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Nadia
I strolled into the bathroom and turned off the water. Sometimes I’d peek out of my window into Mr. Wilders backyard. He sat on his taupe lawn chair, with a beer in hand watching soccer games on the big outdoor screen TV. The meat simmering on the grill drove me crazy. I almost invited myself over a few times.
I pinned up my thick wavy natural locks then emerged into the hot soapy water. Closing my slightly slanted eyes, I pinched the slender bridge of my nose resting my hand on the wide base and exhaled. My mother’s words resonated with me. She said I had the worst taste in men. Maybe because they were always high on whatever their drug of choice was that day. I’d brought a few guys around. My mother said until I could bring a man over who was serious about his life not to bother bringing any guys to dinner.
I wasn’t serious about being in a real relationship while in college. Nor did I think I’d ever be ready to settle down. I haven’t dated in a little over three years. What would we talk about? I know my love of number crunching. There weren’t any vices in my home. I could drink beer or the occasional glass of wine. I wasn’t interested in drinking hard liquor anymore. That craving hadn’t risen in a few years. The desire died shortly after my friend passed away.
Dating someone would require honesty about my past abuse of drugs. I wasn’t sure I’d ever be ready to discuss my sordid past. Once the life of the party now she hid in a retirement community. I sighed. Nadia, think positive there has to be a guy out there for you. Preferably Mr. Wilder. Nope, nope. Keep the hot, tempting grizzly bear off your mind.
My eyes scanned the half empty parking lot. Typical Friday in Coeur d’Alene. This was golf town USA. I laughed inside as I entered the office. My boss could always count on me. I always dragged myself into work.
“Good morning, Donna.”
“How are you today, Nadia?” Her smile was bright and her gray eyes sparkled.
She leaned forward over her big desk. “Claudia isn’t here again today.”
My eyes widened, and I placed my hand over my face.
“Really?”
“Yes.”
“Another day of double work. Claudia owes me a gourmet coffee upon her return.”
We laughed.
“Nadia, I have to run out and grab one for the boss. I’ll grab one for you too.”
My hand flew over my heart. “Donna, you are a total sweetheart. You don’t have to do that.”
“It’s no problem at all. Think of it as the bosses treat. The order is on Grenache Accounting.”
“Well, you know where I will be. Thanks again.”
“No problem.”
I stalked into my office and immersed myself into my work. I’ll work on my files first then Claudia’s. I stared at the large computer screen. Hopefully, I won’t uncover anything else. If I do, I’d have to bring it to Mr. Grenache’s attention.
Knock, knock.
“Come in.”
Donna peeked her head in. “I have your latte and apple Danish.” She walked toward my desk.
I stretched my hands out. “You are the best, Donna. You know I love a good Danish.”
She chuckled, placing the treats in my hands. “I do. And again, it’s no problem at all. I’ll be at my desk if you need me.”
I smiled as she darted out of my office closing the door behind her.
Fifteen minutes later, I pushed back from the desk, stood, and extended my arms over my head. I rotated my shoulders and walked around the office with latte in hand. I closed my eyes, threw my head back, and exhaled.
“Back to work Nadia,” I said aloud, sitting behind the computer.
My eyes were glued to the company’s bank statements. Large transactions were transferred to various banks in the Cayman Islands and Swiss Bank system.
