Teagan’s admission seemed to have settled him, and his shoulders visibly relaxed. “I do. Or rather, I did. But as of today, I’m back full time.” He gave all three women a cautious professional smile. “I’m looking forward to getting back to work.”
“I’m glad to hear that,” Modeline said, sounding sincere. “And I’m happy to hear you’re getting help.” She looked over at Darcy. “Welcome. My assistant manages the office assignments, so if you need one to work out of, just speak to him.”
“Thank you,” said Darcy. This was going as well as she could have possibly imagined.
“Wait, this makes sense, actually,” Nora said, still processing, thumb tapping her lips. “Is that why you snuck out of that reception at the Whitney last month? Because there wasn’t an open bar?”
Teagan looked at a spot on the wall, his cheeks turning pink. “I don’t think that’s related, actually. I didn’t even notice. I just had to leave early.”
“I’m sure things must have come to a crisis for you to consider rehab. Your mother never did, you know.”
“I know,” Teagan said stubbornly. “But I wasn’t drinking at... work events.”
Nora’s face was smoothly skeptical. “Of course not.”
“I didn’t.” Teagan raised his voice, looked over at the receptionist, then back at the trio. “I don’t know what the message has been while I’ve been gone, but let’s get this straight. I would never do anything to put the foundation’s mission at risk, and I am going to do everything to mitigate my situation’s effect on my work.”
“I’m sure this is a lot on your first day back. We can talk tomorrow,” Nora said, unperturbed.
“I’m fine,” Teagan said, tone insistent. “We can talk now, since you’re here. Any questions you have, either about the foundation or my ability to work, I’m happy to answer them.”
Maybe this was closer to what Darcy had imagined. She edged toward Teagan, wondering if she needed to extract him.
“Oh, you’re so sweet, but I’m just happy to see you’re doing better,” Nora said.
Rose had recovered from her surprise, but her expression was displeased. She crossed her arms and squinted up at Teagan, mouth twisting pensively.
Teagan registered the look but purposefully disregarded it, keeping his attention on Nora instead. “What brought you to the office today though?” he asked.
“I had a breakfast meeting with the ladies,” Nora said, inclining her head at Rose and Modeline. “Looking at our cash needs for the next fiscal year. Reviewing some of the illiquid assets.”
“I see,” Teagan said, eyes flicking to Rose in a moment of anger. “I would have met you for it if it had been on my calendar. I got back last night.”
“We scheduled this meeting two weeks ago,” Rose said defensively, arms not budging.
“No need to worry,” Nora said airily. “We can catch up for dinner some night this week. Just text me. I actually have to run right now. I have to get up to MoMA. Second donor affinity group meeting on acquisitions this month, if you can believe it. Busy, busy,” She waited for murmurs of due appreciation.
“I’ll be in the office all week,” Teagan said. “Just call my extension. Happy to talk at any time.”
Nora smiled noncommittally. She bid everyone farewell, then kiss-kissed on Teagan’s cheeks for the second time. “So sorry to hear about the alcoholism. I’m glad to see you looking well though.”
She didn’t look at Darcy again. Darcy decided she didn’t like her.
Darcy wasn’t looking forward to meeting the woman again at dinner, if that happened.
Was she going to be invited to this dinner?
Of course she was. Teagan couldn’t go off somewhere where alcohol was served without her.
Having spent a moment working through it, Darcy decided that every job had its hazards, and socialites were less dangerous than bears. She resolved to wear makeup and something more professional than her “Coronado is for Lovers” T-shirt when the dinner happened.
As soon as Nora’s elevator was gone, Teagan looked at Rose, expression stormy. “If we could talk for a moment in my office?” he asked, tone excruciatingly polite but redolent of icy fury.
Darcy stiffened, because she’d never seen him take that tone toward anyone. From the look on Rose’s face, she wasn’t familiar with it either.
“Of course,” Rose said, not cowed.
Teagan gave Darcy a tight smile before he turned toward the lobby’s exit. “I’ll check in with you in a few,” he said. “Just ask Modeline’s assistant, Kevin, if you need something.”
