Atonement(21)

THE FOLLOWING DAY was interesting to say the least.

After my heart-to-heart with Colin, I arrived earlier than usual to meet up with Liam at the uConnect Headquarters and filled out my employment paperwork. Afterwards, we made small talk and he quickly introduced me to his other two partners at uConnect: Jake Kagasuki and Dinesh “Dennis” Gupta. Both were born and raised in Seattle and smart as whips. The three had also been friends for a very long time and had all graduated from Harvard with MBA degrees along with Bachelors in Business.

“As you can see, we are seriously lacking in female talent so it is great to have you on board,” Dennis greeted in an authentic Washington accent I had tried so hard to get rid of.

After a lot of work with voice coaches, I’d mastered the “California” accent or having no regional accent at all. Both were shocked and amazed I was a native of Washington state as they stated many times during our brief chat I didn’t sound like I’d been born and raised in Seattle.

My sister never gave a damn about losing her accent and therefore it was quite strange because when we were together, her accent was pronounced while mine wasn’t noticeable at all.

Afterward, he offered to take me out to lunch. I agreed because I honestly thought any other answer would sound rude and unappreciative. He’d been the perfect gentleman and had not come on to me. Now that he was officially my boss, he treated me like a very valuable employee he wanted to wine and dine—not because of a sexual interest but in the chance he could keep me happy enough to stay with his company for a very, very long time. With my track record, I didn’t believe his attitude was too far fetched.

One complaint Liam would never suffer from would be frugality. His choice of restaurant was one of the hippest and best in Seattle, Sitka & Spruce. I’d been to the restaurant more times than I could count but it was always a treat. The place was damn near a city institution and the height of fine yet understated dining.

For an appetizer, he ordered bread, a vast array of cheeses specific to the Northwest and salami. With a bottle of Evian we shared between us, the food was absolutely delicious and we hadn’t gotten to our entrees yet.

“I truly believe you are going to be happy at uConnect. That is the point, you know. We value the contentment of our employees and we do everything in our power to make sure their needs are met.”

He paused and buttered a slice of soft bread. “For instance, many of our employees prefer to stay fit. There is a gym on site and it is available twenty-four hours per day. There are security cameras attached so you should never feel unsafe.

“I desperately want to convince you the right decision has been made. I’m not big on charity but you impressed the hell out of Jake and Dennis. They both participate in Habitat for Humanity and the local chapter of HFFIN—Homes for Families in Need—so if you ever feel those heartstrings pull at you, I can get you in touch on a future project with either organization and you are free to participate.”

“If you don’t mind me asking, why are you doing this for me?”

“Well, to be honest, I can see how much you are into my brother and I want you to feel self-assured in yourself to think a relationship between you two could be possible. He does have a reputation for being a ‘ladies’ man’ but it isn’t like that. He’s just picky and I can see he likes you just as much as you like him,” Liam explained in a sincere tone.

I picked up a sliver of cheese and bit delicately. “So, basically, you have no ulterior motives other than setting me up with your brother? What if I don’t like him the way you think I do?”

“Well, your emotions are pretty transparent. I understand your complicated relationship with Drew but it isn’t going to destroy their friendship if you end up with him. You two are going to be in very close quarters for at least one month. A lot can happen in that space of time. You’re a decent person not to mention beautiful and intelligent. Why wouldn’t I want my brother to be happy? He deserves it after all this time especially after Sierra messed him over.”

I sipped from my water. “As in Sierra Granger?”

“You know her?”

“We attended the same high school. She was always known as a heartbreaker but if I am not mistaken, isn’t she married now?”

Liam merely nodded. “The worst part is she was dating both Colin and Kevin at the same time. At the end of the day, she made her choice and dumped him just days before her engagement to Kevin was announced. It nearly destroyed him. You see, Colin was also a founding partner of uConnect with the three of us but he equally sold his shares to Jake, Dennis and I; he hasn’t been interested in business much since then. He prefers to dick away his life on endless European vacations and working at that shitty little coffee shop and bar.