35. Sebastian
Chapter thirty-five
Sebastian
I ris looks so cute. She’s clearly been in the middle of a cybersecurity incident because her hair is in some sort of weird half ponytail/half bun on top of her head, strands escaping from every direction. But she hasn’t looked my way once.
My chest hurts.
Ernest is staring at her like he’s completely besotted.
I turn back to my Secret Snowflake, whose name I already forgot. She’s asking me why I didn’t wear the Santa tie she gave me to the party.
Because it didn’t even occur to me?
She’s pouting and hits me on the arm.
Might as well nip this in the bud.
“I was promoted to General Counsel yesterday, and that wasn’t the impression I thought I should convey,” I say.
She steps back.
Maybe that was too harsh. But Iris is now smiling at Ernest, and this woman is not the one I want to be talking to.
Iris turns and leaves the room with Ernest.
That’s that, then.
I stand on a ladder and hang the paper snowflake from the gym ceiling in Alice Walker High School. Iris is helping Faith create a tropical island in the other half of the room. She’s fixed her hair, and she’s listening intently to Faith’s instructions.
“I thought you were dating Iris,” Jamal asks. “Did you guys fight already? You haven’t talked to her once, but you keep looking over there.”
This kid is way too perceptive.
“We’re in a bit of a cool period.” I climb down the ladder and maneuver Frosty the Snowman into its designated place.
“What’s that?”
I run my hand through my hair frustrated. “I’m not sure. We’re not allowed to date under company policy.”
“Companies can do that?” Jamal’s eyes widen.
“They can fire you if you don’t abide by an internal policy, so basically yes. One of us has to find another job.”
“That’s tough. But shouldn’t you be talking even more, then, showing her that you’re good enough? That’s what you told me to do to win Faith, and it worked.” Jamal grins. “I still can’t believe she agreed that we could date and she’d go to this dance with me. Of course, I have to keep up my grades.” Jamal narrows his eyes. “You leave this to me. I got you.”
Uh-oh. Jamal is typing away on his phone.
“I think I’m okay. I’ll talk to her later when we can be private.”
“No. It’s much better if you talk to her in public—that way you both have to be nice to each other.”
I don’t want to ask how Jamal knows this.
Faith comes over. “I think we need some help putting together the Tiki bar that Dream sent over. Iris is figuring it out, but she probably needs someone to hold the pieces in place while she screws them together. Sebastian, do you think you could help? I need to explain how to make the DIY palm trees to that group.”
Jamal gives her a thumbs-up. “Let’s go.”
As we walk over to Iris, I take a quick look around. The gym already looks amazing, and we’re not even finished decorating.
Iris is muttering to herself as she is inserting one piece into its slot.
“Faith sent us to help,” Jamal says.
She glances up and stills when she sees me. I hate that reaction.
“That’s great,” she says. “I actually have to run back to work, but I wanted to see the library Faith set up, so if you guys can put this together, Faith can show that to me before I have to leave.” She stands.
The old work excuse. I’ve used it myself.
“Sure,” I say—because I can’t say, “ Let’s talk, here, in this gym while setting up a Tiki bar. ”
Iris practically runs away.
“Boy. You’re really in the doghouse,” Jamal says. “This is beyond my abilities. You should talk to your guy friends who have girlfriends. You need help.”
I ’m first to the Grey Dog restaurant. I stopped by the bullpen on the way out, but Iris was already gone. Only Hank was still sitting there. He made some snide remark about how now that’s she’s the boss, she’s leaving before five. She definitely can’t work for him.
They seat me at a table next to the Christmas tree, which has been decorated with plastic orange slices, candy canes, multicolored lights, and gold balls. A pirate sits at the top instead of an angel.
Zeke and Rupert arrive at the same time.
“You’re looking rather glum for a guy who just started dating someone and made General Counsel,” Zeke says. “Tessa says congratulations.”
“General Counsel for two days.” I tell them about the ultimatum and Iris’s response. “It has to be me who gives up my job, I know, but man.” I close my eyes. “I’ve been so focused on this goal for the past year. My dad has finally accepted my career choice. And I’m not even sure she’s as invested in this relationship as I am. She was so quick to say we should break up.” I think she cares about me. Because she opens up to me. Can I read Iris, or am I just looking for what I want to see?
“I hope I’m not betraying confidences, but Tessa said that Iris seems head over heels for you,” Zeke says. “That she was really impressed by the two of you going off to investigate the clues.”
“Tessa said that?” I ask, hope expanding in my chest.
Zeke nods. “But don’t tell anyone in case I’m not supposed to disclose that.”
“Lily also commented on how close you guys seemed when you left Banter & Books together. That she was so happy Iris found you,” Rupert says.
The waiter takes our orders. I order my favorite taco dish and a beer.
“And it’s your life, not your dad’s,” Rupert says. “Believe me, I know. I definitely conformed too long to my grandfather’s expectations.”
“It’s not like Sebastian hasn’t been living his life,” Zeke says. “He did become a lawyer.”
“But I thought you said that Iris won’t accept you giving up your GC position,” Rupert says. “At least she’s not Melody, pushing you to work at your dad’s company.”
“I feel guilty because I have a ready-made position there. I could make him happy, make my sister happy, and maybe even make Iris happy because it won’t look like I’m stepping down. I’m just going to work for my dad’s company.”
“But you won’t be happy,” Zeke says. “Then you will resent Iris. Don’t do it.”
“But I could do it for the short-term. Help my dad deal with Nathan and then find another job.”
Rupert shakes his head. “You’ll end up disappointing your dad more. He’ll get his hopes up. He’s finally accepted your choice. Don’t do it.”
The waiter sets down our beers.
“Iris is more important to me than any job. I can get another job. I can’t find another Iris.”
“You know, Shooting Stars is looking for a GC,” Zeke says. “They’re expanding rapidly now after their last string of hits. Although they’ve previously survived on angel investors, they’re now looking to ramp up and get some venture capital funding, so I met with the CEO. I can put you in touch. Their GC is retiring, just holding on until they find a replacement.”
A chill goes through me. This could be perfect. There is a third way.
“My dad also knows of a possible GC position, but I didn’t want to get the job because of him, so there’s also that.”
“Apply for this one first, and then if it doesn’t work out, you should ask your dad for help,” Zeke says. “A company is not going to hire a GC based on connections. There’s too much liability on the table.”
“This position sounds perfect. I’d appreciate it if you’d put us in touch.”
“Definitely. I’ll send an email right now, connecting you guys. Cheer up,” Zeke says.
“Weren’t you the one telling me about those Hallmark movies where love conquers all?” Rupert asks.
I scoff. “If you’re going to quote Hallmark movies, I should warn you that now is the season to watch out for flannel-clad bearded men wielding axes who live in small towns seducing city women away from their wealthy corporate boyfriends.”
Rupert backs away. “It sounds like an invasion of Vikings.”
“I have to talk to Iris.” I signal the waiter for the check. Her phone goes straight to voicemail. Again. Like when she didn’t trust I’d have her back. I need to tell her in person that there’s another option.
“And you used to make fun of us for rushing home to our girlfriends,” Zeke says.
I grin. “Now that I’ve seen so many Hallmark movies, I think you definitely need to rush home and keep them warm.”