“And this atmosphere modelling, I wonder if I’ve seen them. A touch risqué, is it right? I went to a James Bond themed gala, and there were women painted gold, like the Goldfinger girl from the movie.”
“Could be a similar thing.” I’m not sure I like where this is going.
“Ugh, I’d hate to see my daughter parade around like that. Everything on display. Old men like me ogling her. What does her family think of this … job?”
Sipping my whiskey, I buy myself some time before I say anything. The fact that he’s ogling the women says more about him than them, but I know Rey hasn’t told her family about her extra job. She thinks they’ll judge her. Just like Graham is doing right now.
Before I can answer, he continues, “Will she stay an atmosphere model while with you? Will you bring her whenyou’re invited as a panellist at the World Technology Forum eventually?”
“That’s a hypothetical, Graham, why go there?”
“I’m just curious. My wife is an economist and enjoys the conversation. She’s part of my life. We’re even business partners; I told you about that bee charity she’s running.”
The words are stuck in my throat. Yes? No? Does it matter? There’s a niggle of uncertainty in my gut now and I recall the thoughts I had when Aiden first told me she worked at The Orion that night. But even the idea of being with someone like Jody, or just anyone that’s not Rey, feels ridiculous now that I know her. She exceeds anything I imagined.
My eyes meet Graham’s as he waits for my response. I know I shouldn’t care what he thinks, what anyone thinks, but how do I know for sure she’d be happy with me?
She won’t have to keep doing atmosphere modelling, though. If she doesn’t want to. She can dress up in other ways, and she has a different creative outlet now. Her concept artist role … which I’m also going to take away from her.
Shit.
Graham clears his throat, filling the awkward silence that stretched out with my lack of response. He sits up as the server arrives with another round of drinks and dim-sum.
“I’ll hear from you when you’re ready, Mark, but be smart about it. You can’t hide it forever.”
I nod. No words will come out now that this icy grip has tightened around my lungs. I thought I was the only one risking big in this relationship, but Rey would have to leave her role and join me in the limelight. How do I ask that of her? Does she even want to live like that?
CHAPTER THIRTY-SEVEN
office party
REY
Kaia raises her glass. “Never have I ever … stepped in a dog turd and had to walk around school all day.” She laughs, which is a first, and everyone blinks at her. She’s the only one who drinks.
All the new starters, plus a handful of the other under-thirties from the development team, have gathered in the bright pink and yellow breakout area on the ground floor. We must be over twenty people here. Some of us are lounging on the massive wool couch, some seated by the cafe-style tables surrounding us, and others scattered on pouffes and beanbags, but we’re all playing this silly old drinking game. And while some drink beer, others wine, most of us are enjoying a new (to me, anyway) herbal drink that’s meant to boost our energy yet make us feel calm and present. It tastes like a negroni, which I love, so I’ll take it.
There’s no way I’ll risk making a fool of myself in the office, and because Silas is here, drinking. He seems to get the wrong idea even without alcohol involved, so I’m taking no chances.
The main reason is I want to see Mark later.
We haven’t agreed on anything, but I’ve stayed at his place every night this week except yesterday, and I can’t imagine another night without him.
It’s been strange sneaking around, but it’s the only way. I’m deliriously happy when we’re together, but once we’re apart, I’m reminded of all the reasons this is a risk for him. What happens when he’s not comfortable taking it anymore? Can we sneak around until my internship is over? Then what?
He’s so attentive, so sweet. And this week has beenhot. I thought the first few times were the best sex of my life, but it’s just getting better. More intense.
I know why. For me at least.
Because I’ve fallen.
Hard.
How could I not? He’s simply the most wonderful human I’ve met. Should I tell him tonight? Is it too soon?
It’s bursting inside me. I could shout it across the room.
I’m in love with Mark Becker!
