“Just because Google was founded by two Stanford Ph.D.s doesn’t mean we hand out money to every Stanford Ph. Dick, Tom, and Harry that walks in our door,” Carol intoned.
Akash adjusted his glasses. “Of course, I wasn’t suggesting that.”
“I read an article that the 3-D printing company this start-up uses to make their purses shut down under some shady circumstances. They’re having severe issues sourcing the product.” Katrina read a lot of articles. Sometimes the information came in handy, and sometimes it was useless. She was happy this was a handy time. “It’s not worth the risk as it stands right now.”
“I missed that article.” Akash nodded, once. “I won’t bring it up again. I’m so sorry.”
“Please don’t be sorry. I’m fine with you arguing with me. Carol and I have had some epic arguments over the years, haven’t we, Carol?”
The lines around Carol’s light blue eyes crinkled. “Epic.”
“Sometimes she’s in the right, sometimes I am. I want you to feel free to air your opinions.”
Akash perked up. “Yes, ma’am.”
Click, click, click.That stupid pen again.
She gritted her teeth, then remembered her employees could see her. “Why don’t we pick this up later?”
“Sure.”
“No problem.”
“Is there anything else urgent you wanted to talk to me about?” She held her breath. She’d been holding her breath for the past hour, waiting for one of them to bring up CafeBae, but they hadn’t and they didn’t now.
She supposed there were still some people in the worldwho didn’t know she was trending. Or, they were too polite and kind and in love with their jobs.
She signed off, and turned to Jas with a determined smile. “Jas?” she asked sweetly.
He stopped mid-click on the pen. “Yes?”
“Do you have anything to do? Outside the house, perhaps?”
“Well I do have to take Doodle to the vet, but...”
Oh, wait, no. She didn’t hate the clicking so much she would sacrifice her pup. What if the vet knew who Doodle belonged to?
However, Doodle needed to be looked over by the doc to make sure she was okay. Katrina wanted to be a responsible dog owner. “Okay. That’s fine.”
“Now?” Jas looked at the dog sitting at her feet, one big paw covering her foot.
Best to get this potentially hurtful thing over with. “No time like the present.” She set her laptop aside and leaned forward. “Who wants to go for a car ride? Is it you, my sweet darling?” Doodle thumped her tail, but didn’t rise. She’d really taken to being a spoiled pet.
“I’d have to leave you alone.”
She stared at him, puzzled. “I’m home alone all the time back home.”
“No. That’s different. Gerald is around, and Jia and Rhiannon sometimes, plus the guards.”
“Well, what do you call the people in the car parked behind those trees?” She cocked her head. “You’re not my babysitter, Jas. I don’t need a babysitter.”
“I didn’t say you needed a babysitter.”
“There’s cameras all around the place. Alarms. Guards. I’m fine.”
“You could have a panic attack while you’re here alone.”
“So? I’ve had them before alone. Ipreferto be alone, if I can’t be with someone I trust.” She raised a shoulder. “Take the dog to the vet. I will be absolutely fine.”And I will get all my work done, you beautiful distraction.
