47 Destinies (Book One)

Chapter Three

Monday always arrived faster than Cora wanted.  The conference was three weeks away.  Cora was busier than ever helping Julie with all the details of the event.  It was going to be held in San Diego on the Coronado Island at the Hotel del Coronado.  The hotel was legendary and the perfect setting for an conference. This was the 10th year the company hosted the conference.  From what she heard, each year it gained more exposure and the attendance increased.  This year, already over 300 people had registered.  Julie was in charge of the entire event so Cora was right there by her side helping with everything.

 It was nearly 7:00pm when Cora finished up her last email to one of the workshop presenters.  Julie had already left a half hour earlier to pick up her son from a soccer game.  Cora didn’t mind working late, but after her weekend with Josh, she was plain worn out.  Cora noticed the light was left on in Brent’s office.  Since she was the last one there, it was her responsibility to ensure the office was closed up properly.  When Cora entered Brent’s office, she was surprised to see him typing on his computer.  She backed up very slowly so he wouldn’t notice her.

“Going somewhere?” Brent deviously inquired. 

“I didn’t know you were in the office.  Julie asked me to lock up when I left,” Cora said.

“It’s dark out.  Do you always stay this late?”  Brent shifted from his computer screen and placed all his attention on Cora.  Her nerves were unsettled as she tried to remain composed. 

“I like working when the office is quiet.  With the conference fast approaching, I’ve been putting in a few extra hours.  Don’t worry, Mr. Locke.  I don’t make overtime,” Cora quickly added.

“Dedication is an important quality to exhibit for an intern.  Then again, so is tact.”

“Yes, I agree,” Cora said as she tried to figure out where the conversation was going.

 “Are you ready to go?”

 "Yes, I am done for the evening,” Cora reminded him.  Didn’t she already tell him?

 “Good.  You will join me for dinner.  I know you haven’t eaten.”   Brent stared at her fully expecting her only response would be yes, of course!

  “I haven’t,” was all Cora managed to say as her mouth was completely dry.  How did this man manage to put the fear of God into her and tick her off at the same time?

 “Don’t forget to turn off the lights,” Brent said as he grabbed his keys off the desk and threw them in his blazer pocket.

 While Cora fiddled with the alarm code, she heard

Brent start his car.  Maybe he was just joking about going to dinner.  Deep down, Cora knew that wasn’t the case.  Her brown slacks and long sleeve blouse suddenly felt very plain.  Thank goodness she slipped on a pair of heels before she ran out of the apartment that morning.  What in the world would she talk to him about?  Where was Julie when she needed her?

Cora reluctantly made her way over to Brent’s black Audi.  She attempted to put a smile on her face.  He was Julie’s boss; she at least owed him a friendly face.  The car was warm when she opened the door.  The scent of lavender washed over her.  Cora noticed a bunch of fresh lavender wrapped in brown paper in the back seat.  Interesting.  Maybe the flowers were for his wife or girlfriend.  Cora really knew very little about the man.  After careful prodding, Julie told Cora he was around 40, but she wouldn’t give any additional details.  Cora was still curious about the picture of the little girl and boy on his desk.  Maybe she would build up the courage to ask him tonight.  They were going to have to talk about something.