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“Personally, I think you should settle. It was a good plan to confront him, and you should get a decent compensation, but dragging it out is bringing a lot of unwanted media attention both your way and to my dad's company, since Karl still technically works there. I work there now, too, and it’s affecting me as well. It’d really be a big help for all of us if you would sign.”
My hands clench on the steering wheel, and it takes all of my willpower not to exclaim in shock. I’d haveneverthought Elise would take Karl’s side, even just enough to get Patricia to settle out of court! Patricia also seems frozen, taking a long time to respond.
“I… no, Elise. My decision is firm, actually. I’m not going to sign.”
Elise huffs, “How has your opinion changed so drastically? At first you didn’t even want to press charges at all and now you want to take it as far as it will go?”
Patricia looks at me desperately, and I’m torn. Not knowing what else to do, and aware that it will be public knowledge that Patricia did the interview soon anyway, I motion for her to hand me the phone. I click it off speaker and hold it to my ear.
“So you were the one persuading Patricia to accept the deal?”
“Andries!?” she sputters, before gaining control of herself again. “I should have known. You and your history of bad decisions. Look, I’m an intern at Dad’s company now, so his problems kind of become my problems, too.”
“Ha! No, Elise, they don’t. This is Dad’s way to manipulate you into doing what he wants. Look, Karl is a piece of shit and needs to go.”
“You don’t get it,” she snaps. “He’s an integral part of the company. He’s also the best performing employee and––”
“Elise!” I yell, cutting her off. I see Patricia jump in the seat beside me. “You’re becoming exactly like Dad, and it isn’t good.”
“Patricia isn’t even your friend. Why are you so bothered about this?”
“Because she’syourfriend. You should care more about her than Dad’s company, Elise. Think about that.”
I hang up the phone, tossing the phone into Patricia’s lap. I’m fuming, and I cut off any attempts she makes at talking. Once we pull up in front of her dormitory, I pull my checkbook out of my backpack and write her the next check for twenty-five thousand euros. Patricia takes it with more hesitation this time, and I know she’s feeling conflicted about everything. She looks down at the slip of paper, and back up at me, sheepishly saying,“You’re really awesome, Andries. Roxanne was really lucky to have you.”
With that she leaves. I only watch her go for a second before I call Roxanne myself. Now that she’s on my mind, I have to see her. I need something positive, and she’s the brightest thing in my life.
“Hello?”
“Do you have plans tonight?” I ask bluntly. She laughs softly.
“Actually, yes.”
“With who?” I ask, bewildered and annoyed that she might not have time for me.
“You.”
I relax and chuckle. “You’re funny. Should we meet at your place?”
“How about we have dinner someplace? I haven’t eaten yet.”
I hesitate, not wanting to upset her. “Let me cook for you instead.”
“...Still not comfortable being seen out with me, huh?”
I exhale slowly. “I just want to keep us out of the spotlight, that’s all. What if I spend the weekend at your place? Will that make up for it? We can order in if you want.”
“Fineee,” she drawls. “You win. Come over.”
I consider picking up flowers, or wine for her, but my heart is telling me to get to Roxanne as quickly as I can. I forgo the elevator in the lobby of her building, not wanting to wait, and even though I’m winded when I reach her floor, I know I made the right choice.
Roxanne is waiting for me, and before I can open the door she does instead, standing there in nothing but a black silk robe and lace panties. All the blood rushes to my head, pulse pounding in my ears, before a large portion falls away again and shoots to my groin.
Sometimes with the two of us, words aren’t needed, and that’s what is happening right now. I rush forward, slamming my mouth to her until her tongue is sliding over mine before descending her body with my lips and teeth, covering every inch of her in my affection, heedless that we’re still in the hall. I reach her belly button when I hear her throaty laugh and she runs her fingers through my hair, grabbing and pulling me up.
“Let’s finish this inside,” she purrs, pulling me into the apartment.
I go in without complaint. I’d have to be a mad man not to.
