She crosses her arms and bites the corner of her lip. “I guess it’s probably a good idea. I need to get to know you, so I don’t look like an utter fool in front of my family if they ask a question about your upbringing or your parents.”
“Parent,” I correct. “Just my mom.”
She nods, but refrains from asking about my dad. “I’ll be there. Text me the time and address.” She takes her phone from the table and slips it into her pocket. “Would you like a drink for the road? Water, coffee?—”
I raise my eyebrows teasingly. “Kombucha?”
A smile plays on her lips. “Have you ever been to a barbershop that offers beer to its clients?”
“Yes.”
She strides to the conference room door and opens it. “That’s because they know their audience.”
“And you know yours?”
“Precisely.”
I go to pass through the door, but something happens.She doesn’t move aside in time, and I end up brushing against her. She quietly gasps, and I pause to look at her. My nearness awards me an upfront view of her chest, rising and falling in an unnaturally fast rhythm.
As is mine, but add in clammy palms and a lump in my throat. “Paisley?—”
Her head shakes quickly. “I’ll see you on Wednesday. Cecily will be in touch to get the ball rolling on your account.”
I take one last look at her, then leave.
The sun is bright, harsh, ripping me from the haze I felt in Paisley’s presence. It’s probably a good thing. She disarms me.
CHAPTER 10
Klein
Dom’s reactionwhen I tell him about the harebrained plan disappoints me. I’d needed someone to back me up, to tell me I’m doing the right thing and this will one hundred percent get me that publishing deal. I wanted a hype-man. Instead, he says:
Isn’t this the girl you had a massive crush on in college?
Yes, but that’s been over for a long time.
If you say so. Just seems like playing with fire.
Do you have a better way for me to fix my social media problem?
Problem, or phobia?
I’ll bet you a hundred bucks I make it through the week with nothing but an expanded waistline from all the food and drink.
And the cake.
You sound like my sister. What’s with this family and cake?
It’s CAKE.
Forget the cake. What do you think about the plan?
There’s nowhere to go but up. Unless you crash and burn. But let’s not think about that.
I tuck my phone in my pocket. It’s a good thing Dom doesn’t live down the street from me like he used to. I’d show up at his door and pop him on the jaw.
