Chapter 48 - Autograph
Benjamin did not leave.
Everyone else had mentally finished lunch.
Dessert had been eaten.
Tita Elena had surrendered matchmaking operations.
Tori had survived Round Three.
Tito Ramon had moved to the living room.
Bea and Marco were helping clear the table.
Mama's cassava cake had once again fulfilled its diplomatic obligations.
And Benjamin—
was still sitting across from me with his phone open.
Notes.
Actual notes.
I looked at him.
He looked at me.
Neither moved.
Tori noticed.
Of course.
"Benjamin."
"Hm?"
"Lunch is over."
"I know."
"You're still here."
"Yes."
"Why?"
He looked at me.
Then back at Tori.
"I have one more question."
Tori stared.
"You've had seventeen one-more questions."
"That feels exaggerated."
"It isn't."
I checked the time.
Technically—
I had nowhere urgent to be.
Bad information for Benjamin.
He turned toward me.
"Do you do consulting?"
I paused.
"Sometimes."
His eyes sharpened immediately.
"When?"
"When I have time."
Tori closed her eyes.
There.
Door opened.
Benjamin leaned forward.
"How much would it be?"
"Depends."
"On scope?"
"Yes."
"Company size?"
"Yes."
"Number of companies?"
"Yes."
"Depth of review?"
"Yes."
"Implementation involvement?"
"Yes."
He nodded rapidly.
"Okay, okay."
Tori looked at me.
Then at him.
"You sound like you're about to book her."