The Hourglass

Fifty-Five

I hadn't spotted Adam's car in the work parking lot all week. It hadn't been there Monday night when I stepped out of the elevator and I was grateful I hadn't given into my impulse to go knock on his door. But it wasn't here all week when I arrived or when I left. I didn't know if he had just avoided going in all week so he wouldn't see me or if he was coming after me and leaving before me. 

I lingered after work all week, not wanting to leave with everyone else and risk them saying something to me. Alice kept giving me curious looks, and I knew she was suspicious, but thankfully, she hadn't said anything. It was Friday now, and I was shutting down everything and packing up anything I would need to take home with me. 

I knew Rodgers had been observing me all week, and I started to suspect that he knew what was wrong. If I had left every evening on time with everyone else and headed straight for Adam's office, it wouldn't have been an issue. No one would know the difference. But I wasn't sure if my key even allowed me access in there anymore, and I didn't have the guts to try it, only to be denied. 

So, instead, I cowered at my desk until everyone else left, leaving a few minutes after them to avoid the questioning. But the consequence of that was Rodgers now wanted to question me. He approached my desk cautiously and hesitated before speaking. 

"If I may be so bold, Ms. Davis," he begins, and I hear the caution in his tone. He's afraid of upsetting me. "I'm inclined to believe that your recent change in demeanor might have something to do with Mr. Penhurst." 

I swallowed hard. I knew I wasn't going to be able to hide it forever, but I wasn't ready to have this conversation yet, either. I simply nod, not looking up to meet his eyes. 

"You don't have to share details," he comments kindly. "But I imagine whatever it is makes it difficult for you to come to work in person this week." 

I nod again but can't bring myself to look at him or say anything. 

"Take heart in knowing you'll have the next three weeks to work from home and hopefully work it out with him," he says as he pats my shoulder. 

I nod, and this time I whisper, "Thank you." He heads back to his office after that, and I take the opportunity to leave. I knew Chelsea would be waiting for me at the hotel by now. When we talked on the phone yesterday, she gave me the lecture of a lifetime. 

"Enough is enough," she had said. "You've been moping over this dude for the past month now and you barely even dated him. Seriously, it's time for you to find a rebound." 

I knew she cared about me and was worried about me, but finding someone else to date was the last thing on my mind. Chelsea insisted we spend the weekend together in Atlanta to get my mind off things. So I booked my room for two more nights - paying for it myself since it was for personal reasons rather than business. 

Chelsea insisted we were going to go out tonight. She knew I wasn't a fan of bars or clubs, getting drunk, or being around other people. But she insisted it was what I needed to get out of my slump, and I was desperate, so I agreed. When I objected to not packing anything I could wear, she said she would bring me something, and I was a little terrified for what she had brought. 

Chelsea was not a slut by any means, but she didn't dress modestly like I usually did. My new wardrobe was less grandma and more modern. I had a few edgy pieces in it, but it was all still relatively modest compared to what Chelea usually liked to wear. 

I called Chelsea as I was nearing the hotel to let her know I was almost there. She was waiting in the parking lot for me, just arriving herself. When I got out of the car to go meet her she embraced me in a warm, tight hug.