Chapter 9
MORGAN
It’s been a long, long time since I was last out with someone who wasn’t either a career exec or born into money.
Jamie’s eyes widen at every little thing—those bright green eyes.
You’d think he’d never seen an oyster before.
The velvet cushions of our chairs fascinate him, and the lace of the tablecloth, the well-worn leather of the menus.
He doesn’t say any of this aloud, but he’s more expressive than he realizes.
I find it all quaintly charming.
I picked a more casual place given his choice of attire. I’m glad he didn’t step out in a suit. I’m sick of men and alphas trying to impress, peacocking around in Hermes. He values comfort. I appreciate that.
The only thing that grates on me is the constant sorry—thank you—sorry. But it’s his first night, and I need to let him adjust. We’ll work on it later if needed. He’s an omega, after all. I need to adjust my expectations.
I order a five-year-old Lebanese red for us. Something a little modern, trendy. Not so expensive, only a couple hundred. I’m feeling casual tonight.
He’s still staring at the menu he holds propped up between us.
“Do you have any allergies?” I ask him.
“No.”
“Dietary restrictions?”
“No, not really.”
“Then you’ll get the cod.”
“I-I think I’ll be fine with just a soup.”
The waiter sweeps up, and I let Jamie order a lobster bisque.
“He’ll take the cod also,” I say. “And the filet mignon for me. Medium rare. Make sure there’s a good char, some lemon with the salt. Asparagus on the side.”
The waiter gives a crisp nod. “Anything else?”
“Hm, a bottle of white that will pair well with the cod. Something Italian.”
The waiter departs.
Jamie looks stunned, and the beast rumbles happily. He’s cute. Okay, maybe I’m flaunting. Just a little. I’m an alpha, after all.
I take a sip of the red. Full-bodied, not too heavy, cocoa finish. Perfect.
Jamie follows suit.
“What do you think?” I ask.
“It’s really good.”
“Do you have a favorite year?”
“What?”
“Of wine?”
He blinks. “Oh, uh… no. I’m an equal opportunity wine drinker.”
I chuckle. He cracks a smile. Asking that was mean, I know. But the beast likes watching him squirm, and so do I. Some harmless fun.
“Do you have a favorite year?” he asks.
“Sixty nine,” I say.
He chokes on a sip of water, sputters. My smile widens by a hair. I wink.
He blushes. Pink against pale skin scattered with freckles.
Finally, he joins me in a crooked grin. “Great year.”
But that’s enough teasing for now. “So, how’d you get into science?”
His face lights up. “Well, I’ve always loved plants.
My mom used to take me to this botanical garden near where I grew up, and I fell in love with it.
I insisted on reading every little plaque.
It took us hours to get all the way around.
I got interested in medicinal plants after learning about aspirin bark, and then in chemistry generally from there. ”
He’s getting more confident, relaxed. This is his element. I no longer doubt he’s ready for the fireside chat.
“What made you decide to go to grad school?”
“I’m a masochist,” he says with a wry smile, then blushes, second-guessing what must be his usual response. “F-figuratively. But more seriously, I liked the sense of purpose that came with it. Doing public research.”
“Why stop? Why not do a postdoc?”
“I strongly considered it, but… my PI was about to retire. I didn’t get along with any of the other professors in my field. And to be completely honest… I was worried eating so much instant ramen was going to give me heart problems.”
I give a half chuckle. “I can relate. I put every penny into Artemis in the early days.”
“I can’t even imagine what it took to start a company,” he says reverently.
I bask in it for a moment, then say, “Ninety percent luck. Ten percent tenacity. It’s not so complicated.” It’s not that I’m humble, so much as these turns of phrase put people at ease. Make me seem relatable.
It works on Jamie like a charm, and he warms. “I’m sure it’s at least five percent talent too.”
“Well, you’ve got me there.”
“Do you ever miss it? Working in the lab?”
“Some days,” I answer honestly. “But truth be told, once we had the initial molecule, there were plenty of talented scientists who could work out the formulation and process development better and faster that I could. But there was nobody else who could make the right decisions for the company fast enough. Still isn’t. ”
He nods. “I hope this doesn’t sound like a really stupid question, but… what kind of decisions? I just—I’m sure they’re really important—I can’t even imagine.”
It’s refreshing that Jamie doesn’t want anything from me. Doesn’t even know what I can do, what I could do for him. Not with any specificity, anyway. I consider letting it stay that way, but I get the sense that Jamie doesn’t have a scheming bone in his body.
“Well, like this deal with the state. We’re investing a lot of resources into pursuing it.
Step one is even recognizing the opportunity.
I keep an eye out for trends, watch the markets, keep up with my networks.
I watch other companies try similar things and fail or succeed.
Next is weighing the pros and cons. What’s the return if we succeed, the risk if we fail, the relative chance of doing so.
Assessing those factors correctly is absolutely critical.
The decision flows easily from an accurate assessment.
So, this deal with the state—it’s aligned with our mission as a company.
There’s an altruistic element, which will keep the teams motivated through the long nights and weekends that may be required to get this over the finish line.
I’ve been greasing the wheels with the state by sponsoring other health initiatives, putting our own resources on the line.
We’ve developed trust. And I have friends who know the current legislature well, who’ve confirmed that they share similar values. ”
Jamie’s expression of wonder is deeply gratifying—mostly because it’s totally honest. Not ass-kissing or feigned aloofness. I certainly don’t need my ego stroked, but I’m not mad about it.
I’m glad Eileen booked this dinner. She was right to give us a chance to break the ice. I didn’t see the need initially, but it’s clear now that Jamie is shy. Takes a bit to open up.
The familiarity will read well on the stage, too.