Pass the Hangers

CHAPTER EIGHT

I sigh loudly as I struggle with the zipper of my shoe. It is a beautiful fancy complicated pair that Megan bought me for my last birthday. I am able to get it done after a while. I feel very confident today and I am ready to meet Jace. My outfit is not what I'd usually wear to work. A thin strapped white top which shows just enough of my boobs and a high waist navy skirt. Jace called yesterday just as I was getting off the phone with Megan and asked me to go on a date with him. To say I wasn't surprised when I answered the unknown number and heard his voice is an understatement. I was having cereal for supper because I had asked Susan not to come to work, only to be swamped by work that I had not energy to cook and too hungry to wait for takeout. I spilled the milk all over myself and the kitchen counter when he said his name. His voice is even deeper over the phone that I could not really concentrate on what he was asking me and he knew it. When he asked if I was free and if I wanted to go on a date with him I was so shocked that I let a few seconds go by before I replied. When I did reply, it was in a whisper that he barely heard me the first time.

"What was that ma'am?" Terry asks from the drivers seat. I asked him to drive me to work this week because I have a lot of meeting to attend outside the office so I need the help. I had mumbled to myself as I thought about Jace. I blush and shake my head nothing to Terry who smiles and continues to drive. A few minutes later we pull up in front of our office building. I grab my coffee, keys, files and bag from the seat ready to face the day. I check my make-up in the mirror for the last time before climbing out of the car. I instruct Terry to take the rest of the morning off but be ready for any change off plans.

"Marian!" Someone calls from behind me just as I step into the elevator. I have half the mind to ignore the person and let the door close but they were too close to pretend I hadn't heard my name being called out. I look back and hold the door for Mr Harding, the company president.

"Morning sir." I greet him as the doors close. He presses the button for our floor. We exchange greetings and I ask about his family. I have great respect for Oliver Harding. When I worked as the probationary CEO he did not take me as a twenty eight year old, practically a child in business. He treated me like a partner and walked me through everything I had to know.

"I wanted to be the one to warn you. They are sending Gordon and a few other people for the Rowan meeting." He says looking apologetic.

"Oh." Is all I say. In my head I can not help but curse at Gordon.

"Are you going to be okay? I can take the meeting for you if you are not ready to meet him yet." He goes on.

"Please?" I reply sounding desperate. I am no where ready to meet Gordon. A lot was not said when I walked out of his house. All the emotions are still raw. My take on life changed after Rowan cheated on me with a younger woman.

"Okay sure. Will have it done." And the elevator door opens.

"Thank you sir. I owe you." I say as we get off the elevator. He gives my shoulder a gentle squeeze and he walks away towards his side of the floor to his office. Professionally I was just supposed to suck it up and face Gordon but Mr Harding has been so good to me and he allows me my sick days as long as they do not affect the company. My father and him both jumped into the business world early and so he understand what it is like to not have a life after office hours. I am truly grateful that he is the man he is.

"Ma'am! Marian! Hold on." Barbra calls after me as I walk towards my office. She was leaning against someones desk so I tried to avoid her by going around rather than my usual way to my office. I swing my office door open and step in. She will catch up with me if it is important.

I should have stopped when she called me. I really should have stopped. Barbra does not call me ma'am ever, not even when other people are around. I should have taken that as a sign to stop and ask if everything was okay because everything is not okay. Standing on the other side of my office with his back to me is the last person I want to see. Gordon Hugh Rowan, all six foot of him in his expensive suit and designer shoes. As soon as he hears me walk in, he turns around and smiles at me when his eyes land on me. I do not know what is more shocking that or the fact that my mind  brings a memory of Jace's smile that way better than Gordon's. Why am I comparing them again? My mind can not process why he would be here. It has been two months since I last saw him. The last image I had was of him pulling his pants up and running after me, calling my name.