CHAPTER 9
Leo
I go back to texting Rosa.
Rosa Riley:
So Jack has no idea that George Hampden is your new member?
Leo James:
No.
And technically, I can’t tell him. It’s against the rules.
Rosa Riley:
You told me?
Leo James:
That’s different.
This coffee run is taking for ever!
Rosa Riley:
Who’s the meeting with this morning?
Leo James:
No idea.
Looked in Cece’s calendar and it just said ‘VIP’.
He loves to give little to no context to anything.
Says it allows us to think on our feet.
It’s probably because he has no fucking clue what’s going on half the time.
I look up and notice a gap has formed. I’m next, thank god.
Leo James:
Finally, I’m at the front!
Wish me luck with the mystery VIP.
Rosa Riley:
Cassian says good luck, you’ll smash it.
I receive a selfie of the two of them, Cassian perched on her lap at her home office desk with what looks like a big dopey grin on his chubby little face.
Leo James:
Love you guys. Speak later xxxx
——
Ten minutes later, I rush through the doors of the office, balancing the four coffees in a holder, bags falling off my shoulder.
I dump them at my desk and run a hand through my hair, tucking any strays behind my ears.
A movement to my left catches my eye and I look up to see Felicity frantically pointing to the boardroom.
‘They’re in there?’ I mouth, pointing, and she nods. There’s excitement in her eyes and, I notice suddenly, a buzz in the air as the team all murmur around me in hushed but heightened tones.
I grab the drinks and go to head in, wondering which VIP has elicited such a response. Cece opens the door as I’m about to push it open.
‘Ah, Leonora, finally, you’re here.’ He glances at his watch and looks at me disapprovingly as he takes the coffees. ‘Come in, come in. She’s here, boys!’ I walk in behind him.
‘Leonora, I’m delighted to introduce our guests.’ He gestures to the two men standing at the side of the boardroom, speaking to each other in hushed voices, and my heart stops.
It’s him.