“Oh my goodness, of course,” I gushed, then caught myself. “But just please know that that isn’t why I came over here.”
“I believe you. I haven’t made a decision about which agency we’ll work with next. I wouldn’t want to miss out on an opportunity just because we didn’t… hit it off this morning.”
He was smirking, but I couldn’t contradict him.
“When do you want me to drop by your office? I’mcompletely flexible.” That wasn’t exactly true, but I’d make it work.
“I’ll talk to my assistant and see what’s available. In fact, why don’t you give me your phone number? That way, in case anything unexpected comes up, I can let you know so you don’t waste your time waiting again.”
“Great idea.” I couldn’t believe I was lucky enough to exchange numbers with Beckett LeBlanc. Wait until I told Josh!
“Perfect. I’ll be in touch,” he said.
“You can even call me on short notice, and I’ll make time.”
He raised a brow. “Are you so accommodating with all potential clients?”
“No. But then again, I’m not so awful to them either.”
Beckett burst out laughing, and I started to laugh too. His eyes were even more playful than before.
“I like someone who owns up to their mistakes, Piper.” He pointed between the two of us. “This is what I’m usually hoping for in a collaboration, for us to hit it off. Between this and what I remember from your pitch this morning, we’re going in the right direction.”
My heart was beating faster than ever now. I was elated that we might work together. And on a personal note, I was also looking forward to seeinghimagain too.
What was up with that?
CHAPTER 6
PIPER
Over the weekend,I caught up on some emails for clients. I had six others besides Beckett at the moment, and I wouldn’t lie—it was a bit much. But right now I was on my way to the spa, so I put all thoughts of work aside for the time being. I couldn’t wait to spend a few hours with Mom today.
She told me all about her rough week at work. Despite her age, she didn’t want to retire. She worked as a sales director at a shipping company and enjoyed it, but lately it was becoming more stressful. She gave me all the details while we got facials—much to the chagrin of the beauticians—but she managed to relax later in the sauna.
We’d had a great time, and I was so glad that I’d planned this for her birthday celebration. It was late by the time I arrived home, so I slept in and then lazed about on Sunday, finishing up a few work-related things here and there.
On Monday morning, I was in a great mood at work. Not only was I back in the running to sign Beckett as a client, but I’d also found the perfect way to cheer my mom up: I sent a box of pralines to her office. They were supposed to arrive at ten o’clock, and it was now five after. I got a text from her two minutes later.
Mom: Darling, thank you! You just made my day.
I grinned as I replied.
Piper: Mission accomplished.
My mom wasn’t just my mom. She was my best friend as well. I wished she’d slow down a bit with work, but then again, who was I to say anything? After all, the apple didn’t fall far from the tree.
As I was about to put my phone down, it buzzed again, and my heart somersaulted. I had a message from Beckett.
Beckett: How about meeting at headquarters tomorrow afternoon?”
I immediately opened my calendar, hoping I didn’t have anything scheduled. I really wanted to see Beckett again.
No, Piper. You want to pitch him again. Two different things.
I was just happy I was in the running. That was all. Did it explain why my heart was beating faster? Maybe it was simply adrenaline.
I had a meeting at four o’clock, but I could move that to the morning.
