“Knox.” Ronan’s voice was even. “Still finding new ways to test my patience.”
Their usual firm handshake morphed into a fleeting, hearty pat on the back, a show of brotherhood that Knox wouldn’t even dream of initiating within the sleek confines of their office. There, the demarcation line between friendship and commerce was rigidly enforced.
“Good to see you.” Gabriel rose next, extending a hand. His grip was solid, his green eyes crinkling with genuine affection. “We were thinking you’d been kidnapped by your inbox again.”
“Only a near miss,” Ronan replied, the corners of his mouth shifting enough to suggest he wasn’t entirely unimpressed. This was as close as he got to looking remotely pleased without a multimillion-dollar deal on the table.
Their server arrived, notepad in hand, and the ordering proceeded with ease: a medium rare ribeye for Knox, grilled salmon for Ronan, and the predictable roasted chicken for Gabriel.
Ronan’s eyes scanned the wine selection, then set down the list and looked at the bottle open on the table—an expensive cabernet. “Judging by this choice, it seems neither of you deemed me fit to be part of tonight’s decision.”
“That’s because you’re set in your ways.” Knox reached for the bottle and poured Ronan a glass before he could protest.“You’d have picked a vintage so painfully dull, our poor server would’ve nodded off while uncorking the bottle.”
“Dull?” Ronan challenged. “Big words coming from someone who’s never strayed from roasted chicken on a menu.”
“Why tamper with what works?” Gabriel returned, with a grin that reached his eyes, hoisting his wine glass for their traditional toast.
“Could we perhaps hold off on the banter?” Knox interjected, more amused than annoyed. “Some of us like to ease into a peaceful dinner.”
Gabriel leaned back. “Same table, same chaos.” Their corner booth in the private dining room had become a ritual—monthly dinners where business mixed with friendship, and the rest of the world stayed outside.
“Appreciated, Gabriel.” Ronan reached for his glass and took a contemplative sip. He lifted it, studying the color. “At least someone remembers how to kick off a dinner properly.”
“Proper,” Knox scoffed, leaning forward with a smirk, “is overrated.”
Gabriel studied him for a beat. “You look more serious than usual, and that’s saying a lot.”
Ronan lowered his glass, expression flat. “For good reason. There’s a situation.”
Gabriel exchanged a glance with Knox, his interest piqued. “What kind of situation?” he asked.
Ronan exhaled slowly. “Devney has taken her role as my personal assistant to a new level.”
“How bad are we talking?” Gabriel asked.
“I’ve been lured into a charity ball.”
Knox nearly choked on his wine in a burst of laughter
“Make sure you keep that invitation. Frame it. Let’s showcase it in the office reception area under a plaque with her picture, reading ‘Most Committed Employee.’”
Ronan shot him an unamused look before shifting restlessly in his chair. “Don’t encourage her,” he warned. “She also added a line item labeled ‘emotional damages’ to her expense report after I rejected her proposal for themed office snacks.”
“Wait, hold on.” Knox’s expression caught somewhere between amusement and skepticism. “What exactly qualifies as ‘themed’ office snacks?”
“Apparently, matching the quarterly budget report to flavors of potato chips.” Ronan didn’t even blink. “Sour cream and onion for the losses, barbecue for gains.”
Gabriel chuckled, shaking his head. “Sounds like she’s keeping things lively.”
“She’s keeping things unhinged.” Ronan leaned back as the waiter placed a fresh basket of bread on the table. He broke the bread in half, controlled even in irritation. “I can’t decide if I should promote her for sheer audacity or fire her to protect my sanity.”
“Promote her,” Knox said. “Definitely promote her. If nothing else, it’ll make your shareholder meetings wildly entertaining.”
“Because that’s what I need,” Ronan countered, shaking his head. “More entertainment.”
“Well, you can’t fire her.” Gabriel’s tone was laced with that measured diplomacy he wielded so effortlessly. “She’s clearly good at her job, even if she has unconventional methods. Besides, you’d miss her antics. Admit it.”
“Missis a strong word.” The slight quirk of Ronan’s lips suggested otherwise. “One doesn’t miss earthquakes, tornados, and hurricanes.”
