OBSESSED

12

LEAH

The chatter of Mrs. Hoke lulled me into a stupor. I was already working late tonight and this woman called to complain to me on a weekly basis.

She was one of Season's most important clients, though, as she had banked with for fifty some odd years. Unfortunately for me, she felt that gave her privilege to remark on every little thing she didn't appreciate about us.

Tonight she was prattling on about our ATM interface that had been updated yesterday. She didn't know how to use it and was quite upset with me that I hadn't given her any notice.

"Mrs. Hoke," I interrupted her as politely as I could. "I'm terribly sorry that this has inconvenienced you. If you'd like to stop by any time on Monday, I would be more than happy to personally walk you through a tutorial. I know the new changes are frustrating but they do allow our machine to work more efficiently."

She sighed annoyedly. "I might be retired, but my week days are very busy. Saturdays are least busy days."

Rolling my eyes, I curled my finger around the phone chord and said, "I understand that completely, Mrs. Hoke, but we are closed on weekends. A tutorial will only take a few minutes of your time."

"You'd think I would get better customer service after using your bank for so long!" she fussed. "Maybe I'll take my money elsewhere."

If I had a dime for every time this woman threatened me with this . . .

"Again, I apologize for the inconvenience," I told her. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I do have some things I need to take care of before I leave tonight. Thank you for calling, Mrs. Hoke. I hope you have a great weekend."

The line went dead and I was not at all surprised that she hung up on me. She was an abominable old force of a woman.

I finished up reviewing our monthly accounts, replied to any last emails in my inbox, and then logged out.

As I packed up my lunch box and grabbed my purse, my phone rang. I retrieved it from my purse and made sure to check the caller I.D. before answering.

Jarrod called me a few times this morning and I had to make sure it wasn't him now. I knew I was acting like a total bitch.

Who runs away after having quality sex? No one in their right mind!

Yet, the fact remained that I was honestly ashamed that I'd let our little fun go so far. He seemed to be a nice guy, he really did. I just couldn't mess around with him without my heart getting involved.

Right now, the idea of another man hurting me again, so soon, was too much to bear. I'd rather be alone than experience the pain of another failed relationship.

Fortunately, Isabelle was the one calling me now.

"Yo," I answered as I locked my office and headed through the dark bank to the exit.

Since our operating hours had ended an hour ago, all of my employees had gone home. There were many nights when I was the last one here, but I didn't mind.

"Hey, biatch," she said. "Ryan and I are talking about going downtown in a little. You down?"

I nibbled my lip as I walked to my sexy white Mercedes. "I don't know. I'm pretty wiped."

"Ah, come on! I owe you one after that tragedy of a date, remember?"

"Well, that's true."

I'd already forgotten about that. My head had been whipped around a certain somebody and I seemed to be more distracted lately.