Dare Me Not | 18+ ✔

41. Fixing the Mess (Xander)

I know Anna still stays at Parker's place, but I have no choice. The girl texted me, saying she needed to talk when I was busy having back-to-back meetings with the board of directors all day. I saw her message way later, and she was already gone. Gone as in gone gone.

She's not coming back to Hayes Retail Corporation. What the fuck was she thinking?

I stepped down because I didn't want to come between Tim and Parker. I took the blame and left, though I'd been considering this decision before it all happened. Working with Tim has been amazing. He trusted me — until last night — with generous opportunities and a fantastic remuneration package. Even though the man occasionally gave me a headache with his eccentric decisions and ideas, we've established quite a teamwork.

Still, it doesn't mean the never-ending approaches from other companies aren't tempting. I've been taking the COO's seat for far too long to basically handle most of Tim's jobs, and now it's not enough anymore. I want the highest position in a company. It won't be happening here in Hayes, since Parker will be the next to take her father's throne. So, here is my cue to leave.

When Tim told me Parker was upset and left her internship, he laughed and bet on his own ass that his daughter was just bluffing. I don't think that's the case. My gut feeling says Parker has had enough.

"Yes?" the feminine voice floats from the other line of the intercom, yanking me back to Parker's apartment entrance. It must be Anna.

"Is Parker home? I know she's not expecting me, but I've been trying to reach her. No success, though," I say.

"Oh my god, you're...Alexander!" Anna gasps. She must have not recognized my face a few seconds ago. I can't blame her. It's been a while.

"Hi, Anna. Long time no see." I wave at the camera awkwardly even though I can't see her, replied by the buzz indicating the main door being unlocked.

"Come in. Parker isn't home yet, but she should be soon."

"Uh, maybe I should come back again later. I don't want to be a bother."

"Such nonsense! I would love to have a little chat with you while waiting for Parker."

This is going to be interesting. I haven't talked to Anna for a while and I'm not sure how she is now. Tim told me last night she'd been worse than when they were married. Parker also hasn't talked much about her mom, unless when Anna screwed up. Does she know I've been fucking her daughter? Does she know what happened last night at work? I damn hope she doesn't. I need to keep the conversation superficial to avoid unnecessary drama until Parker is home. If she goes home at all.

To my surprise, despite all the negative images that Tim has planted in my head, Anna looks great. She's wearing a yellow blouse with flowy material, snugging her thin torso elegantly, matching her white dress pants. She looks significantly older than I saw her last, but she looks as charming even though she still has those sad eyes, pale skin, and an anxious smile. I hope I'm not triggering her anxiety because my existence is tightly connected to the dark moment in her marriage.

"You're a real grown man now," Anna says after we have a quick, friendly hug. "No more boyish look, I see."

I laugh. "I'm not young, that's true. And how are you, Anna?"

She smiles and sighs at the same time. "I'm good. As good as I can be," she says before dragging me to the living room. "Come and have a seat. You must have come here straight from work. Care for a glass of wine to wind down?"

"Just water, please. I'm driving."

Anna raises her eyebrows. "Don't tell me they don't provide you a driver. You shouldn't be driving to work yourself."