The Anti-Boyfriend(28)

“I pretty much do know, Simone. He’s made it clear in subtle ways that he wants nothing to do with me—with us—that way. He leaves abruptly anytime things get a little tense between us. The answer is in his body language and behavior. He doesn’t need to say anything for me to know where he stands. And that’s perfectly fine. We’re just friends. To be honest? It’s kind of nice to have someone I can turn to right next door without having to worry about complications.”

“Well, that’s too bad. I think you guys would make a cute couple.”

Feeling flushed, I looked down at my phone. “Shit. I have to go. I’m gonna be late getting back to the office.”

“Way to escape the uncomfortable convo.”

I laughed as I got up from the table and dropped a twenty in front of her. “That should more than cover me. I’ll call you. Let’s do this again soon.”



*



When I returned, Cynthia asked if I could accompany one of our potential investors, Neil Spectra, around the city for the remainder of the afternoon. She was supposed to do it, but apparently had gotten called home for a family emergency.

Neil was the son of Albert Spectra, a multimillionaire who’d contributed generously to the arts over the years. Word was that Albert’s wife, Ginny, had recently passed and had requested that a portion of her money go to one of the two major ballet companies in New York. But it was apparently up to her son, Neil, to decide which company would receive the funds.

We visited a new exhibit at the Met. Then he expressed interest in going for coffee after so he could ask me some questions about our company. I suggested the Starbucks near my apartment so I wouldn’t be late getting home. Neil had a driver, so I wasn’t really putting him out.

Once we got to Starbucks, though, it seemed Neil was more interested in learning about me than City Ballet.

“Carys, I hope it’s okay that Cynthia told me a bit about your history with City’s competitor, The Manhattan Ballet. I was intrigued to learn about your background.”

“Yes, I have fond memories of my time there both as a dancer and behind the scenes.”

“I was kind of hoping since you have experience with both companies that I could pick your brain.”

Feeling unsure about where this was going, I nodded as I sipped my latte. “Sure.”

He clasped his hands together. “This decision is very important to me. It meant a lot to my mother. She grew up in this city with very humble beginnings, and one of the rare luxuries was going to the ballet with her grandmother. Ballet got her through some rough times when her mother—my grandmother—was sick. So, as you know, in her will, she asked that a major donation be made to the company of our choosing.”

“If you don’t mind my asking, why do you think she would be opposed to splitting it between the two ballet companies?”

“I’m not entirely sure. I guess, perhaps, she figured a higher amount given to one company could make a bigger difference. She asked that it go to the company we felt deserved it the most. I have to follow her wishes.”

“I see.”

“I’m not as well-versed in the arts as my mother was. But my father tasked me with overseeing this decision. I’ve learned a lot by visiting the two companies, and this experience has given me a greater appreciation for something my mother loved so dearly.”

“Well, we’re extremely grateful for your consideration. I think it’s safe to say there’s no wrong decision.”

He took a sip of his espresso. “I have to tell you, you’re a lot more gracious than your competitor.”

“Why do you say that?”

“The gentleman I spoke with over there seemed to point out all the reasons I shouldn’t give my money to City, rather than trying to sell me on why his company was the best fit. Turned me off a little, to be honest.”

Charles. I knew it had to be him, but I didn’t dare mention his name so as not to have to get personal with Neil.

“Anyway, today has been a…refreshing change,” he said. “And that’s due mostly to you.”

He was definitely giving me a vibe that he might be interested in more than just my expertise on the ballet.

A couple of minutes later, I was surprised to see Deacon walk in. Well, it shouldn’t have been a surprise. He hit this Starbucks daily, but it was rare for me to be in here.

When Deacon spotted me, his eyes went wide. “Carys…hey.” He turned to Neil and extended his hand. “I’m Deacon, Carys’s neighbor.”

“Neil Spectra.”

Deacon nodded a few times before he turned to me. “I didn’t expect to see you here at this time of day. Thought you were across town at work.”

“I am…at work, actually. Neil is a potential investor. So this is a business meeting. We just had it here so I could get home in time.”

“It is a work meeting,” Neil interjected. “But Carys has done a tremendous job of making me forget this is still business. She’s a joy to be around.”

Deacon stared at Neil for a few seconds. “I’d have to agree with you.” He looked at me and nodded. “Well, I’ll let you get back to your meeting. Just gonna grab a cappuccino and head back.”

“Okay…” I smiled. “See you later.”