Chapter Thirteen #2
The whole drive over I reproved myself for my own unprofessionalism.
It was like I was suddenly back in high school or transported into a really bad soap opera.
I pulled into the parking lot and tried to expunge my mind of Alexa and Mr. Greyson.
I needed to be on my A game. This account was a big deal, and I didn’t want to be the one to blow it.
I took a deep breath in and let it out slowly. It was showtime.
Mr. Greyson met me at my car door and opened it for me. “Are you ready?”
I nodded.
He began spouting off pointers, and I let him. It was weird, but I needed that. That was normal.
We walked into a large conference room that was filled to capacity.
Lorelai and Nicholas greeted us warmly at the entrance.
I would say Nicholas’ greeting was overly warm as he spoke to me.
I could tell it annoyed my boss. He was such a hypocrite.
To my regret, I let that thought take hold and responded too warmly in return.
They were running on a tight schedule, so we had to begin right away.
This was one of my favorite parts of the job, and where I shined.
Today was no exception. Mr. Greyson didn’t even jump in once.
When I finished, the chatter and commentary was extremely positive.
I could tell their sales team was salivating at the possibilities our software afforded.
There was no doubt we were leaving with a signature on the dotted line.
“Well done, Ms. Bryant,” Mr. Greyson whispered as I was packing away my laptop.
“Thanks.” I smiled.
After their sales staff left, it was just Mr. Greyson, me, Lorelai, and Nicholas.
We met at one end of the large conference table and finalized the deal.
As I watched Lorelai sign, I reminded myself this was why I hadn’t quit again.
My baby had barely begun to see the light of day, and I wanted to see it through, even if it meant I had to put up with nonsense.
As we walked out, I could tell I wasn’t the only one elated. Mr. Greyson’s eyes sparkled. That was until someone called out after me.
I turned to find it was Nicholas. “Kelli, wait up.”
I wasn’t the only one to stop.
Nicholas looked between Mr. Greyson and myself, shrugged his shoulders, and ignored my boss. “How about dinner tonight to celebrate?”
Oh. This was awkward. I had never been asked out in front of my boss before.
Where was Boss when I needed him? I bit my lip as I looked into his deep blue eyes and dimpled face.
He really was a handsome guy, but I also knew his type.
Then I thought, Am I sure? Maybe that was my problem: I judged too quickly.
What if I kept missing out on Mr. Right?
He grinned as he watched me hesitate. “How about Pierre’s at seven?” He tried to sweeten the deal.
“Sounds good, but I’ll meet you there.” I was serious about not letting strange men into my apartment or letting them know where I lived.
Nicholas touched my arm gently. “See you then, gorgeous.”
I think I was blushing. I sure felt warm all of a sudden.
Someone else looked like they were warm too. When Nicholas left, I noticed Mr. Greyson’s face was furiously red. I wasn’t sure why. The deal was signed, so having dinner with him would have no effect on the sale positively or negatively.
“I’ll see you at the office.” It was all I could think of to say. I turned to leave.
Mr. Greyson followed, and as soon as we were outside, he tugged on my jacket. “I thought you said you wouldn’t date someone like him?”
“It’s only dinner,” I replied in my defense.
“The guy is hoping for more than dinner.”
I narrowed my eyes at him. “Why do you care?”
He opened his mouth several times to say something, but nothing ever came out.
I waited patiently for a reply.
“You did well. I’ll see you in the office.” He walked off, seemingly frustrated.
“Thanks,” I called out. I watched him stalk off. As soon as I got in my car, I put my sister on Bluetooth. “Hi sis. I have a date tonight.”
“With Ian?”
“No. Why would you say that? Never mind, don’t answer that. It’s with a man named Nicholas. He’s the EVP for our new client.”
“Oh. How nice.” She wasn’t as excited as I thought she would be, but she gave me suggestions on what I should wear to Pierre’s. It was a predictable restaurant for Nicholas. Overpriced and fancy, but at least the food was good.
I left the office early, and to my great delight, without having to see either Mr. Greyson or Alexa.
I came home, sank into a bath, shaved my legs, and took my time getting ready.
It had been too long since I’d been on a date, so I took extra care and tried to enjoy the experience.
I wore my new red bandage dress and some killer heels.
I stared at my reflection in my full-length mirror.
Not bad for my almost thirty-two-year-old self.
