Chapter 10

                                    

                                          
HANNAH
That voice. Again. 
Suddenly her throat was dry, very dry.
She quickly turned her head to the person standing at the bar with wide eyes. How long had she been there listening to their conversation?
Carmen was absolutely stunning in her pantsuit, Jules hadn't lied. It had to have been tailored to her exact measurements, because it was a perfect fit, hugging her curves as if she had been born with it on. 
In a very light, airy voice Hannah let out a small, "hi." 
With a charming smile similar to a car salesman, Carmen said, "Miss Nelson." 
So impeccably formal. It felt strange.
Hannah looked around and saw that no one else was with her. She came here alone. "Small world." 
Carmen hummed as she took a sip of the water Rhonda offered her. 
Rhonda's eyes darted from Carmen to Hannah before she winked. Hannah scrunched her face at her and waved her away. She didn't need this kind of torment. 
What did she do to deserve this anyway? And, why the hell couldn't she function like a normal person. Have one night with someone and not have it implode around her. Is that so difficult to ask? The one time she fools around with a stranger, where she believed she would never see them again, they end up being her boss. And not even just the boss, she ends up being the boss of everybody - the boss' boss. 
"Miss Nelson, I believe we need to have a chat." 
Hannah nodded to the table she had all of her things strewn across, and Carmen followed. And she cocked her head at the sight. "Do you frequent bars in the middle of your work day often?"
Hannah chuckled slightly while she put the unnecessary items back into her bag. "Well, this is work. So, it's probably not what you're thinking."
"And what would I be thinking?" 
"Well, it almost sounded like you thought I was drinking on the job." Hannah saw her eyes dart to the half full glass of sweet tea on the table. "Sweet tea." 
Carmen raised an eyebrow. 
"Honest. I don't generally day drink to begin with – at least not anymore. But, I mean if you don't believe me, go and ask Rhonda, or take a sip yourself." Hannah stuck a thumb out to point back at the bar where Rhonda was watching the two of them like a hawk. And, really, they've already done more than swap spit with one another, so tasting her drink wouldn't be too outrageous at this point.
Carmen didn't say anything. Her face was so hard to read, as if she had taken the time to learn how to mask her feelings. 
"So," Hannah started, and Carmen turned to look at her. Her gaze made Hannah feel like every aspect of herself was being judged meticulously. From her hair, to her makeup, to her outfit, to how she was standing. "How come you are at a bar in the middle of the work day? "
Carmen lifted her chin. "Miss Nelson." 
"You can call me Hannah."
"We are not on a first name basis." her voice was very low and raspy.
"O-okay." Hannah gave a quick nod. "Only a suggestion, for the simple fact that it reminds me of my mother. Not because I believe we are on a first name basis." 
"No matter what you may think, my name is on all of the letterheads for this company and that will never change." Hannah frowned. "I will not have someone like you ruin my chances here - no matter if people have told me you are good at your job."