“When we got wind of it, the team rallied in a big way.We didn’t want the city to lose that piece of its history.We looked into ways to keep the market but make better use of the parking lot space.There had been some hydroponic farms going up in bigger cities across the country, so we thought, what the hell?Let’s give it a whirl.We got the proposal done infivedays.It was intense, but worth it.”
“Impressive.The space is beautiful, too,” Marco said.
“It is.It was designed by a local architect.He’s done work all over the world, but we caught him when he was home for an extended stint.Carter Cassidy.Have you heard of him?”
“Oh, I have!He’s incredibly talented.I’ve only seen pictures, but it’s on my bucket list to see the building he designed in Tokyo.”Callie shifted her attention from me to Marco and waggled her eyebrows.“Super-hot, too.”
I bristled.Now I was jealous of men that weren’t even here.
“Hotandtalented?Sign me up!”Marco said.Trevor swatted him playfully on the arm.
* * *
After finishingour lunch—one that was more relaxed and enjoyable than any I’d had in a long time—we parted ways.Marco and Trevor headed to their respective offices while Callie and I walked in companionable silence back to Price Industries.
Before we reached the lobby, she spoke.“I’m sorry if that was awkward.Marco means well, but he can be kind of...a lot.”
“Not at all.I like seeing you outside of work.Getting to know you better.”
I opened the door for her.As we approached the turnstiles, the blonde-haired receptionist grinned at us.“Hello, Mr.Price.Hi Callie!Enjoy lunch?”
“We did, Sarah,” Callie said.“Thanks!”
“Call me Mr.Price one more time, Sarah?—”
“And I’m fired.I know, I know.”Sarah rolled her eyes, and the three of us laughed.
Callie turned to me and said, “Hey, I need to ask Sarah a quick question.I’ll see you up there.”
“Oh, sure, no problem.”Why was I so disappointed that we wouldn’t get to share another elevator ride?Clearly you like spending time alone in confined spaces with her.
Callie meandered toward the desk and began speaking with Sarah.I watched them interact for a moment before realizing I looked like a total creep.I walked straight through the turnstile.The security guard opened it for me so I wouldn’t be subjected to the indignity of using my key card like a mere mortal.
My first stop was The Common.I needed to pay a visit to my trusty assistant before returning to my office for afternoon meetings.
“Good afternoon, my beautiful, brilliant assist?—”
“You have a visitor in your office,” Meredith said, not looking up from her computer.
I pouted.“You didn’t let me finish my compliment.”
“Because you have more important things to do than butter me up.”
“Nothing is more important than reminding you how much I truly cherish you and your delightful disposition.”
“Are you finished?”
“I guess,” I grumbled.“Who’s here?”
“It’s a surprise.”
Fantastic.
I rapped my knuckles on her desk and strolled through the glass doors.Security hated when I left them propped open, but I couldn’t stand the stuffiness of locked up spaces.And Meredith was loyal to me, not security, so the doors stayed open.
As I walked down the hall, I couldn’t see anyone sitting in either of the chairs across from my desk.It was a strategic placement; potential visitors couldn’t see me, but I could see them.I could prepare myself with the right greeting.
The minute I entered my office and looked around, I understood why no one was seated in the guest chairs.My little sister, Meghan, was sitting in my chair, feet propped up on my desk, swiveling back and forth.
