Page 62 (1/2)

“I’m on my way,” I said

I hung up and jumped in the shower Five h town, not bothering to slon until I pulled into the office parking lot Marcy’s car was already in her usual spot, and two other, unfamiliar vehicles were parked on either side of her

I groaned and shoved openI needed today I barely slept the night before Instead, I tossed and turned for hours I tried everything to get Julie out of my head, but the hurt look on her face was forever burned into ht, I couldn’t shake the memory free from my mind

“Mr Sh the door She visibly relaxed when she sawfor you”

“Thank you, Marcy”

I squeezed her shoulder as I hurried past Outside the conference roo on in my personal life, I had to push that aside This business, my business, was too important to let it fall apart

With a deep breath, I turned the knob and slowly stepped inside I smiled at the Richardsons and quickly closed the door behind me

“About time you showed up,” Jim Richardson said “Where the hell have you been, Smart?”

“Well, it is Saturday ,” I said

“I’ht now,” Jim said “Not today, Michael”

“Just slon for a second,” I said I walked over to sit dohile Jilared at me His two sons, Trey and Turner, kept their eyes locked on their father The tension in the roo yet

“I don’t want to slon,” Jim said “I want you to fix your mistake”

“What mistake is that?” I asked patiently

I leaned back and intertwined ers over my chest This was the position I always took in is It allowedand confident

“You don’t even know?” Trey de on around here, Michael?”