“In fact, that’s exactly where I remember you from. You’re Laurence Gwynn, aren’t you?” Samantha glanced at him from the corner of her eye and quirked a brow, expression nearing mischievous. In profile, Laurence remarked upon the aquiline curve of her nose. It made her look familiar—like an old family friend. The resemblance itched in the back of his mind. “Elaine Stanford has been in communication with the executive team, reporting about your progress in particular and the incentive you’re taking with the newest trial. The numbers are looking good, Mr. Gwynn. There’s been a bit of a buzz in the boardroom about yourwork.”
“I’ve only been doing as Ms. Stanford’s advised. It’s because of her that I’ve been excelling. She deserves thepraise.”
“She’s not the only one.” A plane passed overhead, putting a momentary end to their conversation. As the roar of its engine faded into the distance, Samantha resumed her train of thought. “If you keep up work like this, I see big things in yourfuture.”
“That means a lot. Thank you.” Laurence wasn’t intimidated by Samantha. He knew her to be the stern but sensible head of the company. In no way was she trying to corner him or manipulate him—he believed what she said to be genuine. “If there’s ever been a clearer incentive to get back to work, I haven’t seen it yet. I should probablygo.”
“You still have, what, half an hour?” Samantha winked. “What dedication. It was nice talking to you today, Mr. Gwynn. I hope that our paths will crossagain.”
“It was a pleasure.” Laurence nodded politely, then stood and offered Samantha his hand. She rose to shake it, her grip firm. Their eyes locked. A chill passed down Laurence’s spine. Déjà vu. “If you happen by the CCO, I’ll be sure to sayhello.”
“I’ll count on it.” She released his hand and settled back onto the bench. “Goodbye, Mr. Gwynn. Enjoy the rest of yourday.”
“Goodbye, Ms.Harper.”
Laurence left the bench to head for the access door to the elevator. He may not have been intimidated by Samantha, but he knew it was best to limit his contact with upper management to brief, polite conversation. She wasn’t here to be his friend, and he didn’t want to put his upcoming raise atrisk.
Notnow.
Laurence headed through the access door, down the short flight of stairs, and to the elevator. Call button jabbed, he stepped back and waited for the doors to open. As he waited, his phonebuzzed.
A thrill rushed through Laurence’s chest and constricted hislungs.
Alex?
He took his phone from his pocket to find it wasn’t Alex at all—he’d been tagged in the group chat messenger app he shared with a small number of online friends. Their small, private group had been titled Single Dad SupportGroup.
TeenDad2: Did you call him @Gwynning?
Laurence snorted. He unlocked the screen and fired a quick messageback.
Gwynning: Yeah. Friday night at seven I’m taking him todinner.
TeenDad2: omg! That’s great. I told you he was into you. He was giving you all the rightsigns.
KnotMyProblem: @TeenDad2, liking someone to the point of giving them an anonymous bj isn’t a sign of anything but how horny youare
TeenDad2: you’re missing the point. Gwynn was the one who gave the bj. That’s an entirely different dynamic. Don’t be adick.
xVerity: Children, can we please stop fighting? Don’t make me get out the woodenspoon.
By the time Laurence locked the screen again, multiple people were typing. He silenced his notifications as the elevator doors opened, then stepped inside. It was nice to remember that through all of this, he wasn’t alone. The Single Dad Support Group had his back, and even if they sometimes got along like oil and water, he knew that they would all be there for him if he needed them tobe.
He punched in his floor and spent the rest of the ride down dreaming ofFriday.
5
Laurence
Gwynning:It’s almosttime.
TeenDad2: You’re going to rock it tonight. This isyouwe’re talking about here, Mr. How-Are-You-Still-Single.
KnotMyProblem: you mean Mr. I’m-A-Dad-Not-A-Person?
TeenDad2:really???
xVerity:Children.
