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I felt like I was making progress in breaking down his impenetrable face. He actually seemed charmed by my delicate riposte.
“Have I offended you, Gemma? Of course, you should know better. The executives and managers I deal with are naturally ingratiating and sycophantic and they wouldn’t dare be honest and critical of me, would they?”
More sarcasm, it riled me. “Don’t disparage me, Mr Lucas. I’m sure nobody is dishonest with you. I imagine your role requires considerable patience, acquisitions don’t happen overnight. You probably don’t mince your words, that keeps your time productive and I expect you perceive other people’s unnecessary chitchat curtails output. I saw you in action in a meeting. I’ve had first-hand experience of your supposed style of management - it’s abrupt and uncompromising. On the other hand, you were very courteous with me last week, so I think you are very different with those you respect and consider valuable. Like your key execs. Keep them happy and they keep you happy? Yes?”
I ended my mini lecture with a gruff expression. Don’t underestimate me, Mr Lucas!
“Very astute, Miss Marshall. That is why you are employed as an analyst. Though I expect you prefer numbers to people.”
His last comment was accurate, I would rather spend time looking at a computer screen than join in with the office banter. I flinched from those blue eyes. They were back in intimidator form.
“I think I’ve taken the floor for long enough. Tell me about you, Gemma,” he said before taking a mouthful of wine.
What could I have said about my life? My student years were respectable and somewhat boring. My last job should be an easy topic, but then I would have to circumvent the reason I left so abruptly.
“No boyfriend?”
The questioned I dreaded. I decided to keep to a short answer.
“Not currently.”
There was no way I was taking that topic further. Therefore, I mentioned my unexciting family, who were hardworking, typically supportive but unobtrusive, thankfully.
“You don’t see your family much then?” he enquired.
“Not often. They don’t live too far away. I don’t have a car and I can’t afford train fares. Interns aren’t usually paid well or not all,” I pointed out.
“Oh, but think of all the experience you’re gaining!” he chortled and I saw this as my chance to raise my profile. I concentrated on commending my work skills, what I assumed had drawn him to me in the first place, or so I thought. Then I dried up and regretted not having pushed other aspects of my personality.
The conversation had maintained a serious nature to it all evening and it was not my normal style. I liked frivolity, gaiety and witticisms. I could do sombre mature exchanges. I was not a giggling brash girl who harped on about celebrities or spiteful co-workers nor did I hunger for bitchy gossip. Still, I had to let my hair down from time to time and have fun somehow.
“Why me, Mr Lucas?” I plucked up the courage to ask. “This evening’s concert, you could have chosen anyone to take.”
“To take?” he said with a bemused
expression. “It was your evening out as much as mine.”
“Then why gate-crash it with your presence?”
“Unwanted am I?”
I blushed terribly as I realised the direction we were heading in was not my intention. I had made myself sound ungracious.
“Oh no,” I backtracked quickly. “I mean, I’m very grateful for the ticket and your company.”
“You said gate-crash, Gemma,” he was not going to let my foolish word be dropped.
“I assumed you’d have better things to do then keep me company, that’s all,” I said meekly.
“I enjoy classical music,” said Jason cocking his head to one side. “In fact I purchased the tickets a long time ago. My brother was going to join me but he had to change his plans.”
I felt guilty. Had I usurped his brother from the seat and taken it for myself?
“Other plans?”
“Yes, a good coincidence, wasn’t it?” he remarked and I was not convinced he was being honest with me. “The charities, which are benefitting from tonight’s proceeds, includes one I have a particular fondness for. Whether I came or not, the tickets were already purchased.”
“So you wouldn’t have come without your brother? You don’t have any other suitable companions?” I added quickly.
