“John? You’re Dr. Müller’s nephew, right? Have you seen him?” A blond I recognized to be Ms. Stephens asked.
She pushed at her hair, pressing her lips tightly together.
My gaze seemed to invite a smile. I guess I was giving her the look most men did. She was very attractive, and she knew it. I felt jealousy stirring in Claudia when she approached. I had avoided the woman like the plague for no real reason. She was just not in my immediate things to care for.
Claudia squeezed my hand. What does she want? Her voice rang in my head. I wanted to know the same.
“No, Ms. Stephens,” I said politely. “We just got here ourselves. I would bet he’s getting preparations ready. He is the key speaker and principal.” Wouldn’t she already know that?
She gave a slight frown, wondering if I was being a little smart ass. Yes, I was.
Claudia giggled. Ms. Stephens furrowed her brow at her.
“Oh, John, call me Karen. We are practically related with me dating your handsome uncle.”
She seemed well put together, wore heavy makeup and bold lipstick that accented her pale complexion. She kept pushing her curled strands of hair.
I wonder if she can breathe in that tight dress. Claudia’s voice merged with my thoughts again. I choked back a laugh, clearing my throat instead, and squeezed her hand.
Ms. Stephens couldn’t stop staring at Claudia. “Well, if you see him tell him I’m looking for him. We are supposed to have a date today.”
They do? Claudia sounded worried. Joseph had other plans today. Did you know?
No, babe.
Ms. Stephens patted my cheek gently and gave me a sexy grin. I grimaced.
Claudia gave a disapproving sigh.
“Oh, by the way John, your father is quite the charmer. I’m disappointed you never introduced me … and he’s a doctor. I guess looks and talent run in your family. I see where you get your aptitudes.” Her slim lips smiled as she walked away.
What? He’s here? Both Claudia and I had a panicked moment.
If only I had met him before Joseph.
I could almost hear Claudia’s teeth grind when that thought came through from the wicked witch.
“What a bitch!’ Claudia voiced, covering her mouth when she realized she had said it out loud. Luckily, Ms. Stephens was already far away and the crowd around us was quite noisy.
“She met him? Dr. Nicholson?” Claudia asked in a whisper when she lowered her hand.
“It seems that way,” I muttered, wondering how that could have gone down, or when for that matter. I looked around.
When Claudia caught my eyes, she began to do the same. Was he here? she wondered. I wanted to know the same thing and couldn’t give her an answer.
Joseph hadn’t mentioned anything, but Jonas being at the prom had also been an unexpected surprise. He was mocking me, telling me the boss was watching. That had been the only reason for that visit. It could mean nothing else.
All the thoughts racing through my mind were being considered by Claudia as well. It was amazing how my thoughts were no longer just mine. I wouldn’t have it any other way.
She leaned against me. What can I say, Mr. Slater? They just flow into my head …I can stop them if you’d like me to.
I don’t have any secrets from you, Miss Belle.
We stopped at the end of the line; Claudia turned and looked at me. “Why don’t you text him?” she suggested.
I’d considered the same thing, but felt Joseph would let me know if anything were amiss. Communication hadn’t been the best between us lately.
Claudia’s grip on my hand tightened. She understood. Although she trusted and cared for Joseph, he’d always been one-dimensional to her because of the watch.
I pulled Claudia close. She brushed back my hair, fixing the cap on my head.
Let’s just hope we don’t run into Dr. Nicholson, I mentally said. I would keep an eye open, and I wouldn’t text Joseph just yet. I couldn’t think of a good reason Dr. Nicholson would be in attendance. Michael, Joseph, nor I would extend an invitation, and it wasn’t like him to invite himself to an event for the sake of socializing.
That’s a relief, Claudia said mentally.