Page 15 of Love & Vendettas
“Then she wanted to question how professional that was and state that she would never do something like that, and she hoped that I wouldn’t either.”
Georgette’s giggles stop as her mouth and eyes open wide. “No, that bitch didn’t.”
“Yes, she did.”
It was known all over the city that Tara Lawrence was hard to work with. She’d fired three interior design firms in the last year with incomplete projects. That was all after she’d walked away from me at the beginning of last year because I refused to put another project on hold that I was already working on to do what she considered an “emergency project.”
The emergency project was to redesign the children’s playroom into a room for her new dog since her kids were grown and had moved out of the house.
“You should have told her to kick mud.”
“I wanted to, Georgi. But I’m not in the mood for shenanigans today. I just want to finish this project and then move on with my life.”
“You’re not accepting any more jobs from her, are you?”
“Hell no.”
I glance at my phone, which is ringing. “Let me get this call from Riley. She’s been calling me since Tara was in here.”
“Okay,” Georgette replies and sashays out of my office again.
I pick up the phone and answer it. “Hey, Riley. I’m sorry that I didn’t answer before. I was with a client. What’s up, boo?”
“I’m outside of your office. Can you come out here?”
My sister’s voice sounds funny.
“Why don’t you come inside? I don’t have anyone else. I can order some lu—”
“Please, Bayleigh.” Riley’s voice breaks off in the middle of a plea.
“Riley, are you okay? You’re scaring me.”
“Just please. Come out here. I’m in the back of the parking lot. I need you.”
“Okay, give me a minute to grab my things and let Georgi know that I’m stepping out.”
“Okay.” Riley sniffles.
I have the strangest feeling that I won’t be coming back to the office today. My little sister doesn’t ask for much. She and I are the youngest of four kids, with our two brothers being the oldest.
After I shut down my computer, I grab my keys, phone, and handbag. I stop by Georgette’s desk on my way out.
“Hey, Georgi. I’m stepping out of the office for the rest of the day. Sam and Tess are both in the field on projects that they can handle. Let them know that I’m away taking care of family business, and if an emergency should arise, to reach me on my personal phone.”
Georgette nods and asks, “Is there anything else that I can do, honey?”
My staff never calls my personal phone unless it’s an emergency. All work-related issues are directed to my work cell.
“No, sweetie. Just prayer.”
“Okay,” she replies, bobbing her head. “Call me if you do need anything. I hope everything is good with Riley.”
“It will be,” I reply.
I rush out of my office and around to the back parking lot. Riley’s been having marital issues with her husband, and they’ve been arguing a lot lately. She’s mentioned getting a divorce a time or two, but that’s nothing new for Riley and Kenny.
I spot my sister’s yellow Mustang at the rear of the parking lot next to mine. Checking the parking lot as I go, I quickly make my way in that direction.
