He practically threw his license at the poor woman. She was fully frowning at him now, and I couldn’t resist butting in to gloat at his expense.
“Aw, Flyboy, I didn’t realize waiting five minutes was such a herculean task for you. Should I grab you a juice box and some crayons to pass the time?”
Harrison turned to me. “Flyboy?”
“If you prefer the other nickname, I’d be happy to use that one.”
I glanced over at the receptionist and caught her tiny grin. Yeah, she looked like a Rushie; she got it.
“Um, I also need to take your photo, for your badge,” she said tentatively as she pushed his ID back across the desk. “Please stand here, in front of the camera,” she gestured.
“Youliterallyjust had my license in your hand,” Harrison thundered. “You know I’m who I say I am. This isn’t the Pentagon—what’s with all the security?”
“Are you seriously giving her grief for building policy?” I asked him, pointing to the woman who was now cowering in her chair. “She’s doing her job, let her take the damn photo.”
“It’s policy,” she echoed meekly. “Just stand in the red box taped on the floor.”
Harrison heaved a sigh and walked to the designated spot.
“Smile!” I coached cheerfully.
He glanced over at me with narrowed eyes right as the flash popped, practically snarling.
“Just one more second,” the receptionist said as she pulled the badge off the printer and affixed a clip to it. “Please wear this at all times while you’re in the building.”
I leaned closer to scrutinize the photo as she handed it to Harrison and broke into a laugh so loud it echoed around the lobby. The blurry black-and-white image made him look feral.
“Oh my God, that photo isamazing,” I said, still laughing. “Great shot! When you’re finished with the badge, can I have it? I could use it to scare away small children and animals.” And looking at it would make a helluva cold shower without actually getting wet.
The receptionist winked at me. “Mr. Ashford, you’re on floor thirty-two.”
He grimaced as he glanced at the badge.
“Looks like we’re sharing an elevator up,” I said over my shoulder as I walked away. “Unless you want to stay down here and take another glamour shot for your modeling portfolio.”
I could hear Harrison grumbling as he followed me to the elevators. The moment we stepped on and the doors shut, Harison yanked the badge off and stuffed it in his pocket.
“Uh-uh,” I chastised. “You need to wear that at all times.”
“Youneed to stop talking,” he said while scowling at me. “Am I going to be subjected to you in the meeting too?”
I shrugged just to fuck with him. I already knew the answer was no, but why not stress him out for as long as possible? Then again, I also knew the only person at our firm who could figure out how to help him was me.
Might as well gloat a little.
“Before you go in, I want to make sure you understand thateverythingthey’re going to suggest will be the wrong approach.”
Harrison frowned at me. “And why do you say that?”
“It’s a firm full of men. That’s fine for the athletes and corporate conglomerate clients, but your scenario needs a different vibe.”
“Do you know what they’re planning?”
I snorted. “Not officially. My bosses would consider you above my pay grade. But I’ll bet you a hundred bucks Alan is going to be waiting for you in the reception area in a Hermes tie with an airplane pattern on it, because that’s the kind of sucking up he thinks is subtle and charming.
“And he’s going to suggest that you do some sort of vague social media apology video where you read a script that’s carefully written so youdon’tactually apologize. He’ll probably want her music playing in the background. And you’ll have to wear a tiara.”
His head jerked back. “What? Why?”
