I snapped a picture of my painted toes at the end of the tub, showcasing the beautiful view I had.I was lucky to live here, to call this place my home.
Ford: Enjoying the hot tub?
Natasha: It's the best feature of my apartment.And the view is spectacular.
Ford: If only you'd let me upgrade your place.
I smiled.
Natasha: Maybe one day.
But not today.I was nothing if not practical.I didn't need fancy or full upgrades to be comfortable, even if it would have been nice.
Ford: Is that balcony private?
Natasha: I'm wearing a suit if that's what you're asking.
It was quieter on this side of the building.But I'd never gotten into my hot tub naked.
Ford: That's a shame.
Natasha: We're working together, remember?
He'd flirt with me when we were kids, and we'd mess around on the phone when we couldn't be together.But this wasn't that.
We worked together.He shouldn't be commenting on my state of dress.
Ford: You're the one who sent a picture of your bare toes in the water.
Natasha: It was to showcase the view.
It was a common angle for pictures on social media.But I could see how it was suggestive.
Ford called, and I answered, grateful it wasn't a video call.The jets hummed around me, and every muscle began the slow process of loosening.The tension had been coiled tight during that meeting."Was everyone on board with the parade?"
I let my hand float over the water."Not everyone.But a majority of the owners were."
"That's good."
"Eve did a good job handling their questions and concerns."
"I bet you did too."His voice rumbled in my chest, dislodging the remaining tension that hovered there.
I liked to think I was good with people, but Eve had always outshone me."I think we alleviated their concerns or at least broadcasted that the lines of communication were open.We're willing to hear them out."
"So the parade's happening?"
"I was thinking we could do it the weekend after Thanksgiving, or the first weekend in December.We could coordinate it with the official tree-lighting ceremony."
"Isn't your tree always lit?"
"It's a ceremonial thing."I was aware that it seemed a little anticlimactic, and I was looking for ways to make it more special.Could we bring in an ice rink for the square?
"I suppose you could make it special."
"We can have carolers and a hot chocolate stand."It was fairly tame as far as events were concerned.But I'd let Eve figure out something extra to wow our guests.
It was nice that Ford called to check on me, but it blurred the lines between business partners and something else.
