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Renata’s desk was outside his open door. Her serious mouth flattened as I approached. Though we’d spoken, we hadn’t met in person yet. Looking at her, I realized she was the older woman I’d seen with Weston in the cafeteria on my first day here.
“Elise?” My name came out like a snap, sharp and precise.
“Yes, it’s nice to meet you.”
The corners of her eyes pinched. “That’s fine. He’s expecting you. Go inside and close the door behind you.”
“Close the door?”
She gestured to her desk. “Please. I have a busy morning. I don’t have time to listen to Weston expel whatever bug crawled up his butt today.”
I sputtered, shocked at the way she was speaking about our mutual boss. She stared back at me with unimpressed, dark, beady eyes.
“Go on then.” She nodded toward his door. “Don’t keep him waiting.”
Despite being directed to go straight in, I knocked first. From inside, Weston barked for me to enter. I was beginning to think Weston and Renata were a match made in heaven. They probably spent the day shouting back and forth at each other.
I slipped inside, shutting the door behind me. Weston stopped pacing behind his desk to stare at me. Glower, really.
This was a bad start.
“Good morning,” I said.
Bracing his hands on his desk, he leaned forward. “Do you know why you’re here?”
I twined my fingers to keep from fidgeting. I’d known this man most of my life, but he still managed to intimidate me. Under his relentless gaze, it was difficult to be still and not bow my head. I wasn’t even a head-bowing kind of girl.
“Well, when I read your email, I assumed you wanted to discuss the California trip. Now, I’m not so sure.”
“Sit down, Elise.”
I walked forward and took a seat in one of the two chairs in front of his desk. He remained braced as if he was going to spring at me at any moment.
“Renata will email you the information about our trip.” He straightened, crossing his arms over his chest. He’d removed his jacket and rolled up his sleeves. The muscles in his taut forearms flexed.
“I’m looking forward to it,” I replied, determined to remain professional. At least one of us should have been.
“Are you?”
“Yes.” I nodded. “Salma and I found three employees I’m going to interview while we’re there. I’ve been trading emails with one. His name is Cameron and he’s an avid rock climber. If we have time, I’d like to go watch him—”
“You won’t have time.” His brow dropped into a fierce line.
“Are you sure? I checked the schedule and—”
“I’m sure, Elise. My schedule has no leeway.”
I tilted my head, confused. “I know that, but I was under the impression I’ll be doing interviews on my own while you attend your meetings.”
“That’s true, but you’re not going rock climbing with some guy namedCameronunless I’m there too. Since that’s not possible, no, you won’t be accompanying him.”
My mouth dropped open. Weston continued glaring at me as though I’d done something heinously wrong.
“Weston—”
He scrubbed his hand over his mouth and stalked around his desk, coming to a stop at my side. “You see,thisis why I wanted to see you.”
“I’m here now.” I nodded to the chair next to me. “Please sit. I don’t want to speak to you while you’re looming over me.”
