“The force is with them.”
“Yes, it is.” Leon sighs. “You’re trouble.”
“Maybe.” I grin, continuing to watch them. “But if it means results, who cares?”
He laughs. “That sounds like something Theo would say.”
I suppress a wince.I’m nothing like him.
Across the restaurant, Derrick makes Amaya laugh so loud, half the restaurant turns. Andy leans in close to Ela, talking animatedly about something undoubtedly Star Wars-related. A tiny spark of satisfaction warms me. Despite everything, despitehim, tonight isn’t a loss.
My gaze drifts to the front counter, where Lina hands Theo two takeout bags. He takes hold of them and kisses her on the cheek. It reminds me of a grandson kissing his grandmother.
I continue to watch Lina pinch his cheeks and give him a small kiss in return. It stirs guilt within me. Theo was a jerk to me, but I didn’t have to be one in return.
I sink back against the booth and ask Leon, “Do you know what stores around here sell Rocky Roads?”
Six
Theo is gone the full following week putting out a fire in Amsterdam. Literally. One of the London office’s prototypes for Windmill Farms overheated, and flames broke out during a test run. Nobody was injured, thank goodness, but the scorch marks on Excelsior’s reputation are apparently harder to scrub. Rumor is Windmill Farms is now threatening to pull out of their contract.
Which is why they sent Theo. In Leon’s words, he’s an excellent negotiator and problem solver. Personally, I’m having a hard time imagining him charming anyone, but then again, I’m just the new kid. I’ve only crossed paths with him a handful of times.
Then Tuesday arrives. When I step into the conference room for our morning huddle, Theo is sitting at the head of the table, looking engaged in a staring contest with the blue light of a computer screen. His eyes are bloodshot, and if it’s even possible, his cheekbones appear even sharper. His dark suit jacket has fallen off the back of the chair onto the floor.
“Hi, Riverton,” I say.
“Don’t bother, Kaori, it’s like talking to a wall,” Leon quips.
I frown. What’s that supposed to mean?
“Riverton, we didn’t expect you back until tomorrow,” Anya says as she enters and finds a seat next to me.
He doesn’t move or acknowledge her presence.
“Riverton,” she tries again. Still nothing. “How long has he been like this?” she asks Leon.
“At least fifteen minutes. I tried putting a coffee next to him, but even the smell of fresh caffeine didn’t do anything to perk him up. Figured I’d better wait for backup.”
“I guess that means we’re doing this the hard way.” Anya sighs, rolling up her sleeves with maternal authority.
Leon chuckles. “I’ll take care of the computer, if you tackle Theo.”
“Deal.” Anya shakes Leon’s hand with a grim nod.
They move in like a tactical unit. Leon slides behind the chair while Anya flanks him. Leon catches my eye, mouths a silent “one, two, three,”and slams the laptop shut.
Theo jumps. “Bloody hell, what are you doing? I was in the middle of an email to Mr. Harris.”
“Not anymore.” Anya nods to Leon, who deftly scoops up the laptop and holds it just out of Theo’s reach. “Since I’m nice, I’ll allow you to stay for the morning huddle,” she says, her tone brooking no argument. “But as soon as it’s over, you’re going home. No office, no emails, no Amsterdam talk.”
“Excuse me?” Theo blinks, his bloodshot eyes struggling to focus on her. “You can’t do that. I have a project deadline.”
“Actually, I can. Officially, you’re out of the office until tomorrow morning. By your own instructions,I’m in charge until midnight. You shouldn’t have given me the power if you didn’t want me to use it.”
My love for Anya reaches a whole new level. She’s the type of woman I want to be when I grow up.
Theo closes his eyes and pinches the bridge of his nose, looking utterly defeated by his own logic. “Fine,” he mutters.
