Warren nodded again. “Is that why he only signed a nine-month contract? Seems a bit odd.”
She could be honest and tell him that she had suggested the short terms. She could tell him it was a test for them both to see if they could work together. Or she could keep the reason to herself.
Warren didn’t have to know the why, and there was no reason for him to be questioning her like this unless he was fishing for information. What type of information she wasn’t sure. Maybe he sensed she was thinking about leaving and starting her own firm.
“That’s what the client wanted,” she said, stretching the truth.
If Warren followed up with Tristan, she already knew her ex would say something similar. Then he’d tell her about the conversation. Even if they hadn’t been in touch in years, Cree already knew Tristan was protective of her. Always had been, which was something she had loved about him. Despite knowing she could take care of herself, he’d always been willing and ready to come to her defense.
The other day, he had sensed the tension between her and Warren and had questioned her about him. If he had picked up on it in the few minutes he had spent with the guy, then Warren’s behavior lately wasn’t just her imagination.
“He has some impressive endorsement offers that will make this firm an obscene amount of money.” She shrugged like it wasn’t a big deal, when in fact it was a huge deal. The money she and the firm would make off those deals was incredible. “I would think the bottom line would be what’s most important to you right now. So why all the questions?”
Before Warren could respond, someone knocked on the door. Cree really didn’t care about whatever he was going to say, and this interruption couldn’t have come at a better time.
“Come in,” she called out and stood just as Shantel entered with a large paper bag.
She lifted it up by the handles, a twinkle in her eyes as she said, “Your lunch just arrived.”
Cree hadn’t ordered lunch. Yet this was just the distraction she needed.
“Oh good. Right on time,” she said, wondering if there was really something in the bag. It didn’t matter. She was going to make sure Shantel got a big, fat bonus this year.
The woman was a godsend and always came through for Cree when she least expected. It was easy to forget Shantel didn’t work just for her. She worked for all the partners. She was so efficient in everything she did and always predicted what Cree needed or wanted before being asked. She’d been with the firm for almost eight years, and right now, she was Cree’s favorite person.
“Warren, I assume we’re done here,” Cree said when he didn’t move.
“Yes, I guess we are.” He eventually stood and moved around Shantel toward the door. “Keep me posted regarding Whitmore.”
Cree folded her arms across her chest and frowned. “Why? I don’t usually have to report to you regarding my clients. Why now?”
“Because he’s now one of our most high-profile clients, and I want to make sure he’s treated right. When other athletes realize he’s acquired our services, they might follow. So don’t mess this up.”
Anger boiled inside of Cree. Normally, their private conversations stayed behind closed doors where their support staff couldn’t hear, but since he started it…
“First of all, I’m a partner here too, and I know how to take care of my clients, high-profile or not. Which is why they come to me. They know how good I am at my job,” she snapped. If his flinching at her tone was any indication, her words came out harsher than she intended. “I don’t know what this is all about, Warren—you coming in here questioning me—but understand, I’ve been at this a long time, and I know what I’m doing. Enjoy the rest of your day,” she said dismissively and turned her attention to Shantel.
Warren stormed out without another word, and Cree took several deep breaths to gather herself. She was going to have to watch her back with that guy.
“Thanks for the save,” Cree said quietly to Shantel. “Sorry you had to hear all that.”
“No problem, and just so you know, anything I heard stays right here.”
“I appreciate that, and…” Before Cree could continue, the scent of bacon, garlic and other delicious spices met her nose as Shantel handed her the bag. “Wait, you really did order me lunch?”
What surprised Cree more when she peeked into the bag was the meal had come from her favorite Puerto Rican restaurant. There were two jibarito sandwiches inside. These weren’t just any sandwiches. These were jibarito plantain burgers.
“Oh my goodness, I could kiss you right now!” Cree practically squealed. She hadn’t had one in months, maybe even a year.
Fried green plantains were used instead of bread, and the sandwich contained a couple of beef patties, glazed bacon, cheese, tomatoes, lettuce, and a garlicky mayo that was to die for.
“Umm, I didn’t order the lunch,” Shantel said, a huge grin on her face as she pulled a note from behind her back. “But I was given strict instructions to make sure you got it, and my favorite part is you have to share it with me.” She laughed and handed Cree the card. “So one of those sandwiches is mine, and by your reaction, I can’t wait to eat it.”
Cree skimmed the card and almost whimpered at the words in Tristan’s handwriting.
If I know you, you probably skip more lunches than you eat. Here’s a little something for you and Shantel because, if she has to put up with you every day, I’m sure she deserves a free meal.
Cree couldn’t help but laugh. “That man,” she murmured.
