* * *
All through themorning drive down to New York City, Willow texted me complaints about Tara. Willow had left for the conference yesterday. She stayed with Marnie and was already on-site setting up. Tara was overseeing the general booth for Svensson PharmaTech, and Willow was working on the one specific to the gene therapy.
Willow:Anke's here. She's talking up a storm with Tara. I wouldn't mind her getting ripped off by Anke
Josie:As much as I can't stand Tara, I'm not sure even I could wish Anke's destruction on her
"Who are you texting?" Mace asked, looking over.
"Just Willow about the booth," I said. "She says it's all ready to go."
Our rooms were in one of Archer's hotels near the large conference center. We dropped off our bags then headed over to the conference center.
"Badge, badge," Anke said, handing them out. Mace went off to talk to Owen, and as soon as he was gone, Anke turned to me.
"Isn't it wonderful to be back in New York City?" She squeezed my hand. "Simply marvelous. Just like old times, isn't it? We should go out. I know a great place."
"I can't, Anke," I said through gritted teeth.
"You aren't still mad at me, are you?" she exclaimed.
"Of course I'm still mad at you," I hissed, brushing her off to look at the booth setup.
"Look who finally decided to show up," Tara snipped while I walked around. "Too busy screwing the boss to show up on time, I see."
I stopped dead in my tracks. She smirked as I struggled to keep the shock off my face.
"You weren't all that careful," she said. "I saw you two together."
I leveled my gaze at Tara. "I guess that's the closest you'll ever get to sleeping with him."
"You're a slut," she spat.
"Better than a conniving bitch who is shitty at marketing yet claims to be a pro," I retorted.
"You're going to pay for that," she snarled and stomped off.
"You seem pretty confident," Willow said, linking arms with me as we went off to look around the rest of the exhibition space.
"I got laid last night," I said, grinning. "And the night before that and the night before that. This conference is finally happening. Mace bought me some new luggage, and I have a drawer full of candy in his bedroom."
Willow stopped short, and I jerked to a halt. "Wait, is that some euphemism for sex toys or like edible underwear or something?"
"No," I said. "I literally have a drawer full of candy."
"You're an addict," my friend said and laughed.
"Hey, I had to survive this past month somehow!" I said.
"Do you think Tara is going to make your life miserable?" Willow asked in concern.
"She can try."
After looking at exhibits and watching a few sessions, we went to meet up with Marnie for a drink.
"Did you see any of the presentations?" Marnie asked after we had all hugged.
"Our stuff looks a thousand times better," Willow said, looking at the cocktail menu.
