“Hey, Ty.”
Well, there went my opportunity to talk. I was just going to have to talk to him after work, then.
“So what’s this meeting about?” Erica asked as everyone pulled out chairs and sat down. I took a chair next to Macey, trying my best to look cool and collected.
“The CE conference at the Fairmont Grand is coming up,” Jay said. “I wanted to see who all wanted to go so I can book tickets and rooms.”
CE. I hadn’t thought about continuing education in a while. I needed forty credits every two years to keep up my license.
“Anyone interested in going this year?” Jay asked.
Assistants didn’t technically need CE, but anyone was allowed to attend CE courses.
“I always encourage everyone to attend some classes, whether or not you need the hours,” Jay reminded.
“I want to go, but I just went to a local training course last week,” Macey said, giving a sheepish smile.
“I’m going back to my parents’ that weekend for a family reunion,” Tyler said.
Everyone had an excuse for not being able to attend. And then all eyes landed on me.
“I need CE,” I admitted.
Jay’s expression gave nothing away. He just waited, navy eyes watching me with an unreadable look.
“I would like to go. If that’s okay.”
“I’ll book two rooms then.”
He dismissed the others, and everyone meandered back to their tasks. It was just Jay and me for a moment longer. Then there was a brief pause.
“Can I talk to you in my office?” Jay asked suddenly.
“Sure,” I said coolly. But I was feeling anything but cool.
I followed him out of the break room and into his office. He closed the door behind me and moved to stand behind his desk.
“Are you sure you want to go to this conference?” he asked.
“Why wouldn’t I?” I replied, my defenses snapping up instantly.
“Well,” he said evenly, “we could drive separately, but it’s a four-hour drive. Normally, I carpool with whoever’s attending. I just want to make sure you’re comfortable with that.”
Oh. So this was how it was going to be.
“I think I can manage to carpool with you, Jay.”
“Okay,” he said. “I just wanted to be sure.”
This was what I’d asked for, right? Distance? Professionalism?
“We’re both adults,” I said. “I think we can keep things professional for a CE conference, don’t you?”
“I do,” he replied. “I just wanted to confirm that was okay with you.”
“It’s fine with me.”
“Okay.”
