The music is practically off now.
The CEO just stares at Gabby, and she stares right back, swaying lazily, hips rocking lightly, wine glass still in her hand like this is a private joke between them.
My heart just about stops. I genuinely feel like I might pass out.
Then Tobias’s lips curve.
And he smiles.
Then he laughs.
Startling. A crack of thunder in the silence.
Everyone else laughs too, those terrified little chuckles people make when they’re not sure if someone just got fired.
“Holy shit, wow,” Voss says. “Oh my God, the ball’s on you. You have more balls on you than every man in this room. Well woman.”
He’s almost wheezing.
I’veneverheard him cuss like this unless he’s furious, and he’s not furious.
He turns to me. “Ireallylike her.”
Someone nearby pipes up that she’s my ex-wife, and Voss snaps his attention back to me.
“You let this woman go.Dumbassmove.”
“I’m actually working it out. I mean, not working it out, but she’s working for me,” I say, stumbling over the words.
“She’sworkingfor you?” Tobias repeats, incredulous. “Ain’t she a little too much woman for you, Lincoln?”
He keeps staring at Gabby, and she’s the only person in the room who doesn’t look terrified.
She’s not smiling. She looks genuinely confused by all of this.
Then he asks, “You know what? What’s your name again? Gabrielle?”
“Yes, sir,” she replies smugly, taking another sip of her wine.
“I’m feeling very generous, and as a Christmas gift, I’d like to offer you a job working here.”
Gabrielle’s eyes fly open. She looks at me. I look at her. Then back at him.
Sarah’s eyes are huge.
“What is she going to be? The janitor?” Sarah asks.
Tobias glares at her.
His smile evaporates.
Sarah instantly averts her eyes, face coloring.
“I want you to get into contact with me,” he says to Gabrielle, handing her his card. He smiles at her, eyes scanning her from head to toe. “You’re beautifulanddeadly. What a woman indeed.”
Then he twists the knife.
“Maybe it’s best y’all didn’t work out because I don’t think you would have ended up doing so anyway. I think women likeSarahare probably more Lincoln’s speed.”
