Mr. Berkshire (Book 1 in the For Better Or Worst Trilogy)

Chapter 37

     Probably why he killed her.

     Probably why he killed her.

     Probably why he killed her.

     Over and over, that phrase replays like a broken record. Even with America's Next Top Model playing in the background, all I can hear is those horrific words on repeat. Soon enough, the light from behind the curtains begins to peak in, signaling the start of the morning and my first day back to work.

     The rest of dinner was filled with silence, besides the conversations from the neighboring tables. Every now and then, James would talk about something odd, as if he didn't drop the biggest bomb in my lap. If Roman did kill his wife, then why was this man so nonchalant about it? My brain was trying to convince itself that his words were laced with lies, but my gut said otherwise. Unable to finish my food, I excused myself to use the restroom, then disappeared in the night. Time with my thoughts would do me some good, or so I thought until it was 7 AM and I didn't get an ounce of sleep.

     Walking into Berkshire Publishing is like an episode of The Walking Dead. No matter how much makeup I applied to my face, the bags beneath my eyes are undeniable. Even my attire looks sloppy. Between the white button up blouse - none of which were buttoned correctly, the wrinkly navy wide leg pants, and the wild blonde hair strands that escaped their bun, I look like I just rolled out of bed. On a typical day, embarrassment would overwhelm me, but the thought of my boss and the guy i'm in love with killing his wife have my thoughts elsewhere. Shocking, I know.

     In the lobby, both Roman and Skylar are waiting among a small group of people to use the elevator. Skylar is looking around the room until her eyes come to rest on me. For the briefest of moments, joy sparks in her eyes, until she takes in what I'm wearing. Joy is quickly replaced with utter shock. Scurried tapping rings through the lobby as she makes a quick beeline towards me.

"What are you wearing?" She looks me over in the same way you would look at a priceless painting that was destroyed from top to bottom. However, that worried gaze slowly forms into mischief. "Did you have a long night with Jaaaaaaaaaames?" She sang, far too loudly for my liking, drawing the attention of a curious Roman. I flash her a warning glare just as Roman walks up.

"Good morning." He's looking suspiciously between us, searching for a hint of the conversation we were having previously.

"It sure is. Especially for Sawyer here, who spent all of last night cozying up to James." Shimmying, Skylar slowly backs away towards the now available elevator.

"Sky!" I hiss just as the doors close, leaving Roman and I alone in the lobby, besides the blonde at the main desk.

Roman takes my elbow and leads me to the corner of the lobby, far from the blonde and her eager ears. "What is she talking about? James who?" By the intense look in his eyes, I can safely assume he knows which James.

"I'm allowed to see who I want during my free time." If only I could enjoy the jealousy Skylar encouraged me to inflict on him, but instead, my mind is too flooded with the information James shared with me. There's no enjoyment in this, only fear and regret.

"So, now you're seeing him?" Accusation and a hint of anger fills his tone.

"It's none of your business." I reply harsher than intended. Not wanting to dwell on this conversation any longer than I have to, I make my way towards the elevator with Roman following close behind. As I wait for the elevator to return, a pair of dark brown eyes burn into my soul.

Unhappy with his findings, he turns me completely to face him. "What did he say to you?"

"Enough." Like Heaven's gates, the elevator doors open, giving me a chance at freedom from this conversation and all the feelings that come with it. The safety of the elevator doesn't last long because Roman quickly joins me, the doors closing behind him.