Double Take

Chapter 10 - Mortification level 9000

It's almost midnight by the time I trudge through the doorway of my apartment. My fingers are numb with cold as I lock the deadbolt and hurry straight to the bathroom. It's much too late for a bath now, but after a hot shower, I dress in my warmest pyjamas. Clambering under my Grandma's patchwork quilt, I sink into the soft mattress... alone. My body is beyond tired, but my head is still keyed up, no doubt thanks to my coffee laced dessert and thoughts of Jay. Huffing to myself, I reach for Elsie's clutch and extract my phone.

The envelope icon indicates unread messages, but I focus on setting an early phone alarm. If only there were some way of having a little sleep in, but I left my handbag filled with my study books at Elsie's. I'm undoubtedly going to be cranky tomorrow, and of course, it's back to back meetings in the office all morning, of which I'm the damn minute-taker. Thinking of that alone makes me groan out loud.

Ignoring all the other notifications on my phone, I click on Elsie's unread message. *Sure, hon, thanks again for everything tonight. Let me know when you get home safely. My shout on coffees tomorrow if you're still keen.*

*I'm home safe. See you tomorrow at Picasso's. Xo* After sending a text back, I lock the screen and stare at my bedroom ceiling. In hindsight, it wouldn't have been an unreasonable request to crash at Elsie's apartment. I would have probably been asleep an hour ago, plus she has a much nicer wardrobe to rummage through in the morning. It's not like she doesn't owe me a favour or anything, but I was foolishly clouded by jealousy and my reluctance to see Gymrat again. Another huff escapes my lips while I batter hopelessly at my wayward thoughts as they drift to a certain someone. But tall, dark and handsome haunts my semi-conscious state all night.

~

It's midday and slowly approaching my fourth hour of consecutive meetings. My eyelids droop as I tap on the laptop's keypad and listen to the monotonous business drivel. I'm definitely regretting not chucking a sickie* or at the very least, getting a double-shot in my latte this morning at Picasso's. While thinking of Picassos, my mind wanders out of the room.

I still feel rude about this morning, but I could scarcely stand to listen while Elsie gave me a rather extensive play by play of her night with Gymrat. As it turns out, Steroids didn't render him useless from the waist down after all. I shouldn't care, it's none of my business, yet there's something about Jay. Something unforgettable, and I can't quite comprehend why Elsie would throw that away. I shake my head, trying to clear the wayward thoughts. It's best to stop now before I begin daydreaming of Jay and his amazing lips.

"Miss McKay, I know you're quite the celebrity at the moment, but you are still employed here, and I expect you to take the minutes." I flush beet red and gape up like a fish. It was the director of the company who spoke. Finn's father, Mr Henry Blake, is more than a little intimidating. I'm utterly shocked he even knows my name, let alone has heard about my recent social media popularity. I've been cautiously avoiding those apps on my phone since Sunday, but perhaps it's gotten worse since then. Worse still, every manager in the room is eyeing me.

"Yes, Mr Blake," I mutter out, silently wishing the hideous swirl patterns on the meeting room carpet would swallow me down into oblivion.

"Come now. You've all been waffling on about golf for the last 15 minutes. I dare say the meetings over. Plus, it's eating into everyone's lunchtime." Finn swoops in, gallantly coming to my rescue. Bless his cotton socks. If I wasn't so profoundly mortified, I'd try to convey my gratefulness with a smile, but I can scarcely raise my eyes from the table.

"Fine. We can close out the meeting unless anyone has any further business?"

I hold my breath as the meeting room descends into silence. Thankfully no one pipes up with anything new at the final moment. I almost sigh aloud in relief as Mr Blake dismisses everyone, but the feelings are cut short as he addresses me. "I want the meeting minutes in my inbox before close of business today." He states, giving me a rather stern expression before exiting the room. Thank goodness I diligently typed up meeting notes before starting to drift off. The Managers file out of the room as I save my notes and power down the clunky meeting room laptop.