Satisfied, he walked out with her, then peeled off to go home.
* * *
On her first drive to work in her new car, Morgan felt the first tiny sparks of joy. It ran so smooth, so quiet, it smelled so good. She loved the screen, and promised herself she’d program home and work and the shop into the GPS first chance.
For fun.
She didn’t love the order to use guest parking, but she’d obey without argument. The Jamesons offered their full support, and they didn’t have to. The least she could do was follow orders without complaint.
She caught the look in the doorman’s eye as she waved on her way in. Word had spread. She wouldn’t complain about that either, and she’d work on not feeling so odd and exposed.
More looks here and there as she made her way to the offices, and she told herself it was only natural. People were concerned or curious, or both.
Nell’s door stood open. Inside she paced, energy vibrating, as she talked on a headset. She’d scooped her hair up today, and wore brown pants, a V-necked, sleeveless shirt. A cream-colored leather jacket hung over the back of her desk chair.
“Absolutely and completely ready with every detail in place. Yes, Hospitality will deliver everything requested to the bride’s room at two, and make the delivery to the groom’s room at two-thirty.”
She shot Morgan a look, rolled her eyes, pointed to a chair. “I spoke with my mother just this morning. She has everything for the table settings. Yes, the favors, too. No need to confirm that with her. It’s going to be a beautiful wedding, Mrs. Fisk. We have everything under control. Yes, we’re looking forward to it, too. See you Saturday.”
Nell disconnected, then dropped into a chair. “The mother of the bride.”
“I had a feeling.”
“I bet you a million dollars she calls either me or my mother back, or both of us, before the end of the business day.”
“Even if I had a million dollars, I wouldn’t take that bet. Or your job.”
“Good, because I actually like my job. There may be something deeply wrong with me, but I like it. So, I wanted to tell you we have everything in place with security.”
“I appreciate it, very much. I know it adds time and trouble.”
“Very little of either. We have good security. Now we have awareness of a situation. I want to ask you, Morgan, why you didn’t come to me with that situation. If you thought I’d be less sympathetic and supportive than my grandmother.”
“No. Oh, God, no. You were in a meeting, the Saturday wedding.”
“Oh Jesus, Mrs. Fisk again.” She pushed a hand through her hair. “I didn’t realize you’d come in during that time slot. Would you have come to me otherwise?”
“Yes.”
The lack of hesitation had Nell nodding. “Okay then. I wanted to make sure you knew you could come to me. Because you can,” she added. “Even if it’s just to unload. I honestly don’t know what I’d do in your place. I don’t know how I’d handle it.”
“You probably wouldn’t break down in tears in front of your bosses.”
“Plural?”
“Miles walked in right after the dam broke.”
Nell’s lips curved as she stretched out her legs. “I’m not smiling at you, but at his reaction, the one that just played in my head. It goes something like: ‘Oh shit.’”
“Something like that. You could say I unloaded. I’m okay now.”
“Are you?”
“What else am I going to do? I have to live, I have to work. We’re using the alarm system at home. I’m supposed to check the gas gauge, the tire pressure before I drive anywhere. Lock the car, and still check the back seat. I ordered panic buttons, as advised. And I’m going to look into a self-defense course.”
“On the last, look no further.”
“What, you?”
“No, but … Don’t I look like I can handle myself?” Nell curled up her right arm, flexed.
“I’d have said yes before. Now, I say: wow.”
“Built by Jen. Personal trainer, and fitness center manager. Part of your benefits is use of the fitness center. You get personal training at a discount, and Jen teaches a self-defense course every quarter at Westridge High School gym. You just missed the spring class, but you should go see her at the fitness center.”
Nell checked her watch. “You’ve still got nearly twenty-five minutes. Go see her now.”
“Now?”
“Why wait? I’ll text her, let her know you’re coming.”