“He did. Desperate is a little harsh, but kudos for the sentiment.”
I gawk at him. “It’s an incentive not to quit or get fired.”
He shakes his head gingerly. “Nah, you don’t want either because you are a perfectionist.”
I fan myself. “My goodness, Julian Haven just gave someone a compliment.” He only stares at me, his face stoic. “I just need to hand in my last paper to finish my master’s. Hopefully, I’ll put it to good use. I’m still figuring out what that means for my career.” I tuck a lock of hair behind my ear, shyly. Talking about non-work things with him feels odd, but it makes him seem more down to earth.
“That’s good. Not going back to your hometown to marry a farmer and cook meatloaf every day?”
I chuckle. “No, that’s not my calling, but I’ll visit Everhope. It’s special—everyone knows each other, and the coffee shop on Main Street is to die for. There are always weekend events: markets, music, town barbecues.” I point at him. “We don’t eat meatloaf, just amazing chicken burgers or rib eyes.” Talkingabout Everhope, I can’t help but beam. “As much as I love it, I wanted to spread my wings, and I feel like I’m in the right place on my journey now. Still, I won’t rule out returning for good."
“Your parents visit?”
My body subdues, and my smile disperses, causing me to grab my martini for a sip to brace myself. Clearing my throat, I look at him. “Uh, my parents aren’t in the picture.” I nibble the corner of my lip for a second or two. “Dad passed when I was a baby, and my mom wasn’t meant to be one, hence why she left when I was six.”
His face sours slightly with sympathy, but there is also a shade of something else… almost like he can relate.
“I was raised by my aunt Bea from my dad’s side. Never any hesitation, she welcomed me home. I love her so much. She always ensures everyone has a place at the table, and love is shown among the family. She’s an amazing human. I’m truly lucky.”
Julian scratches his cheek and appears remorseful that he brought up the topic. “Sorry. I didn’t realize about your parents.”
Out of instinct, my hand lands on his knee to ease him. “Don’t worry. You didn’t know. I’m over it.”
He squints his eyes to examine me for a second. “Are you?” I’ve never heard him show concern for someone’s feelings, or rather, dare to ask the question that people avoid. It strikes a chord in me because it softens him.
“Yeah,” I say honestly. “My mom doesn’t cross my mind. Why should she? She made her point clear, and if she ever reached out, I’ve already had it set in my mind for years that I wouldn’t accept that.” I’m not even numb about the cards dealt to me in life. Probably because I was handed an even better hand.
Julian seems slightly skeptical but accepts my answer either way. “If you say so.”
“My aunt, I’m surprised I haven’t mentioned her more in the office. Then again, you and I don’t really talk… in this way… outside of work. Anyhow, I’m protective of her. I’m kind of angry that the town wants to rezone lines, and that will affect her business. She owns a restaurant on a riverboat.” When I look down, I realize I’m still touching his thigh, and I struggle to abandon the feeling of his hard thickness underneath my palm. Another thing to add to our inappropriate-boundaries list, but in this moment, it doesn’t feel like that. Maybe that’s why I take an extra second before I remove my hand. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to…”
“Touch me?” His eyes are pulling me in. “You’re fine.” He breezes past it. “A riverboat?”
I nod my head. “Yeah, the Riverbell. The boat doesn’t actually move, though. It’s an old steamboat. She doesn’t cook, either. Only owns it and ensures the tiny details are right and hospitality is perfection.”
“Your story took a turn. I wasn’t expecting the steamboat.” I don’t want to enjoy his current light mood, but I’ve already begun. “That’s great you have her.” He helps himself to the appetizer. “That department might have been lacking for me growing up. The nannies weren’t exactly family worthy, but that’s years ago and long forgotten.” He references himself, which is surprising given his notoriously private nature.
“Is it?” I press.
I don’t know the finer details, but it’s well known that Julian has zero relationship with his father, and it is a silent rule among the company never to speak his name, even.
It suddenly hits Julian that he shared something personalwith me. “Yes,” he replies firmly with a warning searing into me not to push on.
“Okay.”
He rolls a shoulder back and eases only slightly. “I mean, I have my older sister,
Caroline. We don’t talk frequently, though. We’re on different paths in life.”
I’m surprised he’s sharing anything at all. “It can happen. I don’t have any siblings. Only cousins and best friends.”
“Elodie, you mean?”
I nod. “We were neighbors on our street growing up. I’m even a godmother to her little girl. The dad isn’t in the picture, but luckily, your company has great daycare to help her out. Do you remember everyone’s names who works for you? It’s a couple hundred people.”
A thin line appears on his mouth. “Almost. Why? Does that shock you?”
“Yes,” I say bluntly.
