This was the perfect performance. Eventually, he’d be running the empire alongside his siblings. More money than he could dream of. This hotel was just the beginning.
I stared out the window, fingers intertwined. There was no other explanation. The nice-guy act would last just long enough for him to earn his seat at the boardroom table—if he could keep it up that long.
One Friday in mid-August,Elle surprised me at work. We escaped to Little Bangkok for lunch, our favourite Thai place. Over fish cakes and pad thai, she finally vented about her relationship with Karl. Living with her mother-in-law had left her with no privacy and nowhere to breathe.
“It’s so damn hard, Nyah,” she said. “We’ve been arguing constantly. I just want a break.”
“I’m sorry,” I said, listening. Then an idea sparked. “You know what? You two need to get out of that house. Why don’t we go dancing?”
Her eyes lit up instantly. “Yes… Oh yes! Let’s do it tonight.” She slapped the table, drawing stares. “I’ll make plans.”
We walked back to my office arm in arm, licking ice creams, Elle chattering happily while I listened.
At my door, she turned. “Drinks and pizza at your place before the club? Eight o’clock?”
I nodded.
She clapped her hands. “I’m so excited. I really wanna dance my head off tonight.”
The elevator dinged behind her. Caleb stepped out—and Elle, of course, was blocking the doorway.
Before I could stop her, she blurted, “Hey,youlook like a party guy. Nyah needs a dance partner tonight. What d’ya say?”
Oh, Elle, you did not just do that.“He can’t,” I cut in quickly. “He’s busy. I’m sure he has better things to do, and… FYI, he’s my boss’s son.”
Elle’s eyes sparkled. “I recognize you. Those Milan photos don’t do you justice.”
I wanted the floor to swallow me.Seriously! What the hell, Elle?
“Dancing, you say?” Caleb said, obviously practiced at ignoring references to his skinny-dipping scandal. “I’d love to.” He took her hand. “Caleb Evans. And you would be?”
“Elle,” she laughed. “Nyah’s best friend. She talks about you all the time.”
Heat rushed to my face, and I wished the ground would swallow me whole—mortified that she had just exposed how often his name had crossed my lips.
“About my dancing, no doubt. Hence the invitation, right?” he said.
“R-r-r-right.” Elle turned and shrugged at me apologetically.
This couldn’t be happening. I shut my eyes and wished I could rewind time. Why would he want to join them anyway? He barely knew me—beyond the fact I loved lilies, which Amy had told him. Wasn’t it painfully obvious that I didn’t want this?
Elle took his phone, dialled herself, and texted the details. Then she hugged me, waved at Caleb, and disappeared.
Settling in behind my desk after I entered my office, my phone buzzed. I assumed it was an apology from Elle—and yes, it was, mixed with her usual mischief.
I looked up and nearly jumped when I saw Caleb in my doorway.
“How can I help you?”
“I want to debrief on Monday,” he said. “I’ve spent time in each department and spotted a few opportunities. I thought we could sit down and discuss them.”
Sit down and discuss.I nodded, keeping my expression neutral.
As he turned to leave, he added, “I guess I’ll see you tonight. I’m looking forward to it.”
Then he was gone.
Maybe he’ll change his mind,I told myself.Or get sick. Or be called away on some absurd secret mission to Africa.
