They both smile as I wave my phone in the air.
"Thank you, Maya." Tom takes in a deep breath. "We think we know what we want to do, but this opportunity will settle those nerves for us."
I feel my heart leap. They're close. I think this might be it.
"I'll leave you two to enjoy the space together." I walk away with a feeling that the Clarksons just found their New York home.
"You had an interview with Julian today?"I motion for Charlie to close my office door. "For what?"
He shuts the door behind him before he settles in one of the guest chairs in front of my desk. "Senior counsel for Bishop Hotels."
That's Isadora's job.
"I know what you're thinking, Maya." He crosses his legs. "He's getting rid of Isadora."
I smile at his choice of words. I'd like to get rid of her too. If I had my choice, she'd be on an airplane headed to some remote location that doesn't have any return flights.
"Did he say when you'd start this job if he offers it to you?" I push because I'm curious.
Julian and I haven't discussed Isadora since the day after I saw her at his office. I've been tempted to ask about their involvement on business projects, but that would cause friction between us that isn't necessary.
I know Julian cares deeply for me and that Isadora is just a co-worker. At least, in his eyes that's the case, I obviously can't begin to imagine how she views him.
"About a month from now." He slides his fingers along the arm of his glasses. "I haven't told Anne yet, or anyone for that matter. I know you're involved with Julian now that he's no longer with Isadora. I thought you'd like to know that I may be working with him soon."
Charlie and I haven't discussed my relationship with Julian because we've both moved on. He's been dating the woman from accounting. I've seen the two of them together in the breakroom. He's happy and I'm glad for that.
Our connection may have been brief, but I want him to find the same kind of fulfillment that I'm finding with Julian.
"I appreciate that," I offer with a small smile. "Has Isadora left Bishop?"
"No." He shakes his head. "I had to meet Julian at the hotel in Tribeca for a coffee. He didn't want me at the office. He said Isadora wasn't aware that he was interviewing and he wanted me to keep it quiet. He told me that Isadora talked to him about hiring me on as a junior attorney before they broke up."
"Really?"
"I was surprised too but he said that's why she invited me to the launch party." He stops to scratch his chin." I don't think he'll mind that I'm telling you all of this."
I don't think he will either, but I'm mildly surprised that he didn't mention it to me already. We shared a string of text messages this morning, but those were mostly flirtatious offerings.
"Will you take it, Charlie?" I ask with a grin playing on my lips. I already know the answer. Charlie's potential isn't being utilized here at Carvel. He spends most of his time reviewing sales contracts and working on closing documents.
He told me during our first date that he wants more challenge to sink his teeth into. Working at Bishop will give him that.
"In a heartbeat, Maya." He holds up his hand, showing me two crossed fingers. "Keep your fingers crossed for me. Or better yet, put in a good word with Julian. I want that job, Maya. I really want it."
CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE
Julian
"You're killingtwo birds with one stone." Sebastian draws a pull from the beer in front of him. He rarely drinks, so I know he's on edge.
"That's irony." Griffin sits on the arm of my sofa. "Sebastian talking about killing with a stone. Isn't that how…"
"Shut up." Sebastian throws him a look. "I'm behind you, Julian. You know that. I don't like that you're doing favors for Isadora or that asshole, but I get it. You want her out and this is the way to make it happen."
I do want her out of the business. I want her out of my life period, but that's a process. She's behaved herself over the course of the past few days since she's come back to work. I avoid her and she only bothers me if it's a work-related matter.
She still has no idea that I'm seeing Maya. I haven't told her because I want to spare Maya her wrath. There's zero doubt in my mind that Isadora would seek Maya out and give her an earful if she knew how I felt about her.
