AllFreeNovel
Share Us
He lowers his gaze to the table. “Just tell me what you want.”
“I just told you. Barrett Andrews is pleading guilty.” I pick up a bacon. “I mean…it would be good for him. He can work a plea deal, maybe pay a huge fine.” I shrug. “Of course, he would have to step down from his position of CEO if he doesn’t want his stocks to plummet to hell…but still, it’s all good as long as he’s not facing prison time.”
“Mr. Reynolds–”
“That’s all I want. If you can’t get me that, then get out.”
“Okay, why not come to the head quarters. Have a sit down with Mr. Andrews. I’m sure you guys can work something out.”
The waiter walks back to out table holding a menu.
“Good morning, sir. Is there anything I can get you?”
“Never mind.” I wave her off before he can speak. “We’re done here. He’s leaving.”
Alex stares at me for a moment before readjusting his jacket and rising from his seat.
“Alright then, Mr. Reynolds.” He fishes into his pocket and pulls out a business card, sliding it over to me. “If you change your mind. That’s my number.” He backs away from the booth and walks briskly out of the restaurant. I watch him through the floor-to-ceiling window as he steps into the passenger seat of a sleek black sedan. Grabbing my phone, I dial Carl’s number one more time. He picks up.
“You talked to him?”
“Yeah.” I glance at my watch. “And as expected, he didn’t take the offer.”
“So? How do we proceed?”
“We move to phase two.”
It’s late evening when I enter Kaylee’s pastry shop. Standing on the opposite side of the curb, I glance at my wristwatch. It’s past eight. The sign says closed, but that’s exactly what I want it to say. I push open the door, smiling as the delicious smell of freshly baked chocolate croissants fills my nose. Kaylee turns to me, a smile on her face.
“Sorry, we’re closed.”
Her gaze meets mine, and the smile fades.
“Hey.” I walk over to the counter, leaning forward to kiss her. She backs away, turning to pick a napkin from behind her.
“Hey,” she mutters, wiping off a side of the counter. A light scowl creases my forehead as I stare at her. She doesn’t meet my gaze.
What’s going on? We haven’t spoken since our time in the restaurant. Did I do something wrong? If I did, what is it?
“Another busy day?”
I already know the answer.
“Yeah.”
“Great to hear. Have the customers been pouring in?”
She nods. “Something smells great. Is that chocolate croissant?”
“It is.”
Silence sets in and I watch as she wipes the same spot on the counter again and again. She’s not actually cleaning anything. She’s just trying to avoid speaking to me.
“Hey. Lee-Lee.”
She stops. “Look at me.”
A moment passes and she drops the napkin, turning to face me. She has a blank look on her face, but her eyes tell a different story.
