“In other words, the socially awkward.”
Turning, I’m faced with her unimpressed look. “They are not socially awkward.”
“Tell me, if you had more experience, would you want the COO job?” I’m curious. On a completely professional level, actually. “I mean, we are paying off your degree in a field that suits.” I’m still holding up the pretense.
She blinks a few times, clearly not having expected my question. “I mean, it crossed my mind a few times.” She’s unsure, but after a few seconds, everything in her posture grows comfortable. “Actually, no.”
Huh.That’s blunt.“You wouldn’t want to be the COO for a billion-dollar company?” I’m doubtful.
“No. Don’t let it hurt your ego, but your company isn’t the end-all for some. I think I would stay here for the years promised, plus a few more to get more experience. But I think something smaller and closer to Everhope might be of interest. For now, I will help my aunt when I can with her business.”
My lips quirk out, and I appreciate her honesty. “I wasn’t expecting your answer. But you always catch me off guard.”
A bright smile stretches on her gorgeous face. “I do.” Her tone is soft, and our eyes catch while silence swims around us. We allow it to happen for a few more seconds until her eyes drift to the side. “Uhm, anyhow. We have the trip for your speaking engagement. You’ll need to be at the airport ontime. There will be a business lounge to sit in before we board.”
“Business lounge? Why would I need that? I’m going straight to my jet.”
She grimaces with a mix of fear and satisfaction. “We’re flying commercial.”
I drained the last sip of my caffeine and set it back on the table. “Why the fuck would we do that?”
“Because where you’re going to speak is very environmentally friendly. Arriving by personal jet isn’t exactly great for your optics.”
I clench my fists. “Damn it.” She’s right. “Fine. But they better have scotch on hand.”
“I’ll bring a small bottle in case,” she promises, but she isn’t serious, which is a shame.
My phone vibrates in my pocket. I reach in and see Hayes’s name on the screen.
“I need to take this,” I say.
“Sure. Oh, and I got this for you for the flight.” She stuffs her hand into her dress pocket as she walks toward the door, and she tosses me a small box in passing. “You might get bored, flying commercial and all.” She glances over her shoulder and winks at me before she closes the door.
I swipe my phone and bring it to my ear as I head to my desk. “Hey.” I could use the break from this office. So be it, a simple call from a buddy is what it has to be today.
“Hey. Thought I would check in with you. I wanted to send you a candidate for the job if you're interested. I can email you his details.”
“Firstly, no business discussion. Secondly, if we were to discuss business, it would be about convincing you to join my company.” I lean back, throw my feet onto the desk, and glance at the contents of the box in my hand.
A pack of playing cards.
And they’re not the normal kind that you can pick up at the store for two dollars.
The colors are faded, and the case is gray. Their box looks aged by years, by no means new.
I smile to myself. Sheisfull of surprises.
“Since we will not be discussing business, surprise me and tell me what else is new.”
“Uh.” I slide my jaw side to side and ponder, unable to look away from the box I continue to examine. “Shit.” That isn’t a lie.
He chuckles, and I hate that I just opened the door for him. “I have a feeling why, but you set the no-business-discussion rule. I’ll assume your issues involve a certain employee.”
I place the box on my desk and pinch the bridge of my nose. “No comment.”
“That’s a yes. You know if it were simply a physical thing, she wouldn’t be wreaking havoc in your life. Therefore, I’m going to go with the idea that there is perhaps alittlemore.”
“You can say that again.” I let out a long exhale. “And now we’re about to go on a business trip together.”
