Arden shook her head. “No clue. Maybe we’re getting certified in champagne saber techniques.”
Fatima let out a low laugh. “Wouldn’t put it past him.”
Marco leaned on the bar, coffee in hand, eyes half-lidded. “If we’re here this early, it’s gotta be serious. Somebody must’ve butchered inventory.”
“Doubt it,” Arden muttered, her attention snagging on something further down the room.
She gave Fatima a nudge and tilted her head. “Does that really scream emergency staff meeting to you?”
Fatima followed her line of sight, then blinked.
Pastries lined a long table, warm and golden. Bright fruit spilled from polished bowls, the scent of cinnamon, butter, and coffee wrapping around her like a promise. Even a mimosa bar sparkled nearby, subtle jazz humming low in the background. The setup looked more like a brunch ad than anything corporate.
“What in the…” Fatima started, but her words trailed off as Gideon emerged from his office.
He moved through the room with his usual composed air, but…
Something was different.
Still authoritative. Still restrained.
But lighter.
He looked like a man just in from the cold; tense, but thawing at the edges.
His gaze skimmed the group, then lingered on Arden. Whatever passed between them… she couldn’t name it, but it landed all the same.
“Good morning,” he said, voice smooth but just a hair off, like the phrase didn’t fit right in his mouth.
“I know this wasn’t what you pictured when I asked you in early,” he went on. “But I figured it was time to change things up.”
Fatima leaned toward Arden, whispering, “Is he… smiling? Am I hallucinating?”
Arden elbowed her, fighting her own smile as Gideon went on.
“This isn’t a meeting,” he clarified. “It’s a thank-you. You all work hard—harder than most. And it doesn’t go unnoticed.”
His fingers flexed at his sides, like he was unfamiliar, uncomfortable even, with this vulnerability.
“I’ve… realized lately that I don’t say that enough.” His gaze flicked, for the briefest moment, to Arden. “So, consider this brunch a small gesture of appreciation.”
A murmur rippled through the group—surprised, amused, but mostly pleased.
Marco lifted his cup with a wide grin. “Look at that. The man bleeds after all.”
Gideon gave him a dry look, but the corner of his mouth tipped up. “Try not to ruin the moment, Marco.”
“This is new,” Fatima whispered. Arden didn’t disagree. Whatever it was, it stirred warmth beneath her ribs.
Arden shook her head, but warmth spread through her chest. “Not my idea. But he’s full of surprises.”
Gideon caught the exchange, lifting a brow.
Arden caught his eye, a crooked grin playing at her lips. “Trying to win us over, Blackwell?”
He didn’t look away. Not right away. Something quiet flickered behind those eyes.
The question was light, almost teasing.
