Redeem Me by Eliza Freed Read Free Book Online Page A

as big as the rest of her. She pulls me into a big hug and my head rests on her jiggling bosom.
    “Charlotte!”
    I pull away, an unplanned smile on my face.
    “What are you doing here? I thought you’d be in Oklahoma or somewhere else that sounds like hell.” She pulls me back and looks me up and down. “You look like absolute shit.”
    “I know. My plans changed. Hey, Renee, do you have a minute?” I ask, unsure of what I’m doing.
    “Sure. Let me put the phone on send. No one calls this early anyway.”
    We move into the break room not far from the lobby and I shut the door.
    “Listen, can you do me a favor?”
    Renee’s intrigued. “Anything, girlfriend. What’s up?”
    “When I got to Oklahoma, I found out Jason cheated on me in May and the girl’s pregnant with his baby.” I say this as if I am talking about someone I barely know. “We broke up and we’re not speaking anymore.” This is partially true, or at least sounds true.
    “Oh no, Charlotte. What the fuck? That jerk-off!” Renee’s dirty mouth is jarring no matter how much time I spend with her. She walks toward me to put me in the boob squeeze again. I hold up my hand to stop her.
    “I’m okay. Actually, I’m close to okay, but I can’t tell this story over and over again today. Can you spread it around and tell everyone not to talk to me about it?”
    Renee looks completely confused. “Let me get this straight. Something ass-fuck horrible and embarrassing has happened to you and you want me to spread it around the office like common gossip?” she asks, starting to catch on.
    “Do you mind?”
    “It’s brilliant! For you, I’ll fucking do it. And I thought this week was going to be a total yawn.”
    “Thanks, Renee. I owe you. Oh, and I brought my friend, Jenn, from home up with me. Julia and I are taking her to Rise for Happy Hour if you want to join us.”
    “Aah, shit-talking tourists. Maybe I’ll meet a rich business ass from out of town at the Ritz.”
    “Undoubtedly. How could they resist you?” I say as I think, Not with that mouth .
    “True. Like moths to the motherfucking light. I almost feel bad for them most days.” We walk back toward the lobby. “You call me or come up here if anyone bothers you. I’ll bash their fucking heads in with my stapler.”
    I’ve missed NY.
    I use my ID badge to open the door behind Renee and make my way to Bruce’s office. I try to avoid the few people already at their desks until Renee’s had a chance to speak with them. Bruce is sitting at his desk, facing his computer, which is off to the side. Something about his office, and him in it, makes me happy. It’s good to be starting again.
    He sees me and beams as he comes around the desk. “Hey!” He kisses me on the cheek and hugs me, and I pull away, a little out of practice with all the kissing. Bruce ignores my lack of enthusiasm and shuts the door. “Sit down.” He motions to a chair in front of his desk and sits in the one next to it. I’d be more comfortable with him behind his desk the way he usually is, but I know he’s trying to put me at ease.
    “So, do you want to tell me why my luck’s changed and you’re back in the city?”
    “Well,” I begin with a huge sigh, “I’m no longer moving to Oklahoma, and I have a great deal more time to devote to work.”
    “That’s good news,” Bruce says exaggeratedly. “Are you moving into the city?”
    “No.”
    “North Jersey?” Bruce asks, surprised.
    “Actually, I’d like to stay in South Jersey. I’ve been staying at my parents’ house for a few weeks now and it feels right.” Bruce’s disappointment is apparent. “I was thinking I could come to the city a lot more than I’d intended to from Oklahoma. Maybe even once a week. That should make things a little easier.” I’m rambling at this point. “And if we’re working on time-critical materials, I could stay a few days. It’ll give us a little more flexibility,” I continue.
    “It’s okay.”