care for you, but I can’t let my desires get the best of me. I’m
sorry!” she exclaimed. Feeling ashamed, she quickly ran back towards the path
without looking back. She couldn’t bear to see Brad’s face and she hated
herself for coming. It was wrong to act on her feelings for Brad, and she knew
that now. Just because she was a whore for Justin, didn’t mean she could go running
around with other men.
It was almost pitch-black now and the darkness was becoming
eerie. As Mandy rounded one of the last corners she thought she saw a flash in
a nearby bush. She yelped and jumped back quickly, almost having a heart
attack. She squinted into the darkness making out a dark shape – almost like a
large dog. Mandy shook her head, hoping she was seeing things, she wasn’t about
to go investigating wild animals. A large dog or a wolf, and Mandy did not want
to think about any wolves being in this park, especially if it was Justin.
Mandy hurried to her car and jumped in, she would explain herself to Justin if
it became necessary, but for now she wanted nothing more than to put this night
behind her.
***
The following day, Mandy got into the office early so she
would be better prepared for the girls and for Justin. She still had an uneasy
feeling that Justin knew she had met Brad last night and she couldn’t shake the
thought from her mind. Feeling guilty certainly wasn’t going to help her case,
it would do better to act natural like nothing happened. Justin was a powerful
and busy man; he must have had bigger business to attend to other than follow
Mandy around in the evenings.
Relieved to see she had in fact arrived before the other
women, Mandy sat herself at her desk and began going through Justin’s schedule
for the day. It was fairly light, and he would be out of the office for part of
the day. Mandy couldn’t help the small feeling of relief knowing that he would
not be around to look at her guilty face. She also hoped that Meghan and Jen
could act normally. Mandy became engrossed in her work and she hardly noticed
as Jen and Meghan slipped in and quietly sat down to work. They mumbled their
hellos, but seemed much more subdued, which was preferable today.
Not long into the morning, Ally popped down the hall before
seating herself in front of Mandy.
“So, Justin has asked me to take you out this afternoon and
help with your wardrobe.” As Ally spoke, she had the decency to look at the
floor as if this request to help Mandy shop was embarrassing. Surely, Ally did
not mind one bit, but Mandy’s face flushed at the idea of someone needing to
help her pick out clothes.
“Well, okay,” Mandy said slowly, “He would know best if I
need to be in the office or not.”
Smiling and satisfied, Ally went back down the hall to her
desk.
“I can’t believe it’s a costume party!” Jen was whispering
to Meghan.
“I know! I don’t have any idea of what I’m going to wear!”
Meghan whispered back.
“What about you, Mandy? Do you know what you’re wearing
yet?” Jen asked kindly.
“Actually, I sort of forgot about it. I guess I’ll need to
dig through my closet and look for something.”
Jen let out a small giggle and Meghan looked like her eyes
might pop out of her head.
“You’re not going to buy something new?” Jen asked
incredulously.
“Oh, well, I wasn’t-“ Mandy tried to backtrack. Once again,
she felt completely out of the loop. Obviously, she had no clue of the dress code
de rigueur. “I mean, yes, I guess I’ll buy something then,” she said stiffly,
her mind already racing to what ridiculous purchase she may need to make. She
made a mental note to consult Ally on this issue when they were out this
afternoon.
No longer could Mandy dwell on her costume dilemma, as
Justin came sweeping down the hall, his gaze cold and steely, but not so
unusual.
“Meghan! Jen!” he snapped. Both girls jumped out of their
chairs and followed Justin into his office, but not before shooting