She’s baited me, and even though I knew she would, I came prepared to walk right into her trap.
Priya Anand is ruthless. Blunt, brilliant, and easily one of my favorite people to work with. I closed my first six-figure contractwith her eight years ago, and every renewal since has come with a drink, a smile, a pricey steak, and a list of fresh demands.
She wouldn’t lie to me. I’ve built a deeply trusted relationship with her. When she says the new CFO is a tight-ass and she’s found a cheaper service, I believe her. We’re not the cheapest. But I also know she won’t get what she gets with me anywhere else—the best experience.
Her lips press tight together. “Fuck me.”
She’s also crude as hell—mid-forties, single, and capable of taking even the toughest New Yorkers by the balls.
I lean back in my chair, folding my arms. “Nah. You know I have a wife, Priya. Besides, it wouldn’t be good for business—you know, long term.”
She lets out a soft laugh. “See? That’s what I like about you. You’re loyal.” She pauses, takes a breath, and lets it out slow. “You always did know how to go for the kill.”
Shaking her head, she picks up her glass and brings it to her lips, a wry smile peeking through the rim. “Fine.” She sips her drink and sets it down. “I’ll think about it. Let me run some numbers when I get back to the office. I’ll get back to you by Monday.”
Yes.She doesn’t have to think about it. That’s just the game she plays. It’s a done deal.
“As always, you have my appreciation,” I reply.
“I didn’t say it was a sure thing.”
I take a bite of my steak. “I know.” But I say it with such arrogance, she just shakes her head, amusement flashing in her eyes.
She glances at her watch. “Shit. I gotta run. We good?”
I nod. “We’re good.”
She stands, pushing in her chair. “I’ll get back to you Monday. Let you know my decision.”
“Looking forward to another great year.”
“We’ll see.” She smirks as she turns and walks away, leaving half her steak untouched, but her drink demolished.
As soon as she’s out of sight, I lean back in my chair and blow out a breath. That’s a weight off my shoulders.
I pull out my phone. I’ve got a dozen messages and emails from work—but all I care about is the text from Alley.
Alley
Thank you for lunch. That was sweet. How’d your meeting with Priya go?
A grin stretches across my face. It feels like things are falling back into place—slowly, but surely.
You’re welcome. I just wish I could’ve eaten with you. Fed Priya right from my palm. She said she’d get back to me Monday, but she’s in.
I DoorDashed lunch to Alley at the hospital. Her dad’s been there ten days now. He’s stable, but she still barely leaves. Hopefully, he’ll get to go home sometime next week.
After I close my tab, I’m calling my sponsor, heading to an AA meeting, and then to the airport. It’s Friday, and I’m planning to spend the weekend at Matt’s place in Chicago again. I’m hoping Alley might let me take her out, maybe even get her to sleep in a real bed. It doesn’t have to be mine, though that’d be fucking great.
But I’m not pushing. I know she needs time, and I’m letting her take the lead.
The server drops the check at the table. I sign, leave a fat tip, and silently pray no one at work takes a second look at this receipt.
I slip into my coat and head outside. I step onto the sidewalk and raise my hand for a cab, then freeze. My gaze locks on the bar across the street.Whiskey’s.
My lips twitch into a half-smile.
I pull my phone from my back pocket, snap a picture, and send it to Alley.
