Butterflies in Honey (Growing Pains #3)(67)

“And you had no idea he would be assigned to L.A.?”

“We didn’t communicate after I left San Francisco. So yeah, the first I heard of him taking the job was when Tory announced it on stage at a company meeting.”

“But weren’t you close to him?”

“Before I left, yes. Very, as I am sure you know. I saw him six months before he moved to L.A., and still not a peep.”

“I find that very…surprising.”

“Surprising? Really? I found it infuriating. I very nearly quit, but decided, against it. I’ll beat him at his own game instead.”

“And how is that working out?”

“So far, dismal.”

“Yes, he is an intelligent young man.”

Krista sighed. “I know. I thought about messing with his desk, but figured he would know it was me.”

Ron grinned. “I see now why you weren’t worried about me.”

“Why? Because I am already battling? Or because I resort to more extreme forms of expression?”

“Both, I think.” Ron settled back. “I agree with you on the world changing. What would it take to get you to come to New York?”

“Everyone talks down to me for being a brazen b-word, but then they offer me jobs. I will never understand it.”

“I think a woman in your position has to be…that way in order to survive. I’ve seen the way you’re treated. I’ve seen what you are up against. You’ve never showed weakness. Not once. That shows merit. I admire that. To be frank, I want to use it. Plus, a lot more of our clients are women. I think they would prefer seeing another woman represent them.”

“You are right about that last part. But I’m afraid I am going to stay where I am for now. At least in L.A. That’s where all of my friends are. If I want to move on, there are plenty of options closer to home. If I want to stay with the company, then I won’t leave Sean. He’s never thought the way you have, despite his reputation. I trust that.”

“Forgive me, but it doesn’t seem like being loyal to Sean has helped you in the past…”

“Au contraire, mon frère. He has done nothing but help me. Granted, he cut off all conversation and planned a hostile takeover of my work life without consulting me, or even letting me know, but aside from that, he manages me well. He gives me work, then walks away. I do my deal, get noticed, get praised, and get promoted. He manages me loosely, and I flourish. He’s a righteous ass**le, yes. And I want to poison him, sure. But that is the scorned woman talking. Business sometimes needs to be devoid of passion if you want to succeed.”

“Hmm. Smart girl. Well, for now I’ll just say I hope McAdams sees what he’s got.”

“But secretly wish he doesn’t so you get your way?”

Ron just smiled and got laboriously to his feet. “Enjoy yourself,” he said as he moved back into the dwindling crowd.

Krista looked at the now empty table. Donald, Perry, and Georgie were nowhere to be seen. No use sitting there with a mostly gone drink…

She made her way up to the bar. She figured she’d have one more, and then lights out. As she waited for her drink from the younger, peppy bartender, she looked around for Sean. Then, after a few seconds of not finding him, slouched onto a barstool miserably, wondering who he found to take back to his room. She knew he didn’t want to be with her until she was sure, and she also knew he had his needs, but it broke her heart that he would do this to her here. If their positions were reversed, she would never sink that low to impress some co-workers—or anyone.

She was half way through her last drink and nearly ready to head up when she felt a presence beside her.

“Hi Krista.” Blake was too close. He was standing between bar stools, the side of his body touching hers nonchalantly.

Speaking of date rape. It was the end of the night. Of course the bottom feeders would turn up to take home anyone willing. Or in his case, too drunk.

“What’s up, Blake. What do you need?” she asked tersely. She was too far along the alcohol train to be smooth with put downs. She had to go for the swat away tactic.

“I wanted to apologize for what I said today. I’m sorry about that.”

“You’re sorry that you said it, or sorry that you got in trouble for it?”

“Sorry I hurt you, of course.”

“Oh, of course. Look Blake—“

“Krista.” This from the other side.

It was Marcus, who was leaning lackadaisically against the bar over the barstool.

“Yeah?” she asked, turning toward him.

He surveyed her a second, then glanced at Blake. “Sorry to interrupt, but I wondered if you might give Sean a message for me? He’s in the little boys’ room.”

“Uh… okay?”

She wanted to ask if she would be cramping Sean’s style, but didn’t dare with Blake there. Lord only knew what elaborate plans she would be stepping on.

“Would you mind walking with me?” Marcus said, a little too serious for Krista’s taste.

“Um, yeah sure. Blake and I were just wrapping up anyway.”

They walked away from the bar.

“Stay away from him, Geegee. He’s trouble.”

“Marcus, I was literally telling him to f-off when you walked up. Give me some credit.”