Page 257 of Mario

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My stomach rolls again.

I swallow it down, grab my purse, and stand very still for a moment, listening.

The hallway outside my office is quiet.

Good.

I can get to the elevators. Down to the lobby. Out the doors. There is a pharmacy two blocks away. I know because I passed it this morning and thought about stopping for antacids, then told myself not to be dramatic.

Apparently, I should have stopped.

I take one step toward the door.

Then another.

My hand is on the knob when my phone buzzes.

My entire body locks.

For one stupid, terrible second, I know it is him.

I know it.

I look down.

Ainsley:Are you okay?

I almost laugh.

No.

Absolutely not.

I type back with fingers that do not feel entirely attached to my hand.

Me:Fine. Just nauseous. Probably something I ate.

I put the phone in my briefcase, send out a little sorry to the janitorial staff for the mess I left, open the door, and step into the hall.

Chapter Twenty Six

Mario

I am not going to Victoria’s office.

That is what I tell myself as I leave mine.

There are other reasons to take this corridor. Real reasons. Practical ones. The outside counsel offices sit along this side of the floor, and I have every right to pass them on my way to the elevators if I choose.

It is my building.

No, it is not the shortest way.

No, it is not the way I usually go.

But it is not so unusual that anyone would question it.

Least of all me.

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