Ask Me Why(28)

The pen in my hand threatens to snap. “Are you done?”

He grunts. “Hardly.”

“Is there an actual point to this riveting visit?”

“I came to collect you for the board meeting.” He nods toward the conference room. “Ready?”

“Are you done messing around?” I counter.

“For now. The afternoon is fair game.”

I stand and take a lingering glance at the piles of untouched case files stacked on my desk. My time could be much better spent. But it’s not my place to argue. Yet.

We walk the short distance in silence. Jordan opens the door and motions me inside. Natural light floods the spacious area. Several people are already situated around the glossy wood table. We take our usual seats near the head.

Kathy appears beside me with a steaming mug of fresh coffee and a legal pad. “You took off before I could catch up. Anything else, sir?”

“This should do it. Thanks for bringing these, Kathy.” I offer her a curt nod.

She fumbles for a moment, almost tripping over her feet. I raise a brow, and she ducks her head, dashing off without another word.

“Fucking women,” I mutter.

“You caught her off guard by being somewhat pleasant for a change.” Jordan’s observation gives me pause.

“What are you talking about?”

He waves me off. “Never mind.”

A hush falls over the room when the three partners trail in. Don, Gary, and Steve are all in their mid-sixties with a stature that demands respect. Their presence alone commands the large group huddled in front of them. One day, hopefully soon, I’ll be standing beside them. Fresh blood and all that. I puff out my chest, letting the power infuse me. It’s a feeling I’m comfortable with.

“Hello, everyone. Thanks for joining us,” Gary begins. “We’ve had an impressive start to the summer quarter.”

All three of them form an intimidating line in front of us. They started the firm, way back when, with a dream and a sliver of capital. I’ve heard the story a hundred times over bourbon at evening meetings. Steve especially loves to drone on about their glory days.

But standing before me in this stuffy room is a trio of old men past their prime. They spend more time on the golf course than in the office. Not that I blame them. They built this company from the ground up. But retirement is calling them. I’m ready for them to move over and let me lead. Getting partner at twenty-nine would be a feat, even for me. I’m chomping at the proverbial bit to get that promotion before hitting the big three-zero.

Don is waxing on about exceeding last year’s gains. I tap my foot to the beat of his wheezing breaths. He points to a dozen charts on the projection screen. The facts and figures blur into a colorful clump. I barely bite back a groan. Don’t they understand this is a waste of resources?

I glance around at my co-workers. Most of them are half-asleep, drooling, and with their eyes glazing over. Fucking awesome. Not that I blame them. These meetings are boring as hell and a total snooze-fest. With a motivated team, I can turn this firm around and quadruple our profits. The picture of perfection I’m sketching in my head is ruined by incessant scribbling next to me. I glance over and find Jordan jotting down copious notes. I’m sure my expression is the epitome of flabbergasted.

When did he become interested in keeping track of this shit?

I crane my neck further, the chair squeaking in protest. On closer inspection, he’s doodling pieces of candy. What the actual shit is this? Fucking Braelyn, that’s what. I never get a reprieve. Ollie and Mary have been hounding me. I can’t even get my best friend to stay loyal. I’m fucking surrounded and outnumbered. Unfortunately for them, I’m a stubborn asshole.

Jordan gets an elbow to his ribs from me. He doubles over with a sharp inhale. His narrow gaze finds mine. Serves him right. I smile, proud and wide. Jordan rubs his nose with a middle finger.

I turn my attention to Steve, immediately regretting the decision. The density of his monotone chattering makes my shoulders slouch. A tap to my arm has me twisting back around. Jordan points to his piece of paper. I roll my eyes at his barely legible scrawl.

Just give her a taste.

Passing notes in a board meeting is a new low, even for him. What are we? Twelve? I shoot him a scowl, hating to admit how appetizing his words are. Stale coffee lingers on my tongue. Something sweet would hit the spot. Jordan’s words from earlier circle in my brain. I could grab lunch at that dinky cafe next to Braelyn’s store. If I happen to see her, so be it.

A loud grunt grinds from my throat. I force out a cough to cover the disapproving sound. Even I don’t believe that pile of bull. There’s something about Braelyn. No use denying it. Her soulful gaze is cloaked in secrets. The urge to ask her why curls on my tongue more often than not. I want to rip apart the mask she’s wearing and see what’s hiding beneath. Among other things. But surface shit comes first.

An abrupt clap drags me into awareness. The dynamic trio is wrapping up, and I’ve managed to miss the majority of their updates. Score one for me. And my decision is made.

“Thanks for your dedication. Keep up the good work, everyone.” Gary gives the group a thumbs-up.

Steven flicks his wrist. “Meeting adjourned.”

I’m out of my seat before Don opens the door. I hear Jordan chuckling and fight the urge to flip him off. I’m already putting on a show by rushing from the room as if someone’s chasing me. An hour ago, I was lecturing him about being professional. The irony isn’t hard to grasp.