Magic Moment Read Free

best.”
    Dick’s forehead furrowed. “If leaving is what you want, I can’t change your mind. You’ve always kept your private life out of the office, which I appreciated. All I can do is respect your decision and wish you luck.” He sighed. “But I’m not happy. Your work is perfect. You don’t spend time on the phone with personal business. I hate losing you.”
    “That’s kind of you to say.”
    “Along with your accrued vacation, I’ll add two weeks’ severance.”
    Laura was taken aback. “That’s not necessary. I don’t deserve it. I’m not giving the proper notice.”
    “I insist.” He slid off the desk. “Consider it my appreciation for the excellent job you’ve done. It goes without saying you’re welcome to a recommendation.”
    She smiled. “That’s more than generous. Thank you.” Laura didn’t want the money, didn’t need the money, and didn’t care about a recommendation, but if she refused, a new discussion would develop, delaying her departure.
    “I do have one favor to ask,” Dick said.
    It figured strings were attached to the severance. “Yes?”
    “That you not pack your desk right now.” He nodded his head toward the door. “Rachel will be in at any minute. If she sees you packing, she’ll start with her questions. I have a report she needs to start on immediately.”
    For Rachel, badgering Laura for details took priority over work. She saw the point to Mr. Donovan’s request. As much as she hated returning to this office, avoiding the secretary was appealing.
    “Sounds fair.” Rachel left at five P.M. like the proverbial bat out of hell. “I’ll come back at 5:30.” There would be no one around asking questions.
    • • •
    In a large, luxurious Atlantic City hotel room, Chase awoke in a king-size bed wearing only his white boxers and nagged by the worst hangover of his life. With a slight groan and a considerable wince, he pictured two munchkins from Oz standing on his brain, smacking his skull with a hammer. Normally he held his liquor with no problem, but when he did overdo, his hangovers sucked big-time.
    Rolling on his back, he pressed his throbbing head into the pillow. The two munchkins banged out a classic Rolling Stones tune. Agonizing temples could be only the beginning.
    Chase nestled his head into the pillow. He enjoyed his own space in bed. Even when sharing one, he had a tendency to settle himself as far away as possible from his bedmate. Once the sex act was over, he wanted his breathing room.
    He closed his eyes, put each index finger to a temple, and massaged until the immense pain turned into more of a dull ache. Tossing his bare legs over the side of the bed, he decided a shower would take care of any remaining kinks.
    Standing under the running water, the warmth soothed his tired muscles and settled the thumping in his temples. His body relaxed and he started to feel like a coherent person again. He stepped out of the shower, dried himself off, and pulled the complimentary white robe from the back of the door.
    Perched on the edge of the bed, Chase called downstairs for room service. He needed coffee, hot and black. He glanced at his watch laying on the nightstand. Ten-thirty. By now, he had generally been at his warehouse desk for three hours, reading his third news-related website and drinking his fourth cup of Laura’s special-blended brew. Heavenly Hazelnut , she called it. He sniffed, almost smelling the sweet aroma, and smiled.
    There was seldom anything pressing for him at the warehouse, which was why he spent most of his day tuned into world events or sports updates via the Internet. Nevertheless, while he waited for room service, he made the dutiful phone call.
    “There’s nothing on your calendar.” Rachel paused. “Oh, I do have a note from your father. He wants you to meet his new lady friend. He’s planned a dinner tonight.” She rattled off the specifics.
    Chase listened with a frown. His father had a different lady friend