Her Escape

Chapter 3

Poptart

"As long as we're breathing it's not too late to change your story." – Sheri Salata

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"I need a list of all the clients whose memberships expire next month." My head whipped to the sound of the gruff voice.

I blinked stupidly. Once. Twice. My mind seemed to have frozen and gone completely blank as I continued to stared at Chase's scowling face.

"Hello?" Chase waved his hand in front of my face when I didn't say anything. "Earth to Lexie."

"Right!" I set my book down, and scooted closer to the computer. "Um... list of what?"

Catherine had a doctor's appointment this morning so I was on my own. Everything was fine and things were running smoothing – that is until Chase decided to grace me with his presence.

"A list of all the clients whose memberships expire next month." He repeated, annoyed. "Sometime today would be nice."

Seriously? What the hell was this guy's problem, I gritted my teeth.

I've been working here for almost a week now, and he hadn't so much as said a word to me since the first day when he asked who the hell I was. On top of that, it's like every time he saw me, his face had a permanent scowl present.

Clenching my fists, the words escaped my mouth before I could stop them. "You know, it wouldn't kill you to be nice once in a while instead of being a dick all the time!" As soon as the words left me, I instantly regretted it.

Chase stared at me, looking vaguely surprised before he took a couple of steps forward so that his hands were clasped in front of him on the cold gray granite of the reception desk. "You know I'm your boss, right?" His voice was low and serious.

"I – I'm.. I'm so sorry." I stammered, my feet moving of their own accord and taking two steps back from him. "I didn't mean it. I'm so sorry!"

You never learn, my subconscious reminded me as I tried to focus on calming my beating heart. I dug my nails into my palm and my eyes lifted to look at him.

I expected to see him angry but instead, his eyes had softened and he continued to study my face. Unable to look away, I swallowed the lump in the back of my throat and forced myself not to react. Taking a deep breath, I tried to keep my voice as leveled as possible. "I'm sorry." I repeated, pretty sure that my nails were now drawing blood. At least my voice had evened out. "I'll have Catherine show me how to get you the list."

"Never mind." Chase mumbled, continuing to hold my gaze for another few seconds before he backed up and turned towards the workout room. "Just tell Catherine to come see me when she gets back."

I nodded, even though his back was already turned to me.

Fuck.

.......

When Catherine came back an hour later, she walked in laughing with a man slightly older than her trailing behind. "Lexie, this is my husband Marco." She introduced us. I gave him a small smile and shook his hand. He wasn't much taller than Catherine and he had a growing bald spot underneath his dark brown hair, but his blue eyes were warm and friendly.

"So you're the new girl my wife won't stop talking about." He teased, which earned him a slap on the shoulder from Catherine.

"Shouldn't you be getting back to the restaurant?" Catherine rolled her eyes, although she was anything but annoyed.