Page 11 of Beginning at the End
Sern was sitting and watching one of their ads with an introspective look.He pointed at it as she came in.“Some of your work?”
“Um, yes.How can you tell?”
He got to his feet.“There is a certain energy about you.It comes out in everything you do.”
She laughed and said, “You wanted to speak with me?”
“Yes.Is there somewhere we can talk?”
“Sure.Molly, is the conference room available?”
“Not on the main floor, but the one on two is.Here’s the key.You can have it for two hours.”Molly winked.
“Oh, good lord.”She took the key and guided Sern back to the elevator.She looked at him when they were in the elevator and asked, “Is it hard to walk with panties dropping everywhere?”
He grinned.“This is why I need you by my side.It will be a deterrent.”
The doors opened, and she walked him the twenty feet to the conference room.She scanned in, turned off the recorders, and gestured for him to sit.
“So, what brings you to this corner of the world?”
He lifted a hand with a box in it.“This will make communication easier.”
She took the box and opened it.A slick black screen looked at her and sprang to life with the touch of her fingertip.“Oh, you are an eager little fella, ain’t cha?”
Sern put an elbow on the table and stared at her in fascination.“I am.How kind of you to notice.”
She blushed.“Sorry.I anthropomorphize a lot.So, this is for the duration of the legal stuff?”
“Ah.And beyond if you like.It is encrypted for your protection.”
She muttered, “Better than ribbed.”
His hand covered his mouth.“Right.”
She opened the phone and turned it over.A sticky note with the phone number was there.
“My number is in it, as is Den’s.He’s really impressed with you.He’s never impressed with anyone.”
“Uh, yeah.I noticed.”
He chuckled.“He’s also into contact.Apparently, you are fitter than your work clothing indicates.”
“I would have to be.This outfit makes me look like an office marshmallow.”
He nodded.“There are some similarities.I have also called the boutique and requested dignified but fitted.”
“Wow.I haven’t worn anything fitted in years.It was considered tacky.”
“I would like you to look like you.That includes every curve.”
She looked at his wistful self.“How many of these events did I sign up for?”
He smiled.“Six, but after that, as many as you want to accompany me for.”He propped his chin on his fist.“Oh, I have put an app for a car service on the phone.Tap the icon, and a car will be on the way and arrive in minutes.If you have errands, it will be easier than catching a bus.”
She examined the phone and smiled at the car service app.“Thank you.That is very thoughtful.”
“You are welcome.Now, as for what I have found out...”He took a slow breath.“Nelson filed nothing.Not the prenup, nor the wedding, which means the divorce wasn’t necessary.”
