The CEO's Secret✔️

15: Vinny

January 2010

C H A P T E R  F I F T E E N:

V I N N Y

Katie stared at herself in the mirror for another moment, fixing a piece of her hair that had fallen out of the pretty bun she had put it in before grabbing her clutch and the things she needed. She waved Emily goodbye before going outside for her cab she had ordered.

To say she was a bundle of nerves was an understatement. Her hands shook as she placed them gently on her lap, trying to calm them but it was no use. The thoughts of Colin had not left her and she knew that there was a high possibility of a well-needed talk with him that night although she didn't know if he would even show up- she would not be that surprised if he didn't.

The drive was not long and soon enough she was paying the driver and exiting the cab. As soon as she got inside, she was greeted by co-workers and even saw Alice working in the background just like she had alongside her during the summer gala. She made a note to herself to go say hi once she was finished talking with Shannon and Dylan.

"Guess who's still not here yet?" Shannon said in such a way that suggested she had juicy gossip for both Dylan and Katie.

"Who?" Katie asked.

"The same person who didn't show up for work yesterday." Dylan already knew the answer to Shannon's question and spoke nonchalantly.

"Uh-huh. I can't say I'm surprised, Mr. Anderson seems to be going off the rails a bit lately- well even more so than usual. Do you guys think he'll even turn up tonight?"

"I don't know. I'm sure he will- it's the gala after all and Jeffrey will be so pissed if he didn't make an appearance. Maybe he's just running late." Katie's suggestion made the two others snort.

"Yeah, sure." Dylan rolled his eyes.

They seemed to have a different view of Colin completely but Katie still wanted to give him the benefit of the doubt- even after what happened on Friday morning. She talked with the pair for another few minutes outside in the lobby before promising to find them later on if they were not sitting at the same table for dinner.

"Hey, are you okay?" Shannon asked before she left them. She put her hand on Katie's shoulder and expressed a look of worry shared by her and Dylan.

"Yeah, yeah. I'm fine."

"You seem a little preoccupied. Is something on your mind?"

"Honestly, I'm good. Just a little tired but looking forward to tonight. I'll see you guys later." Katie smiled and left the pair still not looking fully convinced.

They said their goodbyes as Katie walked off not in any direction in particular. She wanted to find Alice and at the same time keep her eyes open to spot Colin if he turned up. She found Alice sorting out name cards at the tables and was glad to see her and not Colin just yet.

"Hey, you need some help?" She asked Alice who was surprised to see her.

"Oh, hey Katie. No it's fine I'm just finishing up here."

"You look amazing." Katie pulled out a chair at the table Alice was working on and sat down to talk.

"Thank! So do you. I'd say you're so relieved you don't have to do this with me like the last gala." Alice laughed a little as she fixed something on the table. Katie sat her chin on top of the chair back she had been sitting sideways on and smiled at the other woman.

"Yeah, for sure. I'm glad I don't have to deal with Katherine this time around." She rolled her eyes and Alice nodded in agreement.

"Did you ever tell Colin or Jeffrey what she said about you?" Alice asked in a quieter voice then as she looked around the almost empty dining room.