Chapter 18
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Blair bit her lip. She was feeling anxious about going home with Roman and concerned about the logistics of getting to his place without anyone from the company finding out. It was late, so there wouldn’t be many people around, but the possibility of being seen was still a major risk. She had researched public transport options online and discovered that there was no direct bus service in that direction.
Keeping her relationship with Roman a secret was important to her, and she definitely didn’t want anyone knowing that she was staying at his place. In hindsight, she realized she should have discussed the plan with him before now.
The office phone buzzed on her desk. Lifting it, Blair put it to her ear.
“Blair, I was about to leave for the day, but Jessica Kingston is here to see Roman.” Kara let her know straight away.
That shocked her. In the two years she had worked here, she had only met Jessica once. “Hold one second, Kara.” Blair said before putting her on hold and ringing through to Roman.
“Roman speaking.” Came Roman’s voice.
“Your ex wife is here to see you.” Blair let him know without emotion.
“Fuck, I wonder… Never mind, have her wait in your office for a few moments.” Roman wondered what the hell Jessica was doing here. He hadn’t even seen her in almost a year.
Their lawyers handled all communication, and he faithfully paid her alimony every month. It was odd how he had just been discussing her with Blair, and now she was suddenly here. Almost like a bad omen. What he hadn’t mentioned to Blair was the fact that Jessica had cheated on him with a man who
was once his friend.
Roman picked up his mobile to call his lawyer. Maybe she would have some insight to why Jesica was here now.
Blair rolled her eyes at Roman’s request that Jessica stay in her office for a few moments. “Kara, send Jessica to my office, please. Roman will see her
when he is free.”
“Ok, and Blair, see you Monday.”
“Have a drink for me tonight.” Blair had forgotten to talk to Roman about that, and it wasn’t important.
“I will. I hope you have a great weekend, Blair.” Kara said before hanging up.
Blair was hoping for a great weekend once Jessica left. She wondered if Roman’s ex turning up like this would ruin it.
The smell of her perfume told Blair she wasn’t alone anymore, so she turned her head to find Jessica posed in the doorway. It was the only way to describe it. “Jessica, Roman will be with you in a moment. You are welcome to take a seat and wait.”
“That’s Mrs. Kingston to you,” Jessica said in an affronted tone.
Blair was taken aback. Not only did they not use last names around here unless talking to a client or business partner, which Jessica would have known working here. But she was no longer Roman’s wife. Why had she kept his last name? Did it offend her current partner that she hadn’t gone back to her..
maiden name?
“I’m sorry, Mrs. Kingston. Please take a seat,” Blair offered. What else could she say?
“I would think that would be unnecessary. Roman has never kept me waiting long.” Jessica said with an oversized ego, in her opinion. But she kept that
to herself.
Blair didn’t bother to offer a tea or coffee, feeling it would be rejected as well. Blair offered instead a small smile that she didn’t feel and went back to shutting down for the night. There was nothing urgent left in her tray.
“I don’t remember your name.” Jessica said then.
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11:54 Wed, 18 Jun 0
Chapter 18
“Blair.” She said, not looking up.
“That’s right. I remember it being a man’s name.” Jessica replied rudely.
Blair curled her fist and bit the inside of her mouth to stop herself from saying anything. Blair was an unisex name, and no one had ever said that before to her. She knew Jessica’s type, though. They liked to run other women down for the smallest things and damage their confidence. It made them feel better about themselves.
She didn’t know why this woman felt the need. Her name was fitting. It looked like she had just stepped out of the movie ‘Who Shot Roger Rabbit‘ Roman’s ex was a ringer for Jessica Rabbit, tiny waist, big boobs and gorgeous red hair and large blue eyes. The only things missing were the smoky voice and red evening dress. She would give her sister Sutton a run for her money in the height department as well. Sutton was tall at 5.10. Blair would say Jessica was close. Roman was around 6.2 at a guess, so Jessica would be eye level with him in her heels.
“I heard Claire Robertson is no longer in the picture?” Jessica commented. Blair hadn’t even realized the woman had moved towards her desk.
Blair looked up at this, eyeing the other woman. How did she know? God, I hope Claire hadn’t gone to the media with a tell all story. Roman would be seriously pissed. It had happened about a year ago, after he had dumped one of his girlfriends. Blair had, out of curiosity, read the article in the gossip column. It hadn’t all been lies. He was very good in the bedroom department. Just remembering some of the information in that column made her blush. “I’m sorry, but I don’t gossip about Roman’s personal business.” Blair hoped that sounded impersonal enough.
Jessica laughed. “What a good little sécretary you are. Toeing the company line.” Jessica waved a hand in an impatient manner clearly not impressed. “You don’t have to say anything. Claire has been crying to everyone that would listen that Roman dumped her.” Jessica leaned a hip against her desk. “Not really surprising. No one lasts with Roman when he is still in love with me.”
Blair looked away from Jessica so she wouldn’t see the hurt in her eyes. Was that true? She had wondered about it herself. Did he still love this woman?
“I want to know. Is there someone else? Because Clair was so suddenly given the boot.” Jessica watched her intently.
What was it with this woman she didn’t want Roman, had in fact cheated on him? But Blair had seen this before, so she shouldn’t be so surprised. Some women couldn’t quite take the claws out of their exes, needing to interfere in their lives or find out what they were up to.
Why now, though, for Jessica? In the two years she had worked here, this was only the second time she had met Jessica. The last time had been brief because Roman had only left her waiting in her office for a few minutes. She hadn’t been interested in the reason for her visit last time. But then she hadn’t been sleeping with Roman then.
Blair was saved by the bell, so to speak, when Roman’s door opened.
AD