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“I’m inside, and we’re not expecting anyone, so I want to be comfortable.”
“Are you sure that’s the reason?” she says with a wide grin.
“I love it when you smile. It always makes me feel better.”
I’m sitting in my office going over a few emails when Todd Ashburn calls me.
“Zane, I received the documents back and read through them. No changes were made except for the paragraph we asked to be removed. If Lana can sign these, I can have them couriered to Mr. Blair’s attorney by tomorrow. I have an open afternoon if she would like to come in.”
“Let me talk to Lana, and I’ll call you back. I know she wants to get this over with as soon as possible.”
“Very good. I’ll speak to you shortly.”
I hang up and call Lana into my office, “Todd just called. The documents were sent to him, and he went over them. The only significant change is the removal of the wedding costs. That’s what you wanted. He has an open afternoon, so if you want to go sign them, you should call back and make an appointment.”
She begins to saw at her bottom lip and looks at the floor, “Lana?”
“I would have to go by myself. After what happened today, I’m afraid.”
“I could go with you.”
“You need to take it easy. Couldn’t I sign them electronically?”
“No. You need to have an original signature. You have to go in person. I can go with you.”
“I want you to rest. I’ll go on my own. I’ll be okay.”
“Lana, are you sure?”
“I’ll be fine.”
“Call Todd and make an appointment then. Take a cab from door to door.”
“I need some money,” she says softly.
“Baby, don’t be afraid to ask. I’ll give you whatever you need,” I take several twenties out of my wallet and hand them to her. “We need to get you on my bank account, and I’ll put you as a user on my two visa cards.”
“Zane, you don’t need to do that.”
“Why? Because we’re not married?”
“That’s part of it. I feel guilty. You’re paying for everything, Todd, my expenses.”
“Did I ever ask you for anything?”
“No. But still.”
“Still nothing. I want nothing from you. I want to take care of you.”
She comes to me and gives me a tight hug. I kiss the top of her head, inhaling the sweet scent of her hair. She breaks away and exits my office. A minute later, I hear her on the phone. Lana stops by my office as she leaves for her noon appointment with Todd.
“Be careful. Remember, take a cab there and back. Don’t make any stops and look around. Make sure you’re not followed.”
“I will.”
My head is pounding as she leaves, and I wonder if this was such a good idea. I should have gone with her. I stand thinking I can catch her, and a wave of dizziness hits me, making me feel nauseous. I quickly sit down until it passes. I think I need to lie down in bed. It’s 11:30 AM, and I figure a twenty-minute nap will help me feel better.
When I wake, the bedside clock reads 3:41 PM. I slept for over four hours. Why didn’t Lana wake me? I call out to her, and my voice echoes through the bedroom. I call again, feeling my stomach tighten. I swing my legs over the side of the bed and slowly stand. My head feels better, and I only feel slightly dizzy.
