Take a Breath(79)

We get to work in no time at all and I quickly get myself settled at my desk. Tom is hanging around Jake’s office with a man I’ve never seen before. I watch as they make their way in. Probably just another agent.

I boot up my computer and sift through a few case files when I suddenly have the urge for coffee. I get up and find standing in front of me, Jake, Tom and this new guy.

“Ana, this is our new detective, David Willis. He’s just started today and Tom here will be showing him the ropes.”

He puts a hand out to me and I take it. He’s a little small— about my height—but well in proportion. He only looks in his early thirties, but he has his black hair slicked back with gel. A bit too much gel, I think. It makes him look a bit like a slime ball. If he is, then he’ll get on with Tom no end.

“I’m sorry your name is Ana—”

It is then I decide to blurt out, “Bennett.”

I smile, then realise my mistake. Tom looks like he’s just heard the funniest joke ever, and Jake stands there aghast at first, until a big smile develops on his face. My cheeks burn with obvious embarrassment.

“Sinclair, sorry. My name is Ana Sinclair. Excuse me, I have to make some coffee.”

Shit, did I really just say that out loud?

I rush to the coffee room and bang my head against the wall. What is Jake going to think of me now? Shit, how am I going to explain this?

I fumble about trying to make my coffee when Michael pops his head round.

“I see you’ve met the new guy?”

I jump at the sound of his voice and he looks worried.

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you.”

I shake my head. “It’s okay, Michael. I’ve just been a little shaky lately, that’s all.”

I’ve also caused the world’s worst blunder, but never mind that.

“That’s completely understandable, Ana. You’ve been through a lot lately. You know I’m here if you need anything?”

Michael’s been so sweet recently. I wonder what’s gotten into him.

“That’s kind of you, Michael. Thank you.”

I pour my coffee and I’m just about to leave when Tom pops his head in.

“I wish I had my camera out ready when you did that, Ana. The look on your face was classic.”

I sneered at him. “Fuck off, Tom,” I scowl.

“Ooh tetchy, Mrs Bennett.”

He storms off laughing his head off, and Michael looks at me in wonder.

“Have I missed something? You haven’t run off and got married since you were in yesterday have you? Is that why you both left early?”

I put my hand up to stop him. “Michael, no we’re not married. It’s just Tom pratting about.”

He frowns, “Pratting about?”

“Being an ass,” I explained.

Michael nods in understanding and follows me out of the room. He’s about to say something else when Jake is standing—the great Adonis that he is—and looks at us both. Michael quickly retreats and Jake has that silly smirk back on his face. My own face flushes at his reaction.

“Are you embarrassed, Ana?”

I put my head down and he comes a little closer.

“Ana, look at me.”

I do as he commands, but I just want the floor to swallow me up.

“Yes, embarrassed as hell,” I finally say. “I’m sorry. I don’t know what came over me. I keep saying that lately. I know it’s a lame excuse, but it’s all I got.”

The smirk on his face is still plastered there. He’s obviously enjoying my humiliation.

“Don’t worry about it,” he pauses. “Ana-Lucia Bennett. It has a certain ring to it, don’t you think?”

I gasp in horror as he saunters passed me, pleased as punch with my reaction. I almost drop my coffee.

I stumble back to my desk not sure how my legs carried me there. I can’t believe he just said that and I can’t understand what it all means, if anything. My head is exploding with all sorts of thoughts, but none of them help me out that much. I have this sudden pang when I realise Jessie isn’t here. I could really have done with her being in today. I need to talk to her about this. I glance at the clock, its 11am. She should be up and ready now.

I pick up the phone and call. A couple of rings later she answers.

“Jessie, it's Ana. How was it?”

“It was great, thanks. Jerry was the perfect gentleman. He took me to a steak house. He said it was the best steak house in Richmond and it was. You must try it, Ana. Maybe you should set up a date this weekend with Mr Boss man. I’m sure you two would like the hotel, too.”

I’m dying to tell her so get straight to it. “Jessie, I think I just died with utter humiliation.”