Page 47 of Flirting with Trouble

“I already took care of it,” Padma said. “And don’t worry. Before terminating the contract, I checked with legal. The old company was terminated Wednesday, and the new guys were here at seven o’clock yesterday morning. I just wanted to make you aware of what went down.”

“Good job, Pad. That explains the message I have from Meckland. What did Jack say about the termination?” John Meckland is the head of the tech company that was terminated, and Jack Ross is the head of our legal department. “Failure to perform?”

“Material breach of contract since we had a time-is-of-the-essence clause.”

“Perfect. That leaves no room for negotiation. We’re not seeking compensation, are we?”

Padma shakes her head. “No, and it was a seamless transition. That said, Meckland is not happy about this.”

My cell vibrates on the desk, and Wells’s name appears in a text bubble. I try to hide the stroke of happiness his name brings and turn the phone over as I say, “I’ll handle him, and, Padma. I think you’ve made Harvey proud, too.”

“Thank you.” She pushes to her feet. “Are you going to the tavern tonight?”

“Yes, ma’am. No client birthday parties this week. What’s happening with you? Did you end things with Corbin, or are you giving him another shot?”

“No way. I told you, three strikes are all they get, and even that is generous. But I do have a date tonight with a guy I met when I was picking up dinner the other night.”

“Oh yeah? What’s he like?”

“Tall, blond, and a little too dreamy.”

I laugh. “I’ve never heard you use that word before.”

“Dreamy? I use it all the time. You always tell me it’s outdated.”

“I meant blond. I’ve never heard you talk about a blond guy before.”

She lowers her voice like she’s sharing a secret. “I’m pretty sure he dyes his hair. At my age, men are either going gray or losing their hair. Fingers crossed he’s not a nut.” As she heads for the door, she says, “Want me to close it on my way out?”

“Yes, please.”

With the door safely closed, I snag my phone to read Wells’s message.

Wells: Hey, beautiful boss lady. Busy day? I miss Victorious.

I like knowing he misses me, too.

Me: Sorry. Crazy morning playing catch-up. How’s your day?

Wells: Better now. I know you said you usually have a solo Friday-night dinner date, but I wonder if you’d be up for something different?

I can’t believe he remembers about my Friday dinners at the tavern. I never miss dinner at the tavern for anything other than a family or work event. The fact that I’m excited to hear what he has to say has the guilt I’ve been trying to ignore rising to the surface again.

Me: What do you have in mind?

Wells: Keeping in line with our Wednesday Walkabout, I’m wondering if you’d like to join me for a Friday Flitabout.

I whisper, “Friday Flitabout?” and laugh softly.

Wells: I want to take you on a talent-scouting outing. I found a rock band I think you’ll like.

Excitement prickles my limbs. It’s been ages since I’ve gone to see a rock band. Guilt presses in on me. I think about what Seth said about living in a box. I like my box. But I also like spending time with Wells, and I haven’t gone scouting in forever. Scouting is work. That’s how this business was built. I cling to that like a lifeline to ease my guilt.

Me: I’d love to. Where should I meet you?

Wells: I can pick you up at your office. Any chance you can get out at 4:30?

My nerves are vibrating. I need to go home to get clothes to change into. I look at the emails on my computer and the messages on my desk. I could skip out now for half an hour.