Clash Into Clasp

CHAPTER 5 - Mistreated

Alexis felt something strange from Carl's response but was taken away when the other woman spoke.

"Alright. You will go there this afternoon. And when can you finish?" Mrs. Sheridan was looking at her.

"I work faster if you will give me a deadline," she grinned.

Mrs. Sheridan smiled. "Call me Debbie, and your deadline for the design will be next week same day."

Carl was surprised. She just allowed her to call her by name? And the deadline was extended?

"Noted," Alexis smiled.

"So that's it. Well arrange for us to visit the site next week," Mrs. Sheridan clasped her hands and then stood.

"Alright. The meeting's over. So, Alexis, where did you come from?" she asked while she moved closer to her.

"Lex would be fine, Miss Debbie," Alexis stood and smiled at the other woman.

Carl's attention was taken from the women who were walking towards the door when Mr. Sheridan spoke after they stood.

"Where did you get her? She's different, somewhat real."

He looked at the other man before responding. "She was the one who came, Mr. Sheridan."

Walking towards him, he continued, "What do you mean with real?"
Mr. Sheridan glanced at him. "A passionate architect. Someone professional, in looks and manners. See how she easily got my wife?"

"Oh. Yeah. I see that" he nodded.

"She's an asset. Don't let her go," Mr. Sheridan looked at him then gave him a  gentle slap on his back before heading towards the door. "By the way, you can call me Danny," he beamed at him before continuing his exit.

His lips twitched into a quick smile as he hastened out the door.

Minutes later…

"Did you get the address?" Carl asked Alexis on their drive back to EDA.

"Yes, Sir," she replied and a look of hesitancy on her face followed.

"What is it?" he frowned.

"Uhm, I just wonder if I could get an amount for my fare," she answered timidly without looking at him.

He gave a quick careful glance at her before answering. "Get the exact amount you need from the treasury office later."

"Alright. I'll submit the receipts then," Alexis replied then turned her head towards the door's window.

After minutes of silent driving, they arrived and Alexis went out immediately after the car stopped.

Carl frowned in wonder why her bubbly self a while ago suddenly became the total opposite.

In the afternoon...

Alexis was settled drowsily in the cab she hired when her phone vibrated.

She took it out and saw an unregistered number. Curious, she answered with a frown.

"Are you heading there already?" the familiar voice entered immediately.

After a quick mental work, she got it. It was Carl.

"Yes, Sir," she answered, suppressing the odd warmth in her heart.

"Mrs. Sheridan just called saying their caretaker went on a vacation. No one will meet you if continue to go there."

Her mind picked up the information and she replied immediately.
"It's alright. I got the address and brought a tent and stuff."

She had planned to do a little camping by the lake. She had searched the place and found it ideal for a 'night with nature' activity she missed.