Stacking the Deck (A Betting on Romance Novel Book 2)(44)

“Yes, I’m sure you do,” she said, trailing after him. After a moment, she said, “But after our conversation the other night, I had some ideas on how to strategically grow the business, really make a brand for yourself. I’d love to share them with you. Not that you’re not doing fine as you are, but I was thinking there’s such an opportunity here for you to capitalize on the eco-building materials/hardscape niche.

A denial sprang reflexively to the tip of his tongue, but she pressed on. “Think of the clients who have the money to do those sort of projects; they’re the same clients who can afford to go green, right? Some selective advertising in local home and building publications… a carefully prepared photo portfolio of past projects…”

A carefully prepared portfolio? Where did she come up with this stuff? He looked at her, and she paused. “Anyway,” she said, giving a small, self-conscious laugh, “only if you’re interested.”

He straightened, ready to tell her ‘thanks, but no thanks,’ but then her tongue darted out to wet her lips, and he felt something in him soften. “I’m interested. Potentially.” He felt himself smile. “Can’t hurt to talk.”

She grinned. “Great. I look forward to it. Well.” She bit her lip. “I should let you get back to work.”

But she didn’t go.

He glanced up. She looked uncertain for a moment. “I wanted to mention,” she said, “what you did the other day for Ben… that was really nice.” Carter frowned. “You know. When you made him feel okay about chipping the paver? I just wanted you to know, I thought it was sweet of you.”

“We all chip things now and again. I’ve chipped enough pavers for ten people combined over the years.”

“I suppose you’re bound to in this business.” She chuckled, but then paused, a considering look on her face.

Carter shrugged. “Or maybe I’m just careless.” He took a sip of coffee.

“I didn’t mean—”

“It’s all right. We’re not in tenth grade anymore. It’s not like I won’t graduate if I chip a few pavers, so we don’t have to dance around the obvious. Precision isn’t my strong suit.”

“Mmm,” she said, although he got the sense she wasn’t listening.

“Mmm?”

She blinked and looked at him. “Wh—? Oh.” She chuckled, a short awkward sound. “I was just thinking.”

A notepad fell out of Carter’s pocket and he bent to pick it up. “About?”

“About your carelessness and… hmm… how you lose track of time.”

Carter rose. “How I what?”

“…how much sugar and caffeine you ingest….” They both stared at the travel mug in his hand.

Liz continued, obviously on a roll. “Are you aware you have a dozen of those little notepads, but you never seem to remember where you’ve left them? That you have a tendency to act impulsively? And you fidget more than the average person? Back in high school it was all you could do to stay focused sometimes when I tutored you.” She exhaled and made a helpless gesture with her hands. “Look, Carter, what I’m trying to say is…”

He blinked, still reeling from the list she’d just rattled off.

She put her hands on her hips and looked at him matter-of-factly. “What I am saying is: You might have ADHD.”

“I might have what?”

She swallowed. Flushed. “Look, I was up until after midnight gathering information for my sister. I’ve read the web sites. I don’t know why I didn’t see it sooner. You have ten out of ten symptoms.” She frowned. “Except oppositional defiance. You don’t score high there.”

He stared at her.

“I’m sorry to be blunt. I thought you knew. Sort of like being bald. At some level you can’t not know, right?”

“Are you saying I’m bald?”

“No. No, you have excellent hair.”

He raised an eyebrow at her. “Good to know.”

She stared at him.

He stared back.

“It doesn’t make you unintelligent,” she blurted. “That’s the thing. A lot of people with ADHD are very smart. In fact, I read that their inability to filter ideas makes them unusually creative.” She bit her lower lip again. “I should stop talking now, shouldn’t I?”

“Probably.” He set his travel mug down and turned to get ready for work. The coffee had suddenly lost its appeal. She trailed after him again.

He blew out a silent breath. He forgot she had a tendency not to let things go.

“Have I upset you?”

“Only by implying I was bald,” he said over his shoulder.

“Carter, I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable, but I actually know a lot about this condition. There’s nothing to be ashamed of. In fact—”

He stopped abruptly. Turned. “I get it, Liz. You’ve got me figured out. Good for you. But it doesn’t do much for me, does it? It’s like telling me I’ll die someday. True, but what am I supposed to do about it?”

“But, that’s just it. There are treatments available. Counseling. Medications!”

“So now I need a shrink?”