Chapter 90
Sasha was relieved to see Brian had sent Kelli home when he arrived at the office. Kelli didn't need to know what she had accidentally said to Brian on Friday night. Her sister would never know if she had her way. She had agreed to Trevor's conditions about the meetings and calling if she felt the need to harm but she had no intention of ever telling Kelli about Eric. 'Some skeletons are never meant to leave the closet.' She mumbled to herself. She entered the office and didn't immediately see Brian. She knew he wasn't far though because Bailey's toys were scattered around the lobby. She went through the lobby to his office. She stopped when she got to the doorway. For the second time that day, she knew she was going to cry and she didn't even attempt to stop herself. Brian was stretched out on the couch in his office sound asleep with Bailey sleeping on his chest. It was a picture perfect moment. Sasha smiled. She quietly walked away from the door and continued down the hall to the video room. She picked up a digital camera and headed back to Brian's office. 'It will be a low light picture but it will be worth it.' She thought as she aimed the camera and took a couple of shots of Brian and his sleeping daughter. 'Too precious!' She thought as she viewed the pictures on the screen.
"Sasha." She heard Brian say. "How long have you been here?" He blinked several times. He eyed his sleeping daughter as he tried to figure out how to get up without awakening her.
"Not very long." Sasha answered. She set the camera down on the desk and gently picked up Bailey. Brian stood up and stepped aside. Sasha placed Bailey back on the couch without ever waking her up.
Brian motioned for Sasha to follow him out of the office. He closed the door behind them, leaving it open a crack so they could hear Bailey if she awakened. "Let's go sit down." He said taking her hand and leading her back into the lobby. He started to pick up Bailey's toys as Sasha sat down at her desk. "How are you feeling?"
"I'm fine Brian. I'm sorry if I worried you. I had a little sore throat this morning and I wanted to fend off anything more serious so I am not sick when you leave next week." She lied.
"Oh. OK. So everything is OK?"
"Everything is fine. The doctor said it was nothing." She hoped she was convincing enough.
Brian sat down on the floor in front of Sasha. He felt suddenly awkward in her presence. Everything he had rehearsed to say to her completely eluded his memory. He had no idea where to begin. He picked up Bailey's doll and traced the mouth and eyes with his fingers.
"Dinner was great Friday night." Sasha stated. Brian looked very uncomfortable, like he was afraid to be around her. 'He knows.' She realized. 'He knows and he his repulsed by me.' She fought back tears. "You'll have to give me the recipe for the chicken sometime." She attempted to engage him in conversation.
Brian put down the doll and drew his legs up to his chest. He folded his arms on top of his knees and brought his head to rest on his arms. "Were you telling me the truth on Friday Sawsh? Do you really SI?"
© 1999-2002 Kendra