God, this wasn’t going anywhere good. And though I made a mental note that lying was okay since I didn’t intend on ever seeing this man again, I kicked myself for my lack of creativity with the response. I could have done way better than that.
He eyed me intently. And I had to saysomethingto derail him from asking anything more.
“Forgive me for not focusing on the current topic, but I’m extremely concerned to find that I am thinking out loud.” I said, desperately trying to avoid another blatant lie. “What other secrets have I revealed to the world, unintentionally?” I held a hand to my chest and bulged my eyes in exaggerated horror.
“Well lucky for you, you only muttered a G rated secret.” He winked. “How’s the coffee?”
I bit my lip and tapped a fingernail on the plastic white lid. “It’s perfect. Thank you.” I rubbed the hot cup between my palms and stopped when he glanced down at them. Was it me or did he seem to notice all my nervous ticks? “So, tell me about your friend. Is this a franchise?”
He seemed to be considering the question. “Oh, the owner. Not exactly a friend. Stewart is more of a business acquaintance.”
Of course.
“Well please let him know that I’m not only impressed with the taste, but the creativity of the name of my new favorite drink.”
“I’ll be sure to let him know thatJust Isabelis a big fan.”
I offered a single nod and refused to take the ‘I don’t know your last name’ bait. Then another thought crossed my mind and I felt my face fall a little. Was he implying that my opinion wouldn’t matter to the owner?
“I really should be going.” I’d already been gone from the office for over twenty minutes.
“Oh, do you have an appointment nearby?” Scott asked.
I glanced at my phone to see a handful of emails come through. I scrolled down, making quick mental notes to myself about each one. I jumped out of my seat when I saw an email from Mimi with the subject in all caps; WHERE ARE YOU?
I clicked it and read. Apparently Starr had brought over someone who ‘looked very important’to meet me and my boss was irked that I wasn’t around.
Scott stood and nodded toward my phone. “Is that work?”
“It’s my assistant,” I didn’t miss a beat with my response. It was a reflex of having to deal with head managers and owners of some of the most prominent venues. More often than I enjoyed, I needed to sound like I was coming from the top. I was used to leveling myself with people like Scott Weston. My old boss, Ron, used to remind me that ‘with a slight raise of your head, no one will ever be the wiser’.
Except when I tried that with Scott last night, his lip turned up as if he could see right through that.
“She’s just reminding me of my busy schedule today.”I smiled politely. “Thanks for the coffee,” I repeated, ironing out my skirt so I could take another second to decide if I should extend a hand. It was something I typically never thought twice about, but this man…stirred an uneasiness in me that I just couldn’t shake off.
I cleared my throat and extended my hand with my head held particularly too high for it to look natural, I was sure of it. “It was a pleasure running into you.”
Scott stood and took my hand, but didn’t shake it. He held it and locked eyes with me. It was as if heknewwhat he was doing to me.
“Same,” he said simply.“I think it would only be fair if you bought the next round. Say, tomorrow?”
Was he asking me out? I sighed, because I knew what my answer had to be. I mentally searched my library of witty and respectful turn downs for when clients asked me out. The words were there; I had a slew of them.
That’s so flattering, but not for this busy bee;I would in a heartbeat, but just can’t afford the distraction right now;Absolutely. Why don’t I give you a call; we’ll plan a celebratory lunch after the event.
But none sounded right in my head.
Not for Scott Weston.
I realized I may have been staring at the man whose features were pure perfection and just uttered, “Um…”
“Come on Ms. Isabel; don’t make me ask around about you.”
God his eyes were really something. And the way he was looking at me; as if challenging me to say no. When he probably damn well knew I couldn’t.
I let out a breath. “Tomorrow huh? How about 12:30?” I fought the urge to bite my lip.
Suppose I could substitute my lunch break for a cup of coffee.
