Page 14 of What Comes Around

“I’m sorry,” she said politely. “Mr. Sinclair is busy.”

Tim shifted awkwardly.

“It would only take a minute,” he said. “We’re trying to modernize outreach.”

“Mr. Sinclair does not take unscheduled meetings.”

Tim glanced at Apple, then at Linda. He leaned closer, lowering his voice.

“Come on, Linda. Help me out.”

I watched without pretending I wasn’t.

Apple looked at me again.

This time her eyes hardened.

Linda sighed quietly and lifted the phone.

“Mr. Sinclair,” she said. “Marketing is here with Miss Apple Richards. She says she knows you.”

A pause.

“Yes. I understand.”

She hung up.

“Mr. Sinclair will see Miss Richards now.”

Apple straightened instantly, smoothing her hair. Then she turned and gave me a slow, smug glance over her shoulder, the kind that said she believed she’d just won.

She walked toward the office, hips swaying in the practiced rhythm she knew men liked.

The door closed behind her.

Tim stood there awkwardly for a moment, then drifted toward the kitchen area and sat down, pretending to scroll on his phone while clearly waiting.

I turned back to my screen and kept working.

Twenty minutes passed.

When the door finally opened, Apple stepped out.

She smoothed her hair. Wiped the corner of her lipstick with her thumb. Adjusted the front of her blouse.

I narrowed my eyes.

She paused deliberately, then turned just enough for me to see her face.

Our eyes met. Hers were triumphant, smug, like she’d just walked out with a trophy she thought I’d wanted.

She thought she was ahead.

I leaned back in my chair and let a faint smile touch my lips.

Let her think that.

Tim jumped up immediately and hurried to her side, eager for her attention. I watched them walk away.