Chapter 48
Robert's Point of View
Olivia was standing in front of my desk, astonishment etched on her face like a map of confusion following my sudden decision. She said in a voice trying to regain its professionalism:
"Fine, Mr. Robert... I will go immediately to tell Patricia and Sam to prepare Julie for the customer."
I answered her with a cold calmness, without lifting my eyes from the papers in front of me:
"No need for that."
A short silence prevailed before bewilderment became clear on her face. She said, stuttering:
"But... the customer is coming today!"
I took out my cigarette and lit it slowly, then replied with a single word that summarized everything:
"Yes."
Olivia looked like someone who had lost the ability to speak; she was trying to understand how I would present Julie to a customer without any preparation. Then she added:
"I will ask the nurse, then, to give her birth control pills before his arrival."
