Chapter 36
The dinner party broke up. Evan seemed sober, his eyes sharp, his gait steady. However, when he handed the room key to Zach to settle the bill, we realized–the boss was drunk.
Ann Maxwell, less intoxicated this time, scurried to his side, taking his arm.“Want to come to my place? I have that wine you like.”
“No,” he refused flatly.
There was a slight unevenness in the carpet in the hallway. He stumbled. Before Zach and I could help, Ann Maxwell stepped in front of him, arms outstretched, ready to catch him…
At the last second, Evan reached back, pulling me up from behind. I flew forward, landing directly in Ann’s arms… almost kissing her.
I was speechless! Am I some kind of human shock absorber? A human shield?! Ann Maxwell must have been furious. He’d rather use me as a cushion than let her hug him!
As soon as we stepped out of the restaurant, Ann stormed off. I wasn’t as carefree. For the sake of a job I’d only had for three days, I had to endure it.
Only after getting into the car did I notice the pain in my knee. A dark bruise was already forming; I’d hit his leg bone when he yanked me up. Men have hard bones! My skin is fair, and even a slight bump usually leaves a bruise for days.
Evan leaned back in his seat, propping his head on one hand, his eyes closed, his face calm and still, as if asleep.
At the hotel, I called him several times but couldn’t wake him. He was really drunk. Zach and a hotel employee struggled to get him into his room. The six–foot–five behemoth left them sweating profusely.
“Is your knee okay? Should I get you some ice?” Zach emerged from the bedroom, noticing my injury, worried I’d leave. Finding a perfectly capable secretary was rare, and he didn’t want to lose me.
“I’ll go back to my room.”
“Then go ahead. I can take care of him alone.”
“Okay.” I nodded, reached the door, then turned back.“You’re accompanying the President to the summit tomorrow. I won’t come in the morning. The factory is on Jurong Island in the west. It’s a long way, so I’ll leave early and get back early.”
“Okay, call if you need anything.”
“Okay.” I left.
Back in my room, I showered and sat on a chaise lounge, icing my knee. The icy sensation made me gasp in pain, but I couldn’t help but laugh. Irritating and hilarious at the same time.
But thinking about it, this job has been a great escape since my divorce. It’s been quite an adventure, almost as exciting as going to Iceland on my own. I’ve been so busy, I haven’t had time to think about Chicago. I wonder what’s going on there.
< Chapter 37
