My Saving Grace

Chapter 37

I was in a daze the entire time I got ready for work, trying desperately to shake off the memory of Antonio's...rage. Was that even the appropriate word to describe his demeanor earlier? He normally wasn't short-tempered—jealous, yes—but this was a side of him I didn't know existed.

Veronica, a small voice in the back of my mind reminded.

I suddenly remembered the story he'd told me about the argument they'd gotten into, which ultimately resulted in her falling down the stairs. There had been a reason behind their fight, though—she'd cheated on him.

And just now, he'd also had a legitimate reason to be angry. God knew how professional he was when it came to punctuality, and with his tenure approaching, he was more invested in his job than ever.

But, I wouldn't excuse him for the way he'd lashed out at me. So what if I accidentally moved his electric shaver? It wasn't like I had intended to complicate his life by cleaning and organizing our bathroom. He could've just nicely asked where I'd moved it instead of verbally threatening me with a death grip around my wrist.

I threw a light gray cardigan over my white blouse then pulled on a pair of dark blue jeggings to complete my outfit. There was still a faint red mark on my wrist, and I didn't want to be reminded of the cause, so I went in search of my watch to put on.

By nine, I arrived at work and met Ella at the employee entrance. She had her usual Starbucks in one hand and phone in the other, a huge smile on her face.

"Happy Monday, Soph! May I say, you look great in jeans. I've never seen you in them before," she greeted.

"They're jeggings. And thanks."

She frowned.

"Everything okay?"

"Yeah, I'm just tired. Work kept me busy all weekend," I responded with a sigh.

"I bet. Darren was telling us about the huge projects your team is working on. Here, I got you a caramel macchiato." She handed her cup over to me.

"Oh, I thought it was yours."

"I already finished mine in the car."

"Gotcha. Thanks, El."

"Anytime. Ready to go save some lives with your fancy defibrillator?"

I plastered on a smile.

"Yeah."

My morning was filled with meetings with my R&D team and the manufacturing engineers to discuss the progress of our projects, which kept my mind off all things Antonio and electric shavers. When lunch hour came, I headed down to the cafeteria to grab a chicken salad.

Peter spotted me from the hot entrée station and waved.

"You joining Ella and I?", he asked.

"Not today. I'm gonna eat in my office and continue writing my report."

He gave me a sympathetic look.

"That doesn't sound like fun."

I shrugged.

"It's whatever. I'll see you tomorrow?"