“Kind of a lot to unpack there, bellboy.”
“It’s a lot to haul around.”
“What’s a rainmaker?”
“Someone who brings in business for the firm. Attracts a lot of clients. Bills a lot of hours.”
“Guess that explains the long days.”
“Yeah. Because part of signing new clients is networking, which has to be done out of the office—”
“Like at live music shows?”
I smile at her, not sure she’ll see it in the dim light. “Only when they’re headlined by a punk rock pixie.”
“I want to get angry at you for calling me that, but people seem to think it’s cute when I get mad. And you might say that I’m cute when I’m mad out loud. Then I’d have to stab you. Or push you off the balcony.”
“Pixie? Sorry. But it’s in the band name.”
“No. Punk rock. I’m rock and roll.”
“What’s the difference? I kind of know, but I’d love to hear it from a musician.”
She blows her lips out. “Vibe. Complexity. Melody. Harmony. Fuller sound. Should I keep going?”
“No, I got it. Rock and roll pixie.”
“Rock Goddess is fine.”
“Yes, your worshipfulness.”
“Good boy. So that night was networking?”
“Kind of, yeah. Wooing. Giving a prospective client every reason to sign with us or make them glad that they already did.” I scoot my chair so I can lean on the railing facing her. “It’s usually not as fun as that show was. You’re really good. Now can I ask why you do it as a secret identity?”
“The Sami portion of this discussion is over. We’re on Josh Brower, Heir and Scion, now.”
“It’s not as interesting as Rock Goddess.”
“I’ll decide that. You said work is stressful because you have to bring in business and bill lots of hours. That explains the late nights. What about frat culture?”
“Maybe it’s bro culture,” he says. “The constant competition. I don’t know. I like the work, mostly. Sometimes I wish I could do it without the rest of the noise.”
“At least you get paid well for it.”
“Yeah.” I get paid extremely well compared to most jobs, especially a nurse. “Sorry. I usually don’t whine about my job because I get that it’s obnoxious.”
“I asked you. I like hearing about other people’s jobs.”
“Then can I complain about the stupidest part of mine?”
“Bring it on.”
“When my dad decides to be my dad instead of my boss and guilts favors out of me that he wouldn’t ask another associate for.”
“Like . . .”
“There’s this girl . . .”
