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That statement implies she’s never been to his house but might someday, and that’s very interesting.
I crook my neck, watching them. He insists they’re friends, and there’s never been a hint of unprofessional behavior or flirting, yet…..
“Hey,” Julian says to get my attention. “You weren’t at the big post-race meeting.”
I was busy hiding like a coward. “There wasn’t any reason to be there. Plus, this project keeps me busy.”
“Yeah, that’s a pile of bullshit,” Julian says, calling out my blatant lie. “I figured you might like to know Derek Barnes accepted his job offer this morning. The start date remains to be determined.”
Jake’s spotter is gone. He expected that would happen, but the confirmation will still hurt. He might be hearing about it now. “Is there any other exciting news I should know?”
Julian’s head bobs as he wrestles between confiding in me and keeping company information secret. I guess that truly means I’m sleeping with the enemy.
“Boone is contacting one of his engineers and mechanics; I don’t know their names.” He raises a hand to stop me from screaming. “It’s business. You get that, right? His company is shutting down, and everyone will buy up parts, including the people.”
Those people don’t need to be the ones that Jake depends on. “Thanks for telling me. I’ll keep it in confidence.” I glance over at Lily.
“I won’t tell anyone either,” she says.
After Julian leaves, I sink onto the floor and plant my head into my palms. Jake is a target because of me. Boone dislikes him, but the intense wrath is because he thinks I’m gullible, too stupid to recognize when I’m being used.
Like Joey Fisher tried to use me.
“I get angry, too,” Lily says. Hesitation and worry overtake sympathy when I peek at her through my fingers. “I’m sorry.”
“You didn’t say anything wrong.”
“I know what it’s like to be ignored. No one believes you; the more you insist, the less they believe.”
That’s an accurate summary. I want to unload on someone, but Maddie’s relationship with Boone makes that problematic, and Lily is an intern. She doesn’t deserve to be brought into my drama.
“Would you like to take this project over?” I ask her.
Lily’s eyes bulge. “I’ll mess up.”
“No, you won’t. Let’s trade places. You be in charge, and I’ll be your assistant. That way, I’m here for support if needed.”
∞∞∞
Their office door is open. Maddie sits on the desk with Boone between her legs.
Is he singing to her?!?!
Who cares? At least they’re dressed.
“Are you trying to steal more of Jake’s employees?” I ask, barging in.
Maddie hops down and stares at the floor. Her hands bunch the extra fabric in her blue dress.
Boone stares at me, unashamed. “Stealing implies something illegal. This is a business arrangement. We need talent to grow, and we’ll find it wherever it is.”
“You’re deliberately sabotaging him.”
“His company is closing shop.” Boone puts his thumb and forefinger together to enunciate every word as if it might convince me. “There are a lot of employees looking for jobs. Employees who possess the exact talent we need. We’re putting a new car in Cup and expanding to different series. Are you yelling at me because I’m offering jobs to people who need one?”
“Don’t bullshit me; I know you too well for that. Generosity has never been a factor in your plans, so don’t start with this Boone the Savior business. Everything you do is to advance your name and your legacy. You can’t stand him, and now you’re lashing out because I want to be with him.”
“He’s using you, and you’re acting like a child. I’m trying to grow our business, and you don’t even care, so I guess his plans are working pretty damn well.”
