That thought had me gripping the steering wheel as I drove to the McCabe law offices, the mini empire Eddie had built in only a few short years. It helped that his brother recommended him to his teammates. Eddie had started something new. His office not only included lawyers, but sports agents and financial analysts as a one-stop shop for players with newfound wealth.
I parked my car in the pricy lot of the new building and rode the elevators up. Unlike my former office, the receptionist was so busy, she didn’t greet me. In fact, I had to wait in line.
When my turn came, I said, “I’m here to see Edward McCabe.”
Her eyes shifted over the open concept office with minimalist furniture and wide views of downtown Dallas. Cubicles were nonexistent. Workstations with very short walls just to define space covered the open areas. All the office walls were made of glass, so I spotted Eddie in a corner with a headset on.
“He’s talking on the phone. Can I get your name?”
“I’ll wait,” I said instead, not wanting to be announced.
Two could play the same game, as he’d shown up at my now former workplace without warning.
She didn’t have time to argue because a delivery person was behind me. When he moved in, I stepped aside and watched as someone else stepped off the elevator and waited for her attention.
It was then I made my move. Eddie was facing the windows looking out as I walked casually but swiftly in that direction.
There was an empty desk in front of his office that was outfitted with a computer and desk phone, though it didn’t appear occupied. When Eddie started to turn, I sat in the chair behind the desk like the music had gone off in musical chairs. I wasn’t sure why I was hiding. Then again, I wanted the moment to be mine when I gave him shit about getting me fired.
Then the phone rang and I glanced at it and then up toward the reception area. The poor woman looked frazzled, like it wasn’t every day she saw that amount of revolving door activity. Feeling bad for her, I picked up the phone.
“Edward McCabe’s office.” I assumed with the placement of the desk, it was meant for his assistant.
A gruff voice began to speak.
I cut in. “Mr. McCabe is not available at the moment. May I take a message?”
That was a dumb move, because the computer wasn’t on and the desk was empty except for a useless keyboard and mouse.
“Please hold a second,” I said and reached in drawers until I came up with a legal pad of paper and pen.
Then I proceeded to take the message. It didn’t end there. The phone rang and rang constantly. The receptionist looked relieved, only to point a woman in my direction.
I muttered a curse under my breath and tried to make myself look small.
“Hi, I’m Kate from HR. I’m sorry I didn’t meet you when you arrived. They said you wouldn’t be here until lunch.”
It wasn’t far off from that time. Kate, an efficient woman, took the legal pad and scribbled down some things.
“But I see you’ve figured out our phone system. Here is your temporary log on. How about after lunch, we meet and fill out some paperwork?”
Before I could explain anything, someone was calling her name.
“I’m sorry. Today has been crazy. We’ll talk after lunch.”
Then she was gone without me having uttered a single word. The phone, however, wouldn’t give me that peace. So, I answered it again, noting one line still lit up, meaning Eddie had yet to get off the phone.
Ten minutes later, a woman who had professional cheerleader written all over her strode up to the desk. She was perfect in every way if you liked skinny girls with boobs.
“Hello,” she said amiably. “You’re new.”
I felt it best to just nod. Technically, I wasn’t an employee and I was sure I knew who she was.
“I’m Eddie’s wife, Chelsea.”
It took a moment for my brain to connect even though my suspicions had been confirmed. I gave her a smile as she hadn’t offered her hand.
“Can you let him know I’m here?” she said.
“Sure. Can I offer you a cookie—” I coughed, hoping to cover up that last word. “—coffee.”
Her eyes narrowed.
“I’m not surprised you made that mistake,” she said, dismissing me. “But some of us avoid carbs.”
Yes, I wasn’t skinny and never would be, but I wouldn’t let her get to me.
“That’s too bad. A cookie might help your attitude.”
She huffed out a little laugh as I maintained my best go fuck yourself smile.
“Just do your job and get my husband.”
I could have been petty and mentioned her marriage wasn’t legal and I was his wife, but instead, I said, “Yes, Mrs. McCabe.”
A girl had to keep her job. I glanced over at the wall of glass that separated us from Eddie and noticed his back to us. I picked up the phone, as it was similar to what we had at my former job, and pressed the button labeled intercom. I prayed my next words wouldn’t fill the sound system of the entire office.