The agenda had already been set and he wasn’t going to try to change the focus. That week, it was all about Rose.
She had been at the company for nearly three months and had matched nineteen people. All but one were happy with their match, and the one who hadn’t been happy was thrilled with their rematch.
Her results were incredible, and Barney had asked her to make a presentation to the board. She was going to blow them away.
He meant to tell her that – via text, or with an email – but he couldn’t find the words, so instead, he showed up early to the conference room and hoped to catch her alone.
Barney was already there, coffee in hand. “Hey. I heard you and Phoenix hit it off.”
Craig took a seat next to him at the long, shining table. “We did. Maybe I’m being tricked. He can’t be as nice as he seems.”
“No, that’s actually how he is. The company buyout almost killed him. Bunch of guys in suits drove him away.” Barney sighed. “One sympathizes.”
Craig laughed and patted him on the back. “Are you doing okay?”
“Yeah, yeah.” He shook his head and smiled. “I’m being dramatic. I can see the light at the end of the tunnel.” He dropped his voice. “I feel guilty, but I’m not going to miss this place at all.”
Before he could say anything, Rose walked in. “Good morning, fellas.”
She had her laptop tucked under her arm and a bright green drink in her hand.
“You’re looking chipper today,” Barney said. “Are you ready for this?”
“I was born ready!” She set her laptop down, but when her eyes met Craig’s, her smile faded.
His heart sank.
It seemed like ever since their high tea at the hotel, she’d been avoiding him. This all but confirmed it.
“Barney,” she said, eyes focused on her laptop, “have you ever been contacted by a guy named Greg Henley?”
Barney leaned back and crossed his arms over his chest. “The name sounds familiar. Why?”
Because it was her ex-boyfriend. Or maybe her current boyfriend and they’d finally gotten back together like she’d said they would. Maybe that was why she didn’t want to talk to Craig. He’d gotten too friendly, too obvious, the boss who was in love with one of his employees.
“He’s an old friend. We used to date.” She stopped what she was doing and looked up, keeping her eyes on Barney. “I met up with him for dinner the other day and it seemed like all he wanted to do was talk about you.”
That snake! How dare he try to use Rose to get to Barney!
Craig could feel the heat rising in his chest. There were a dozen things he wanted to say, but he was so angry, all he could manage was, “You’re kidding.”
Barney just laughed. “I don’t know what it is, but I tend to attract tech bro admirers.”
“Brewpies,” Craig interjected. “Bro-groupies.”
“They can get creepy.” He sighed. “They’ll never find me on my boat.”
Rose cocked her head to the side. “What boat?”
“The boat I’m going to live on when we sell this company.” He clapped his hands together. “I’m counting on you, Rose. You keep driving up that stock price and getting us in the paper and I’ll be in the middle of the Pacific by Christmas.”
She reached out her hand and offered a handshake. “Deal.”
Barney laughed and they shook hands. A moment later, Rose started setting up her presentation. “I’m glad to know you don’t want anything to do with Greg, either.”
Either?
Craig had to hide his face. The rest of the board members began filtering in, and Barney introduced Rose to each member one by one.
