“There was a lot of crap about your company that I didn’t need to know about. I need numbers and a plan on how you are going to execute rolling out the new software. If I’m going to trust your boss to upgrade our computer system, then I need to know how it’s going to improve my workflows. Will it save me so much time that I’ll be able to cut back on employees? What about updates? Are they included?”
I hated it when he had a point. But we usually only brought all the boring data to the actual meeting. Which was usually conducted in a meeting room, not a restaurant. The initial bit of information was just supposed to give prospective clients an overview of our company. Luckily I came prepared and pulled out a folder that had taken me hours to put together. We brought one of those bad boys to every meeting and since I was the assistant, I had the pleasure of putting them together. Therefore, I knew exactly what each and every sheet was about. And there was nothing on workflows. We had a few numbers in there but the bottom line was the nitty gritty stuff that wasn’t usually discussed until later.
But I wasn’t going to admit that so I put the folder in front of him. “There is more information in here. And I can answer any questions about the program that you have.”
He didn’t look impressed. Neither would I, to be honest. I was not acing this presentation. Cassie was the brains behind the operation, I was only her assistant. This was not going well.
“Aren’t you supposed to be selling this to me? I was told that Reico is one of the best products on the market. I work with at least two companies that upgraded and they couldn’t be happier. Why don’t you start with some customer testimonials? A case study maybe?”
And that’s when my brain said goodbye. This wasn’t going to work. Who was I kidding, trying to have a normal conversation with Rhett when I was still so hurt over his disappearance?
I stood up, this time evading his hands that shot out to stop me. “I can’t do this.” I backed away from the table, shaking my head. “It’s all in the folder. If you have any questions just contact Cassandra. She left her card in there.” With one last look, I turned and walked out of the restaurant, past a surprised waiter who was holding what looked like our beers and a bored looking hostess who didn’t even notice my hasty exit.
I was nearly to my car when I heard footsteps behind me and increased my speed. Running would just be undignified at this point so I power walked it out of there. And I was not wearing the right footwear to do more than a fast walk anyway. I wanted to get away from him, but not if it meant sacrificing my shoes to do it.
With keys in hand, ready to unlock my door, I was sure I’d make it. Unfortunately, Rhett was fast and had no problem running which ended in him catching me around the waist and lifting me up. “Not happening, Emmi,” he growled in my ear. “I let you slip out of my fingers once, not going to happen again.”
He made it sound like he didn’t want to let me go. When I knew that wasn’t true.
“You had no problem letting me go last time,” I said, my voice quiet. He also seemed to have supersonic hearing on top of freakishly fast reflexes because he heard me.
“Don’t talk about things you have no idea about.”
Well now that just made me mad. If there was anyone who had an idea about what happened last time, it would be me. I was the one left standing in the rain—literally—after all. And it wasn’t like they made it look in the movies. I was left cold, heartbroken and with ruined shoes.
“I think I have a pretty good idea what happened last time. Now I would very much appreciate it if you let me go so I can drive home.”
He made no move to let me go, but he did put my feet back on the ground. The arm around my middle gave me a squeeze when I tried to pull away. “Stop it. You are acting like a child.”
“Well, as you so aptly described me last time I saw you, I’m a naive, inexperienced child. Looks like nothing has changed. So this child is going to return to the backwards town she came from and will continue living her life that doesn’t include you.”
I went limp in his arms, the memory taking all the fight out of me. His head drooped and I felt his lips on the side of my neck. Tingles shot down my spine despite my best efforts to appear unaffected. “I see you still haven’t forgiven me.”
“Appears like I haven’t. Now let me go so I can start forgetting this day ever happened. Cassie will be in touch. She’ll also do a much better job explaining Reico to you.”
“You are still as stubborn as ever. The only one you would ever change your mind for was Nate.”
At the mention of my brother I nearly burst into tears. Not wanting him to notice, I turned my head down, hoping to be able to hold back the tears long enough until I was back in the safety of my car. He was still holding me from behind which worked to my advantage. One look at the tears brimming in my eyes and he’d know something was wrong. Why did I come to this meeting?
Rhett must have noticed my body tensing because he asked, “Emmi, what’s wrong? What did I say?”
When I didn’t answer he released me and stepped back. “Talk to me.” When I didn’t turn around he caught my arm and gently moved me so I was facing him.
I still avoided his eyes, hoping he would just let it go “It’s fine. You didn’t do anything. I have to go.”
His hand lifted my chin until I was forced to look at him. “You’re not going anywhere until you tell me what I did. Now.” He studied my face and stepped closer. “You can’t be that offended that I called you stubborn.”
“I’m not. I’m sorry, I’m so emotional. It only happened six months ago.”
“What do you mean? What happened?”
He couldn’t be serious right now. He had to know. I’d left a message with his office.
“I’m talking about Nate.”
“What about him?”
My mouth dropped open, and I searched for words. “You mean you don’t know?” My voice was raspy, sounding as broken up as I felt.
