know if Kandy was with her or not. I tried again, still no answer. Eventually, I was left with no choice but to go back to work, but I hardly got shit done. I was too damn distracted, so I decided to leave.

“Going home to work,” I grumbled to Cora on my way out of the office.

“Do you want me to reschedule the call with Mr. Val?” she asked.

“Please,” I responded, pushing the button for the elevator. I waited for it to come up, but noticed Cora was still looking at me. “Something on your mind, Mao?”

“Actually, yes.” Cora stood from her chair and sighed, fiddling with the pen in her hand. “I wasn’t sure how to tell you this, but I received a call yesterday morning.”

“From who?”

“A Mrs. Hugo. She said she was Kelly Hugo’s mother.”

That made me frown. “Her mother?” The elevator chimed but I ignored it, walking toward my assistant. “What did she want?”

“She wanted to schedule a sit-down meeting with you. I told her that you had moved locations, and she said she didn’t mind having to travel. I know there was a lot that went on with Miss Hugo, so I told her I would get to you when I could.”

“I don’t want to see her if Kelly will be with her.”

“She insisted that Kelly won’t be.”

I ran my fingers through my hair then planted a hand on my hip. “What the hell could she possibly want?” I muttered, not directly at Cora, but more so to myself. “I know this is about Kelly’s trial. She’s probably trying to get me to vouch for her, but fuck that.”

“What would you like me to tell her, sir?”

“Tell her I will see her tomorrow afternoon in my office at 4:00 p.m. sharp and no later.”

She bobbed her head, sitting down right away and writing it on a notepad. “Anything else?”

“Yeah. Cancel my call with Tribble. His event sounds like a complete waste of my time. He’s not even considering donating to a charity.”

“Will do, sir. And can I suggest something?” Cora called after me as I headed to the elevator again.

“What?”

“There’s this thing called relaxing. It’s a nice thing many people do when they need to relieve some stress.” She grinned. “Perhaps you should try it one day.”

I chuckled. “I think you’re just hinting at a day off. You want it, just ask for it.”

She laughed. “Not at all, sir. Just thought it might help boost your spirits. Have a great afternoon.”

The elevator doors opened. “Later, Cora.”

When the doors closed, my smile collapsed. I headed for the parking deck and drove home. Cora had no idea how much I wanted to relax, but with Kelly’s case still lingering in the background and Lora not answering the goddamn phone, it was impossible. Ever since Kandy told me she needed some space from me, I haven’t been able to chill. I’ve been on edge for weeks, all because I needed my fix of her. At this point, I’d have taken anything.

Her smile.

Her laugh.

The feeling of her chest pressed against mine.

Her soft skin beneath my palm.

Anything.

I got home, jumped into the shower, and changed into gray sweats. As I dried my hair with a towel, I heard a car door slam shut. Walking to the window, I peered out of it, spotting Lora’s car in the driveway. I jogged down the stairs before she could get to the door.

“Why didn’t you answer your fucking phone?” I snapped when the door was open, just as she’d walked up the stoop.

Lora looked me in the eyes, and for once they weren’t playful and she didn’t look like she was ready to spew some of her sarcastic jeers. I looked around her, but only saw Mama at the trunk, taking out her bags.

“Where is she?” I asked, voice hoarse.

Lora sighed. “I waited two more hours. She didn’t show. I’m sorry, Q.”

I worked hard to swallow, fighting the wave of emotion threatening to take over me. “No, it’s fine. Not your fault.” I stepped around her, going out to help Mama carry her bags inside.