“Not everyone can be a saint,” he told his father. “Maybe we can’t all live up to you.”
“Aw c’mon, I don’t mean it that way,” his dad had answered gruffly.
Too late.
The words stuck with Phoenix.
From his afterlife, his dad had offered a way to heal the rift. Phoenix wondered,Are you suggesting Orchid as a way to make up for hawking antacids?
Liv kept talking, seemingly unaware of Phoenix’s buried grief. “Orchid Paige called to ask for time. I told her I’d check with you.” Her nose wrinkled, a sign of disapproval over anything of questionable productivity.
“I met her at a presentation yesterday. We’re going to talk about counterAgency’s non-profit work.” This straightforward explanation skirted the deeper emotions brewing.
Liv swiped through her phone screen. “Looks like you have thirty minutes free two weeks out. Does that work?”
Phoenix lifted his head with an idea. “Listen, it’s a damn shame about Sam’s dad. I can imagine how gutted he must be. I’m going to message him. Since I’m free tomorrow, would you please check if Orchid has time to meet then? Say, at the Starbucks a block down from her office? The one that’s on my way to the subway.”
Liv gave a single nod, her efficient assent, and let his glass door swing shut behind her.
No surprise that Orchid had called; Joan had said she was a go-getter.
Phoenix picked up his phone to tap a text.I’m so sorry to hear the news, Sam.Hopefully his friend wouldn’t be dogged by the same demons that haunted Phoenix.
He knew that counterAgency’s awards and accolades paled next to his dad’s ability to right lives and shape futures. In his dad’s estimation, shilling laundry detergent couldn’t stack up to being a judge.
Still, Phoenix tried to do good. Helping to fulfill Orchid’s dream might be his next opportunity. Ostensibly, the effort would pay homage to his father.
Deeper in his heart, he hoped that his altruism might help her.
CHAPTER6
GROUND RULES
Orchid
Orchid watched Phoenix approach the café. Even though they’d only seen each other the day before, the sight of him made her breath catch.
Heads turned as he pushed through the café door. His white shirt was impeccable, and his hair waved as if ad ideas livened every follicle. Tucked under one arm, he carried a book.A guy who reads.
Orchid remained seated and silently recited her mantra.Creative opportunities. Business, all business.
Then, Phoenix spotted Orchid and the joy in his crinkled gaze nearly undid her resolve.
This China assignment was a stepping-stone to her next promotion. Someday, she hoped, it would lead to the kind of financial wherewithal she needed to finally feel secure. So, what was it about this athletic man striding towards her that made her forget security, and simply want to know what he was thinking?
His eyes shone with kindness.
When he reached her little table nestled against the wall, his smile widened. “Three times in two weeks. Lucky me,” he said. Like he was reading her own thoughts. He rested the paperback beside her.
“Double espresso, it’s doubly your lucky day,” she said, indicating the miniature mug across from the whipped cream concoction in front of her.
“Thank you. How did you know my coffee?” he asked, slipping into the empty seat.
Pride rose in her chest, for getting something right with this guy whose life seemed glossy-magazine perfect. “Online research about your personal life, which turned up almost nothing personal. But you did have one article last year where the interviewer mentioned a double espresso, so I gave it a shot, so to speak.”
He puffed air in appreciation of her pun. “Well done. What’s your beverage, so I know for next time?”
Next time.“It’s a Caramel Frappuccino to sweeten my bitter life,” she laughed, hoping the truth sounded like a joke. “But don’t bother memorizing it, because I can be fickle.” She aimed for a dark edge to her tone.
