JESSICA SQUINTED AS the early morning sunlight streamed through the curtains. She looked at the clock and groaned. “Why do I feel like I’ve been run over by a Mack truck?”

Lisa appeared in the bathroom doorway wearing a disapproving look on her face. “That’s what happens when you consume too much champagne, Jessie. I’m not going to get all preachy here, but was that really a smart move?”

Jessica sat up, her eyes wide. “What are you talking about? I mean, maybe I had a couple of glasses, but nothing crazy! What happened? I don’t remember very much.” She yelped. “Wait, Paul Emerson was there, wasn’t he?”

“Um, yeah. He helped me carry you out of the suite when you could barely stand.”

“What? Li, I’m telling you, I barely had anything to drink at all.” Jessica’s voice rose in a panic and she clutched the blanket around her.

Lisa looked confused. “You were a hot mess last night, Jessie. Are you sure you didn’t really drink…no shots, nothing? I promise, I won’t yell.”

Jessica shook her head, looking terrified. “I said I was…tired? To the point that I can’t even remember what happened? Oh my God, do you think it could have something to do with the MS? Intense fatigue is another symptom and the tingling still hasn’t gone away. This is definitely not a good sign.” Her eyes filled with tears. “Li, what am I going to do? I’m so scared.”

Lisa sat down next to her on the bed. “Listen. Maybe it was because you really didn’t eat yesterday before we left. The champagne may have hit you harder because you were drinking on an empty stomach. Don’t panic yet, Jessie. You’re seeing the doctor when you’re back in the city, right?”

“Yes.” Jessica sighed and collapsed back on the pillows. “This totally sucks. My stomach is in knots right now. Please tell me I didn’t say anything stupid.”

A teasing smile formed on Lisa’s lips. “Oh, Jess. I wouldn’t be so concerned about what you said. It didn’t seem to deter him.” Jessica shot her a blank look. “Let me be perfectly clear about this. Paul Emerson wants you. It was blatantly obvious.”

Jessica snickered. “Li, come on. You know what guys like him are all about. I was just another notch on his bedpost. That’s all he’s interested in.”

Lisa shook her head. “I think you’re a hundred and ten percent wrong on this one. I could totally tell it was more than just sex. What are you going to do if he wants to see you again?”

Jessica shrugged. “Well, he was pretty incredible in bed.” She giggled a little. “But, I told you I’m not into him. Didn’t you hear me last night? I have a date with James. He’s going to be my fun fling. Much more my speed.”

“That’s all fine and good.” Lisa put a hand up. “I just think you should keep your options open, even if Emerson is a man-whore. He’s hot as hell. Take another spin in that ride before you leave the showroom.”

Jessica scrunched up her nose and slapped her forehead. “Oh no, no, no, no! I was grilling him about that last night! About his reputation and all the women!”

“Ah, so that’s the question you were trying to get answered. I told you it wasn’t a pretty sight.”

“Shit, I must have made a complete ass out of myself. Argh!” Jessica moaned, covering her face with the pillow.

Lisa giggled. “Well, you definitely made quite an impression on him.”

“Whatever, he’s in another world.” Jessica nibbled off a cuticle.

“Gorgeous, sexy, loaded, brilliant. I think it’s you who’s on a completely different planet.” Lisa smiled. “Planet fucking insane.”

Jessica snorted with laughter. “Listen, I can’t explain it. It may not make sense to you, but it’s the way I feel. James is just so…unlike any other guy I’ve met. Painstakingly and refreshingly honest. I believe he’s a genuinely good guy. Paul gives off a completely different vibe. It’s almost conflicting—like excitement versus distress. And I really don’t know if the pleasure is worth the potential, and probable, pain.”

Lisa nodded. “I get it. Just don’t make any rash decisions yet, okay? Go with it. Why not take advantage of all opportunities presented to you? You haven’t done anything wrong.” She paused with a sly smile. “Except…you’re just a slight bit sleazy for sleeping with Emerson the same night you met him without even knowing his name, just a teeny tiny bit. Just saying.”

Jessica gave Lisa a little hug. “You’re such a bitch, but I love you anyway. And I am giving things a shot, just not with Emerson. You’ve got to start rooting for the super-hot geeky gamer, okay?”

OH PLEASE PLEASE please don’t be at the office yet.

Jessica wasn’t in any mood to deal with Charlie. Somehow, she’d been able to escape him at the hotel since they went their own separate ways after work hours. He and Derek were flying home on the red-eye and she was happy to be rid of them even though she knew Derek would use every opportunity to shove his head further up Charlie’s ass in order to set himself up for that promotion. I have to believe the partners will see all the progress I’ve made and reward me for it. Charlie’s not the only one with a vote.

She had a lot of catch up work to do at the office. Charlie had inserted himself into her work more than necessary during the entire trip. She made a mental list of what she had to get done before her big date with James and it did not include any of Charlie’s administrative bullshit.

Dammit, she didn’t know anyone at the Palo Alto office well enough to call and check on Charlie’s whereabouts. She was on her own, grasping a nonfat chai latte with impending dread.

The floor was quiet as she headed down the corridor to her mobile office, which was situated next to Charlie’s. As Jessica approached, two male voices traveled into the empty hallway. She recognized Charlie’s arrogant tone. Who is he talking to? She remembered him saying his schedule was clear that morning. Is it a business meeting? She crept closer to the door. No, this conversation was anything but client-related. Hmmm.

Jessica tried to catch snippets of the conversation. Not that she really cared, but Charlie sounded flustered and she loved to see him sweat. What could have your briefs in a bunch on this beautiful morning, Charlie?

“Jackson, I’ve had it with these assholes. It’s high time for me to take control of things.”

Another voice, higher pitched. Jessica didn’t recognize it at all. Who’s Jackson?

“It’s completely understandable, Charlie. You’ve worked so hard for this, why shouldn’t you reap the benefits?”

What the hell? Reap the benefits of what? Is he talking about the new consulting practice?

Charlie sighed and grumbled some more about “his vision.”

“Listen, you’re really talented and they’re going to be sorry to lose you, trust me.”

Jessica’s ears perked up. Is Charlie leaving DMC? Oh what a way to start the day!

She recognized Charlie’s sarcastic laugh. “Well, they’ve screwed me for too long, and out of too much. It’s time to make a change. I’m glad that things worked out this way. Fuck all of them.”

Jessica slinked into her office and closed the door. She danced around the room without a sound, pumping her fists into the air. Charlie is out! This is it! My chance to run the show! A brand new consulting practice for the company; money would come rolling in because of her efforts. She could almost taste that promotion. Finally! And maybe Dad will get off my back once and for all.

Jessica settled into her chair with a triumphant smile. I can suck it up for a little while longer. Two weeks’ notice and Charlie would be out of her life for good.