I hesitated, then decided to just tell him. “The CEO is visiting tomorrow, and apparently he wants to meet with me one-on-one.”
“Nick, that’s fantastic!” he exclaimed. surprising me with his enthusiasm. “This could be a good opportunity for you. Why don’t you sound more excited?”
I sighed, running a hand through my hair. “Because what if I mess it up? What if I say something stupid and he decides I’m an idiot and fires me on the spot?”
“Nick,” Henry said, his voice gentle but firm. “That’s not going to happen. You’re brilliant at your job, remember? And CEOs don’t typically fire people during casual meet-and-greets.”
His confidence in me was touching, but my anxiety still gnawed at me. “But what if?—”
“No what ifs,” Henry said. “I’ve met dozens of CEOs. I can help you prepare. Why don’t you come after work and plan to spend the night. We can practice in peace, and I can give you some tips. Plus, I wouldn’t mind waking up with a super hot guy in my arms two mornings in a row.”
I tried to get Brenda to leave by flicking my fingers at her, but she settled in for the count. “That’s the cutest way anyone’s ever asked me to spend the night.”
“Did it work?” I could hear the smile in Henry’s voice.
“Yes,” I said, my anxiety easing back. “Thanks, Henry. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”
“You’d be fine,” he said softly. “But I’m glad you don’t have to find out. I’ll see you tonight, okay? Try not to stress too much until then.”
As I hung up, I caught Brenda’s knowing smirk. For once, I didn’t mind. I was too busy looking forward to another night with Henry, even if it did involve interview prep.
“So,” Brenda drawled, wiggling her eyebrows suggestively. “Another sleepover, huh? Things are moving fast with you two.”
Her question froze me for a moment. Was it moving too fast? It didn’t feel like it to me. “He’s helping me prepare for the meeting with Ralph. That’s all.”
“Uh-huh,” Brenda said, clearly not buying it. “And I’m sure that’s all you’ll be doing.”
My face heated up again, but I couldn’t bring myself to be truly embarrassed. For the first time in a long time, I felt genuinely happy and supported. Maybe this CEO visit wouldn’t be so bad after all.
“You know what, Brenda?” I said, surprising myself with my newfound confidence. “You’re right. We probably won’t be preparing for the meeting all night, but I’m not sharing those details.”
Brenda’s jaw dropped in mock shock, then she burst out laughing. “Who are you and what’ve you done with my Nicky?”
She might be joking, but her eyes were shining with genuine happiness for me. “He met someone who likes him back for a change.”
“Good,” she said. “You deserve it. And tomorrow is going to be just fine. I wouldn’t lie to you about this. Promise.”
When she left, I went back to work, but I couldn’t stop smiling. Life was good, and for once, I allowed myself to enjoy it without worrying it wouldn’t last.
Henry
“Nice digs,” Brenda said, spinning around to take in my corner office. “Pays to be the boss’s son, I see.”
I liked Brenda, most days, but her wit wasn’t always appreciated.
“Let us know if you think that when the times comes for us to sacrifice ourselves for the greater good,” Vicky said.
She and Brenda didnotalways get along. Vicky was like her father; laser focused on the mission and not prone to making jokes. In that at least it paid to be Gabriel’s son and not Michael’s.
“Did you have any trouble getting away without Nick noticing?” I asked.
“No,” she said, straightening her skirt. “I told him I needed to get some things for tomorrow. He’s too preoccupied worrying about meeting Ralph tomorrow to question me.”
The others didn’t seem too concerned about Ralph Mancini, or rather Uncle Raphael, visiting Nick. I walked over to the floor-to-ceiling windows offering an amazing panoramic view of Washington, DC, but didn’t take in the sight.
“This isn’t good,” I said, more to myself than the others. “Raphael isn’t known for his gentleness when it comes to testing new angels.”
“You would know first-hand,” Vicky said. I knew she didn’t agree with what had happened, so at least she understood my discomfort.
