Free Repeating History (History #1) by Hanleigh Bradley

account.”
    “That will interest her,” I grin at her gratefully.
    “Yes,” Clara nods happily, “she told me she would like to be a singer. Working the Lorrell Labs account is the closest I can get her to that goal.”
    “Thank you,” my voice catches. Her generosity amazes me. I press my fingers to my lips. I’m smiling now and my lips are tingling slightly as I recall the feel of her lips on mine in the lift. I don’t know how I could ever repay her for her kindness to my sister. I want to say more, to thank her again but I can’t because the room is filling now. The TRW directors all grinning and laughing happily as they take their seats. I take a last glance at Clara, using her face to sooth my anxious heart, I breathe deeply before beginning, “as you all know Landon is currently in L.A. following last week’s tragic events. Miss Stone is still in the ICU and Landon plans to stay with her until she is well enough to return home.”
    There are nods of understanding. The laughter that had filled the room moments ago is gone now. I’m surprised by how confident my voice sounds. I sound in charge. I can do this, I tell myself. I glance once more at Clara but her focus is on the notebook on the table in front of her, “in the meantime we need to look after Mr Peters’ company for him. John, tell us about the Toys Barrel account.”
    John responds in exactly the same way he would to Landon; with a slight stutter and a nervous smile before blurting out an overwhelming amount of information. I smile kindly at him as I try to follow his words.

 
     
     
     
     
     
     
    CHAPTER five: Clara
     
     
    I impatiently tap my fingers on the conference table in front of me. Andrew glances towards me but I keep my eyes averted. I can’t look at him. I pick up my pen and start fiddling with it as I hear Andrew talk to John. I can’t believe he kissed me. My stomach is churning. I can’t help but wonder what sort of game he is playing. Of course, it has to be a game, everything is a game with Andrew Contius. Before I started working here, I hadn’t thought he had a serious bone in his body. Now, I’m less sure but I’m no less convinced he will never be serious about me. I’m just a play thing; something to tease and laugh at. To Andrew, my sole purpose in life is to keep him entertained. My thoughts are spiralling. They are convoluted and unclear. I hear Andrew calling to me through the muddle of my brain, “Delos, tell us about the Lorrell Labs account.”
    His request has caught me off guard enough that I look up at him momentarily before glancing back down at my notepad. I’m blushing. I’m angry that he probably knows how much his kiss has knocked me off centre. He’s probably enjoying this. I breathe in and out before launching into my explanation. “I’ve got Lauren and Kenneth working on it,” I start out. I’m proud to hear my voice is steady. I just wish my heart rate was as calm, “my intern Maya is working alongside them. We have a new model Allison Hudson.”
    “What happened to Lucy Tolle?” one of the other directors asks.
    Andrew answers for me, “she’s back in rehab.”
    There is the sound of a mass sigh throughout the conference room. “Is there anything we can do to help her?” one of the older directors takes me by surprise.
    “Not at the moment,” Andrew replies, “we’ve sent a fruit basket. What else Clara?”
    “Er, so we’re currently arranging a photo shoot with Allison and Lucas O’Donnell,” I tell them referring to the photographer we have on retainer. “I’m also looking into doing some short videos with some of Lorrell Labs artists...”
    “Interesting,” Andrew is nodding his head.
    “But Emerson Lorrell is a nightmare to get a hold of,” I complain.
    “Don’t give up,” he’s smiling at me and it’s making my heart race. It’s a genuine smile and it’s so different to the smiles he gave me as a child, “Delos, I’d like you to look after my