Butterflies in Honey (Growing Pains #3)(91)

“I don’t doubt it. Sean can get a little intense.” She’d seen Sean fight—she bet Blake wet himself when Sean took off the suave exterior and showed the crazy lurking. “You’re looking good, by the way.”

Marcus looked down at himself and turned around to flaunt his tux. “Borrowed it from a friend, and then had a tailored.”

Krista raised her eyebrows.

“He’s too fat—he’ll never fit into it again anyway,” Marcus said as he waved away her concern.

“What are they saying about Sean?” Krista asked, suddenly fearful that his chance at success was going to be cut short by his support of her.

“Well, I imagine you know what the gals are saying. What they always say—hot young stud, well groomed, gentleman, a great catch, yada yada.” Marcus rolled his eyes.

“And the managers?”

“Are worried. He’s had such little experience in the Big Cat game, no one thought he would get the VP position. He beat out a great many guys, apparently. They thought it was a fluke and he would go down in flames. Then he goes and promotes a chick. Nail in the coffin, right?” Marcus smiled and leaned back. “Wrong. He starts making changes right away. His chick starts turning Phil’s old job upside down. The pair of you save money left and right. Sean shows up here, and his chick and him take the best awards. Oh yeah, they’re all talking. Sean’s making waves, as always. He’ll be the best in no time. Mark my words.”

“He’s different and he gets acknowledgement. I’m different and I get outcast.” Krista muttered.

“Get over your pity party. He’s a young, ambitious white guy with bucks. All these guys started there once. No one started as a young, ambitious white gal with nothing but college debt. Or a black, g*y guy not taken seriously, for that matter. You aren’t the only one put upon.”

“Yikes. Can’t I have a moment to feel sorry for myself in peace?”

“Yeah, yeah. Ten nanoseconds. Anyway, tell Uncle Marcus, what’s going on with you and the young stud?”

“Don’t know. Don’t want to talk about it.”

“Uh huh. I hear he k-i-s-s’ed you in the tree. First comes love, then comes marriage, then comes little Krissy’s in the baby carriage.”

“Funny. And yeah, he did.”

“And you told him to f-off.”

“Yeah, I did. Thought I was going to fall off the side or something.”

“So, not because you didn’t like it...”

“Marcus, you said yourself, he’s a hot young stud. Who wouldn’t like it?”

“Krista, listen.” Marcus turned his whole body toward her. “From what I’ve heard, he hasn’t been with many people since you left. No one consistent, and no one even pretending to be permanent. When are you going to realize he’s in it for the long haul?”

“Don’t know. Don’t want to talk about it.”

Marcus’ brow furrowed. “What does he…” Marcus stopped talking and looked over Krista’s shoulder.

Krista followed his gaze and saw Emily leaning on the bar next to her. When she turned back, Marcus said, “Alright Geegee, I’ll talk to you later.”

“Oh. Okay.”

Marcus wandered away in an easy lope.

Krista turned back to Emily. “What, do you have a Marcus-be-gone spray or something?”

“You’d be surprised,” She laughed. “People usually suffer me, not have a desire to talk to me. Hey Krista, two things.” She looked around her, saw no one listening, then continued, “First, I don’t know if anyone told you, but Tory has a special reason for hoping you succeed. As do I.”

“Um…Okay?”

“Our youngest is in her first year at Harvard Business School. Tory wants to place her when she has graduated. Now, I’m sure I don’t have to impress upon you that this is between you and I…”

Krista nodded her assent.

“Well,” Emily continued, looking around her again. “There is a different world out there. More women hold higher positions in companies. And Tory has to retire someday—he hopes Emma will step up. Anyway, long story short, your success makes it easier for her to emerge as a star here. To be taken seriously. So you have a very special place in his heart. He is ecstatic you are turning heads.”

“So my getting MVP was a political thing?” Krista asked, losing heart in her trophy.

“Oh god no! Don’t get me wrong, Tory loves this company as much as he loves me. He wouldn’t rig anything like that. No, you earned that. That is why you’ve cemented that place in his heart. You and Sean.”

“Every time someone gives me success, Sean is mentioned.”

“Krista,” Emily gave her a stern look. It was daunting, “Sean made it where he is because of you. He’s worked his butt off for you. To win you, I think. And don’t think for a second you would be where you are without him pushing and believing in you. You guys work as a team. Tory knows that you excel exponentially with him, and he with you. He’s the idea man, and you’re the girl that gets it done. Maybe you don’t want to hear that, but…”

Wouldn’t everyone just drop it? All Krista wanted right now was sex. Everything else was brain fodder for a different day.