In Too Deep

Chapter 21

I paused, thinking how best to answer without prompting any further probing questions.

"Well, he's been demanding and not the easiest person to work with," I replied, looking anywhere other than at Carrie.

"It's taken up a huge chunk of my time but as I've just shown you, we're almost there." I hoped this would satisfy her curiosity.

I looked up to see her eyes locked on mine. "One moment Lexy. Stay there." She pulled out her phone and tapped on a contact.

Silence and then I heard the phone picking up the other end.

"Hi, it's Carrie from Blue Sky Party Planners. You OK?" I listened, smiling at the way she schmoozed her clients, soothing their egos while promising them the world.

"So I'm told it's all going to plan yes? I was wondering if it's OK for me to pop over and take a look. Yes, I'll bring Lexy with me because she's been in charge of this project from the beginning. Lovely. See you in an hour. Bye Jared."

WTF! My expression would surely have me hanged in the court of Carrie. "Ummm, surely you need to be getting on with work here Carrie?" I stammered, fidgeting with the hem of my shirt while trying boldly to hold eye contact with my boss.

"Yes, but I've still got time to check up on my clients and Jared's top of my list for the next couple of hours. Grab your bags and paperwork and let's go."

I swear she was out of her chair like a rocket launching into space, a roar of fire and energy dragging me in her wake.

Jess looked up from her desk and I cursed the smirk writ large on her face. Good luck! She mouthed the words while wrapping her hands around her mug of coffee – yeah, the same bloody mug I'd so kindly brought her just moments ago.

I glared at her and mentally made plans to kick her ass in the house later.

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"So Lexy, is this party over budget or are you managing to keep to Jared's detailed costings?"

The questions kept coming thick and fast and my mind was kept occupied for the entire drive over to Jared's place. My lap was covered in paperwork, the contents of my bag had spilled out over my feet and I was a complete mess.

Before I knew it, Carrie had pulled up outside and keyed in the pass code which Jared had obviously given her to gain entry. The gates opened and Carrie pulled in, parking up behind Jared's beaten up truck.

I'm constantly amazed at the woman's energy and ability to leave me standing; or in this case sitting in the car, unable to move. She'd bounded up to the door and rang the bell, leaving me to sort through the mess of paperwork.

"Jared, so lovely to meet you darling!" I looked over to see Carrie doing her usual air kissing and kissing ass while I desperately tried to restore order in the car.

"Where's Lexy?" Jared's voice cut through her schmoozy greetings as Carrie pointed towards the car. All I wanted was for the ground to open up and swallow me whole. I hadn't had time to go home and change, my jeans were now stained with coffee, my hair was a dishevelled mess and I didn't feel up to facing Jared, especially with the forced of Carrie in tow.

But Carrie was now in charge and I knew they were talking about me. I looked up to see Jared walking slowly towards the car. With his back to Carrie, he grinned before opening the door.

"Let me help you with that," he laughed, smiling at my obvious discomfort.

"I couldn't stop her Jared," I whispered looking over at Carrie. "I'm so sorry if we're wasting your time. I'll try to keep her on track and get away as soon as possible. I promise!"