This sweet woman who was explaining expense reports and calendar systems was going to be visited by my family. Questioned. Maybe worse.
Because she knew Quentin's secrets.
I can't think about that. Can't change it.
But the guilt sat heavy on my chest anyway.
"You okay?" Barbara was watching me.
"Yes. Sorry. Just trying to absorb everything."
"Don't worry. You'll pick it up fast." She patted my hand. "I have a good feeling about you."
The guilt intensified.
∞∞∞
A knock sounded on the doorframe.
Stone stood there. Arms crossed. Expression unreadable.
"Quentin, do you have a minute?"
"Of course." Quentin stood. "Julia, why don't you and Barbara continue? I'll find you in a bit."
After they left, Barbara leaned forward conspiratorially. "Don't let Stone intimidate you. He's suspicious of everyone."
"Even you?"
"Especially me. Took him two years to trust me." She smiled. "But once you prove yourself, he's as loyal as they come."
Prove myself. Right.
In Quentin's office—which I gathered Stone had pulled him to—I imagined the conversation:
"She's from New York."
"I know."
"The Russos are from New York."
"Coincidence."
"You don't believe in coincidences."
I was right to be nervous.
Stone didn't trust me. Probably never would.
Which meant I'd have to be perfect. Flawless.
No mistakes.
∞∞∞
By lunchtime, my head was spinning with information.
"I have a lunch meeting," Quentin said, appearing in the doorway where Barbara and I were reviewing filing systems. "There's a food court a few blocks away if you want to grab something. Take your time. We'll continue when I get back."