The belly dancing was definitely doing its job.
I walked out into the slightly cool air with a spring in my step.
I almost put the top down on my car, but I decided against messing up my hair.
I felt energized when I reached Pierre’s right on time.
I didn’t know what kind of car Nicholas drove, so I wasn’t sure if he was there, but I went right in anyway.
Pierre’s screamed high priced the moment I walked in, from the tuxedo-clad host, to the white linens and low lighting, to the string quartet playing. It was lovely, but I would still take the park and peanut butter and jam sandwiches. Oh well. Enjoy the moment, I reminded myself.
It didn’t take me long to spot Nicholas.
He stood when he saw me walking toward him.
His eyes roved over me at least three times before I made it to him.
Each go around made his smile get wider.
I wasn’t sure if I should be flattered or worried.
He pulled out my chair. “You’re breathtaking,” he said as I sat down.
“Thank you. You look great.” And he did. He wore a black suit and a gray tie. I’m sure the suit was tailored, as it fit his physique perfectly.
Nicholas didn’t take his eyes off me until the waiter brought us our menus and the wine list. He, of course, wanted to order the most expensive bottle they had.
I didn’t socially drink unless I was well acquainted with who I was going out with.
I was about to tell him I would pass, but a familiar voice said, “The lady will have water, with orange slices if you have them.”
I didn’t know whether I should laugh or cry at his presence, but I could tell my date sure wasn’t amused as he looked up at him and glared.
Mr. Greyson didn’t let that bother him at all. He smiled at Nicholas and then over at me. “That’s what you still drink, isn’t it, Kelli?”
“Why yes, Mr. Greyson, how kind of you to remember,” I said in mock sincerity, because just outright mocking would be in poor form at the moment.
But he knew, and it made him smile even more.
“Ian, what are you doing here?” Nicholas asked. Stretching his fingers as if he was thinking of curling them up and punching my boss.
“My brother in-law, Sean, is in town for the evening on business.” He pointed over to him.
My head whipped toward the bar, curious to see whom Noelle had married. He waved at me. I waved back. He looked like a nice guy.
“And I heard this was one of the best places in town,” Mr. Greyson said.
“It is,” Nicholas responded dryly.
I took that as my cue. “Well, have a nice evening, Mr. Greyson.” I waved goodbye.
“You too, Kelli.” Mr. Greyson could hardly keep the laugh out of his voice.
It took everything I had in me not to roll my eyes, especially when he had parting words for my date. “Don’t have her out too late, it’s a school night after all.”
Nicholas didn’t respond to that ridiculous statement as Mr. Greyson walked away, finally letting his laugh out.
I turned my attention back to my disgruntled date. “Sorry about that.” I smiled in hopes to smooth it over.
He wasn’t smiling back. “Do you guys have like a thing?”
“No. He’s my boss,” I said indignantly.
He smirked. “Because that would be unheard of.”
“I think we should change the subject.”
Nicholas had no problem with that, but unfortunately, my first impression of him was dead on.
He loved to talk about himself. I was treated to the highlight reel of his “fascinating” life.
I didn’t even need to speak. All I had to do was sit there and occasionally nod or smile.
And the only reason I was smiling was because someone besides my date kept staring my way from the bar.
Several times I caught both Mr. Greyson and his brother-in-law looking my way and waving or pretending their hands were guns and shooting themselves in the head. That was exactly how I felt.
It got really interesting when the table next to us freed up. Guess who came to occupy it?
It was comical, in a way. At least it made my date take a breath and shut up.
He was just starting in on his days as a star basketball player for the University of Tennessee, and I, for one, wasn’t interested at all.
The new table arrangement also allowed me to be introduced to Noelle’s husband, and I had really wanted to meet him.
Mr. Greyson, with no regard, interrupted Nicholas.
“Kelli, this is my very lucky brother-in-law, Sean Nixon.” My first thought was, that was kind of sweet.
Mr. Greyson and Noelle had been close, and by how he introduced Sean, I could tell that was still the case.
My second thought was, I bet Noelle didn’t love having Nixon for a last name, but I bet she loved Sean.
I could sense he was a nice guy. He wore a goofy smile that fit his red hair and freckles perfectly.
He looked like the sweet boy next door. I was sure Noelle kept him on his toes.
Sean held out his hand as the introduction was made. “It is a pleasure to meet you. Noelle will be jealous.”