One Week (HaleStorm) by Elisabeth Staab

like worrying about a hangnail when we’re dodging bullets. Frankly, given the number of people who were screwing Dad over I don’t know how this place stayed afloat.”
    “Unfortunately, corruption happens high up in companies sometimes. Absolute power and all that jazz.”
    Michael shook his head, looking at the bid again. He flicked his finger at the paper in front of him. “Hmm. I wonder if it’s a loss-leader.”
    Tom stepped forward. “I’m sorry?”
    “Like when the grocery store marks one product down to almost nothing and puts it on the front of the sale flier so you’ll come in and buy a ton of other shit.”
    Tom smiled slightly. “Michael Hale, bargain shopper?”
    “Quiet, you.” He squinted, willing his brain to cough up more puzzle pieces. “Do me a favor and see if you can find any other projects for the same agency Microstrive might have bid on. Maybe they’re trying to roll this one into the deal.”
    Tom rapped his knuckles on the doorframe. “Will do. Oh.” He turned back. “Elise came looking for you earlier. I think I answered her questions, but I’m letting you know to be certain. Also, Becca came in pretending to be concerned about your mental state.”
    “Shit.” Michael clunked his head on the back of his chair. “What did Becca say?”
    “You might not be making good decisions now, blah, blah. I gave her a friendly ear and sent her away. Told her to sign the papers and move on.”
    “Great.” Mike shook his head. “God willing, she listened this time. Thanks for your help, man.”
    “Anytime.”
    Michael was halfway to the conference room to find Elise when he remembered she’d been on her way to have coffee with her friend when he last saw her. He pressed down the burst of irritation and disquiet that reared its ugly head. She probably wouldn’t be back yet, but her confident presence would be appreciated right now.
    Instead of tracking down Elise, he pulled out his phone to determine himself who he could meet with at Microstrive. He would not lie down and let someone steal his company’s hard-earned work.
    ***
    O n Elise’s walk back from having coffee, snow began to fall in those fat flakes that loved to get all up in her hair. She ducked into HaleStorm’s lobby bathroom to get herself together, renewed by her break with Jeff. Hopeful.
    Tomorrow the building would empty for Thanksgiving. As far as she knew Michael had no plans to leave town, which could prove tricky. A little distance might have saved them both from things being uncomfortable. They’d agreed to leave their one night together as only that, and the trouble was Elise had found herself revisiting the experience over and over throughout the day. Harder to forget Michael’s hands on her in the light of day than she’d convinced herself it would be the night before. Hard not to look at him and remember all the heat between them.
    She hoped nobody noticed.
    On the upside, she’d completed more than half the work, and now a long holiday weekend lay ahead. She’d hunker down in peace with or without Michael here to help, hand over everything he needed to present to the client, and be out the door.
    Walking away might sting a little, but she’d do it with her dignity still intact. This time.
    Elise was about to exit the bathroom stall when the outer door creaked and the crack of stilettos marched across the floor. “Supposedly he was in meetings. I’m still his wife, you’d think he’d have the time to step out to speak to me, you know? Take a break, you’re in charge of the company for fuck’s sake.” Something like a sniff and a rustling of paper towels. “Yeah. I waited around in HR for awhile, but they suggested I try back later.”
    Elise stopped with her hand on the door latch. Was that...? She moved to peer through the door. It was. Michael’s ex. Damn. Damn, damn, damn. She put her hand over her mouth. What the hell should she do? Leave? Eavesdrop? Okay, she should leave.
    The sink turned