“I used to think he seemed like a nice guy.” Noelle shook her head. “But it doesn’t matter. Besides, I’m way too busy to entertain any unwanted advances. I’ve been trying to avoid him altogether.”
“Sounds like a good plan.” They walked out into the hall together, and Val said, “So I’ll see you at the social, right? It wouldn’t be the same without our fearless leader.”
“Sure. I’d be glad to come and mingle with the troops.”
“Great. See you there.”
Val left Noelle behind to go sit in the smoking area and think. She wished Dane would see her and come down to talk, but she also knew he was too paranoid to meet there again so soon.
One of these days, when it no longer served her, she’d have to cure him of his unfounded fears of being watched. Nobody here cared what they did. That was the beauty of their situation. But Dane had been burned before, and he wasn’t about to drop his vigilance, even though, in the three years he’d worked here, nobody had ever sounded the alarm on any of his nefarious activities.
And they never would.
Dear colleagues,
Please join us this afternoon for a social event generously hosted by Val Montgomery. We’ll enjoy the beautiful weather and partake of donuts and coffee brought direct to us from the D’oh! Nuts! traveling truck. This is a great opportunity to meet the new interns and connect with each other outside of the work place.
Come down to the parking lot at four. I hope to see you there.
Best,
Noelle Constance | CEO Fleetwood Capital LLC
The donut social was a clever ruse. Dane made a mental note to thank Val later, though if it gave him an advantage in his efforts, he’d be thanking Val soon. All night long. He knew Val got something out of this, too. Suggesting this event to Noelle and then offering to spring for it would raise her profile and secure her a stronger position. Next time Noelle invited the heads of departments, she wouldn’t forget about Val.
His phone buzzed, and he opened the text message. Leonard. It didn’t even matter what he’d said, but out of curiosity, Dane opened it.Softball practice is on time.
Dane walked over to the window. From his vantage point, he couldn’t tell who milled about on the sidewalk or over by the picnic tables on the other side. He could see the edge of a red truck. And he had Leonard’s message. Noelle was outside.
After taking an extra minute to repair his image—chewing an Altoid, reapplying the slightest hint of a musky lemon-tinged fragrance, straightening his dress shirt and suit coat, controlling his hair—he descended to join the others as though it was an afterthought.
The chatter grew louder as he approached the glass doors and more than doubled in intensity when he stepped into the June sunshine. The suit might have been overkill, but then again it gave him an air of elegance he couldn’t achieve with a sweat-stained shirt.
Ignoring the donut truck entirely, he moved over to the picnic area. Noelle had stationed herself at one table and found herself flanked by sycophants. Her blond hair had started to unwind from a clasp at the back of her head, and wisps flew in front of her eyes. She ran a manicured finger across her forehead and tucked the gold strand behind one ear. The intimate gesture caused Dane to experience a twinge of unanticipated arousal. He shifted in his seat and enjoyed watching her field one employee after another, suitors presenting themselves at court.
He wondered if she would be as easily influenced by the suck ups as the last CEO. But when her eyes began to dart around, apparently searching for an escape, he guessed no. He leaned against a table and waited for his own ass kissers.
It only took a few minutes.
“Mr. Russ. I mean, Dane. Could I get you a coffee? There’s a rather diverse selection. And the donuts are made to order.”
“No, thanks.”
“Tea? Water? Did you want to try a donut?”
“I’m good. Thanks . . . Andrew?” He knew the kid’s name. He knew all their names now.
“It’s Anthony. But that was close. You nearly had it.” Anthony stepped closer, apparently thinking he’d scored a point with Dane.
Dane looked past Anthony and took in the social patterns of those who congregated. Val moved easily from group to group. She trailed a small posse of younger interns and introduced them around, staying put for the duration of a short exchange, then rotating out. She’d always had the gift of the social sociopath. Compared to the awkward clumping of everyone else, her moves looked as choreographed as a ballet. She was the black swan.
It was only a matter of time before she encircled him with her movable party.
“Dane. You know Elly, Kristin, Jennifer, Ron, Summer, and Selena. Just a few of our interns. The rest are scattered about here.”
Dane nodded. “Yes. We met yesterday. How are you liking it here?”
They stood silent for a moment, maybe unsure who should go first. Dane inhaled. “I understand you worked on bond math today?”
