Veto

Chapter 21

Chapter 21

I'm invited out to town for some after drinks by a few of the younger secretaries and assistants I've met tonight. They all seem really lovely and far too intelligent to be in such positions but I forget my own privilege in my situation. I would not be here and still be a junior analyst in a cubicle if Raymond Barlowe hadn't seen my potential and given me a chance. I haven't had to take a job as an assistant or receptionists just to get a foot in the door.

Harry declines the invitation to town. But god knows he could use the opportunity to blow off some steam, he's been stressed all night. I could see it in the tense set of his shoulders, the easy draw of his brows, his mouth set in a hard line, no familiar smirk or dimples in sight. He bares no emotion when talking or listening while mingling. The only time Harry showed any real type of emotion was when he interrupted me closing on a potential new portfolio for Barcorp. Albeit, I had been playing somewhat dirty with a false interest but I knew what I was doing and the way in which Harry swooped in as if I was some damsel in distress that needing saving irritated me so much.

I had every intention to let him have it but somehow, for some god damn reason when he got me alone that man seemed to distract my mood. I went from wanting to slap his face to kissing it and I don't even know how or why. I blame the champagne.

Drinks in town after the gala runs its course for me after only two drinks. I grow bored of the locals trying to chat up our small group of overdressed young women so I call it a night. Walking into the hotel lobby at three in the morning, the lights are dimmed and there's no one at the reception desk. The quietness emphasises the buzzing of my cellphone in my purse and I pull it out as I wait for the elevator.

Liam's name flashes across the screen and I decline the call to join the six other missed calls from him tonight in my call log. I know he's likely been drinking, likely just wanting a harmless chat or worse, to reminisce on our relationship. As the doors open and I get in the lift, guilt and perhaps a little bit of shame wash over me as the floors climb. Liam perhaps deserves better from me, we were together for a long time. But I wasn't a good girlfriend and so I'm definitely no better of an ex. I don't understand what he wants from me, why he keeps trying to reach out. I have nothing to offer him or anyone for that matter.

When I get to my room my head seems to be directing itself in a weird place. Liam's calls and my fraudulent flirting tonight are admonishment of the person I am at my core. Cold. Benumbed to any real romantic or sentimental emotion. It bothers me and it doesn't at the same time.

I rustle through my small purse for my room keycard, emptying the entire contents twice before discerning that the damn thing is definitely not in there. Fuck sakes. I kick my heels off and make my way back down to reception for a new room card but still the front desk is empty and I can't see an after hours contact displayed anywhere. The lobby itself is still completely empty and I huff before going back up to my floor. I could just sleep in the hallway, but this dress is now digging into my skin in areas and I'd like to be able to take off the pound of make up on my face and take the pins out of my hair. Not only that but being passed out in the hallway outside my door is probably not a good look for Barcorp. I look through my bag once more, try giggling the lock before giving up and turning to the door across the hall.

It's three in the morning, there is a high chance he is fast asleep and I'm not sure if I want to wake him up. There's also the small chance he's not even in there at all and decided to go out with the more dignified members from the gala. Hell, he may even have someone else in there with him. I silently debate my pros and cons before giving in and approaching his door.

I knock and hold my breath.

A few long seconds pass before the door opens with a light click. Harry's face glances round the corner of the door, green eyes harsh before they land on me and soften slightly.