"I don't hate it."
Good to know.Verygood to know.
…
When it finally ends, a few people drift over. Polite smiles, neutral voices, the usual nonsense. Then one of the older women, a board member, looks between us with a smirk.
"There's something between you two," she says lightly. "Opposites with teeth," she adds, clearly enjoying herself. "Keep that going. It'll play well at the next summit." She walks away before either of us can answer.
So I raise my glass of water in his direction, subtle, almost lazy. "To the golden boy and the disappointment," I murmur. "Perfect little partnership, isn't it?"
"You're not a disappointment, Gio. You just love acting like one."
I smile. Wide. Because that? That almost sounded personal. And we're just getting started.
8) You Dating Someone?
Rava
I'm gathering my things, making sure my notes are neat, my pen capped, my phone silent.
The elevator doors close and suddenly it's just me and him.
A nightmare in metal box form. Please, God, any god, all gods, keep Gio's mouth shut for the entire ride.
I stare at the floor, the ceiling, the corner, anywhere but his face. Then I make the mistake of glancing up. He's right across from me, staring straight at me.
Stop looking into my soul, you freak.
And of course, he opens his mouth. "Remember when you were little and too shy to disagree with me?" he says. "I'm almost proud of what you pulled today."
I let out the most dramatic sigh of my life.
"I'm not ten anymore," I mutter. "And I'm not scared of you, Gio."
"Good for you," he says, all casual. "I just wanted to tell you you've still got the same expression. You're kinda cute."
"Stop. Nothing about me is cute."
He smirks. "Rava... you dating someone?"
Oh my God. This elevator is too slow. I'm going to sue the entire building. "That's none of your business," I say.
He grins wider. "Is it a girl or a guy?"
"I'm straight. Leave me alone."
He raises both hands like he's surrendering. "Hey, I didn't say anything. Not my fault where your mind goes. But damn, noted." I stare at the floor again.
If hell has an elevator, this is it. I roll my eyes.
He takes a step closer. "You know, Rav... I think I might have missed you."
"Don't."
"Don't what?"
"Don't call me that."
