“Right.”
“Now, the next thing we need to discuss is your schedule for the week. When is your pitch? Where is it? What are your evenings like?”
She gaped at him for a few seconds before she responded. “In reverse order, I don’t have plans for my evenings. I usually work. The pitch is at a hotel conference center in one of the ballrooms. I can get the address tomorrow. Or tonight, if you need it. Our pitch is scheduled for Wednesday.”
“You probably won’t like this either.”
Ivy’s body went straight and still.
“I know you’re used to doing your own thing, but you need to have people around you anytime you’re not in your office.”
“Okay.” Instant agreement.
“All the time.”
“Okay.” No drama.
“By people, I mean mostly me.”
“Okay.”
Time to push his luck. “Every night this week.”
“Okay.” Soft. Sweet.
“Okay.”
Gil’s phone buzzed. He pulled it from his back pocket and tapped the screen.
I’m in your driveway. I can drive around for a bit if I’m interrupting anything.
You’re fine. Come on in.
Gil waved the phone toward Ivy. “Faith’s here.”
“She’s going to sit up all night? Awake?”
“Yes.”
“I’m surprised you agreed.”
“Did you not hear what I said earlier? I was set up by Emily. Then ambushed by the rest of them. Honestly, we’re getting off easy.”
Ivy seemed willing to accept everything he’d told her. Then she cocked her head, her brow furrowed. “What’s the other reason?”
“What?”
“You said there were two reasons.”
“For what?”
“Faith is coming so you can sleep. I get that. What’s the other reason?”
Gil slid his phone into his pocket before he answered. “I just thought, with Emily gone, it would be better if someone else was here.”
Ivy’s laughter held an edge to it. “We’re adults, Gil. I’ve known you my entire life. I don’t think we need a chaperone.”
Gil leaned closer. “We’re adults. We’ve known each other our entire lives. And if you don’t think we need a chaperone, then you haven’t been paying attention.”
