I must have the most unreadable poker face, because Emma starts cracking her knuckles. One by one.
She doesn’t stop until both hands are done.
“It’s perfect, Sam,” I finally say, leaning my forearms on the table. “I’m blown away. That’s all.”
Emma’s shoulders relax. She shares a smile with Sam.
“We knew the video would be the hardest part,” he says.
“You managed to create the complete opposite of who peoplethinkI am,” I say, leaning back in my chair. A half-smile tugs at my lips. Pretty sure that’s the first time they’ve ever seen me do that.
Everyone laughs, especially Karen, who always laughs too loudly.
“We wanted Property Group to feel more accessible,” Sam adds. “Not so stiff.”
“Well, mission accomplished. Congratulations,” I say, looking around the room… until my eyes land on Emma.
She’s smiling, relieved. She killed it.
“Great job,” I say.
“Thank you,” she replies softly.
I give her a little wink, and I gotta shut myself up before I say something stupid. LikeI love you, for example.
“I say we celebrate!” Sam declares, already on his feet.
Today wasn’t just the big reveal—it’s also their last official day here, per the contract.
Which… yeah, kind of sucks. I’ve been dreading it.
“Brenda!” I call over my shoulder. She’s at my side before I finish the word. “Book a table at Sea-spice for tonight.”
Sea-spice is one of the most upscale restaurants downtown. It’s right on the edge of a marina, surrounded by high-rise glass towers that catch the last light of day. Our table’s outside for a reason—you get the best view of the sunset here; all those deep colors layered behind the outline of the skyline.
Emma’s sitting to my right, her mouth slightly open as she watches the sky. And honestly, that? That’s all I wanted to see tonight.
Everyone else is caught up in conversation. I’m at the head of the table, elbow on the armrest, hand under my chin, just watching her take photos with her phone. I want to ask her if she’s going to paint this sunset. I want to know what she feels when she sees color this bold in the wild. I want to know all of it.
But all her employees are here, and in an office full of creatives, gossip moves fast.
“Mr. Walker?” Amanda’s voice pulls me back to the table—and away from her.
“Yes, Amanda?”
“You said you’ve been here a few times, right?”
I sit a little straighter. Suddenly aware that everyone’s looking at me. “That’s right.”
“Any recommendations? We’re kinda lost with the menu.”
I glance around at theGreat Ideasteam. They look a little uncomfortable; maybe this place is a bittoofancy for a regular weeknight dinner. Truth is, I picked it thinking only about Emma and the sunset I wanted to give her.
“Uh… the lobster in cream sauce is my favorite. But if you want something simpler, the burger’s on the menu too. Heard it’s solid.”
They all go back to their menus, chatting about what to order.
Emma rests her hand on my thigh under the table, her thumb slowly stroking my leg.
