Page 34 of Never To Be Mine

My head snapped up. “We’re not a couple.”

“I know, I know. I’m just saying, if you were, imagine your pretty babies.”

“Your imagination needs to mind its own damn business,” I said. “There’s literally zero chance of that happening. Hollis is never getting near my babymaker.”

Kari held up her hands in surrender. “I’m not suggesting⁠—”

My father knocked on my office door and let himself in. I quickly minimized the browser window, not wanting him to see me obsessing over comments.

“There’s my star,” he said, his face breaking into a proud smile. “Juno, you were fantastic in that interview. Absolutely fantastic.”

That felt good. I loved making my father proud. A double dose of ego boost. My boss and my father were proud of me. “Yeah?”

“Yeah. Professional, articulate, genuine.” He came around my desk and squeezed my shoulder. “I know working with Hollis isn’t your first choice, but you handled it beautifully. Thank you for putting your personal feelings aside and doing what’s best for the company.”

My father’s approval had always meant everything to me. I’d spent my entire career trying to prove I deserved my position, that I wasn’t just the boss’s daughter coasting on nepotism.

“I’m just doing my job,” I said, but I couldn’t keep the smile off my face.

“You’re doing more than that. You’re showing real leadership.” He headed for the door. “Keep it up, sweetheart. I’m proud of you.”

He was almost out the door when I remembered. “Dad, wait.”

He turned back. “Yeah?”

“I’ll be leaving in two days. I’m going with Hollis to meet with the PriceCo people.” I tried to sound casual about it, like it was no big deal. Like the thought of traveling to New York with Hollis Blackwell didn’t make my stomach flip. “Just wanted to make sure you knew.”

“Good, good. That’s excellent.” He nodded approvingly. “Show them what Young at Heart brings to the table. Make sure they know this partnership is the real deal. If you guys pull off what you’ve done with that video, Hollis might hit the target sales goal with that one meeting.”

“Let’s hope.”

“We’ve been trying to get into PriceCo for years,” he said. “This is great!”

I smiled. “No pressure.”

“And Juno?” He paused in the doorway. “Try to have a little fun while you’re there. All work and no play, you know.”

Then he was gone, leaving me alone with Kari, who was trying very hard not to grin.

“Don’t,” I warned.

“I didn’t say anything.”

We both stared at the screen.

“So, what are you going to wear?” Kari asked.

“I have no idea but I’m not going to buy more clothes just for him. It’s a business meeting. I have business clothes. That’s what I’m going to wear.”

“Boo. I would so be down for another shopping spree.”

“Not today. I have to work and get ready for this meeting. You heard my dad.”

“Alright, alright. I’ll leave you alone.”

She left the office and I mentally catalogued my wardrobe, thinking of a few options for the meeting.

When I got home, I popped one of the frozen meals in the microwave and headed for my closet. I had a nice closet, filled with plenty of professional attire. Power suits. Simple dresses for a casual meeting. Cocktail dresses for those times we hosted big openings.