Page 6 of The Work Wife

Emotions were not his strong suit. It wasn’t that he didn’t care, he did. He just didn’t have the experience necessary to deal with them. He glanced down at his phone and, for a second, thought about sending Cindy out to get a candy bar just in case. Damn Rob for only having healthy snacks in the vending machines.

Letting out a sigh, he stood and went over to her area. Taking his usual spot on the corner of her desk, he crossed his arms and looked down at her.

“Spill it.”

At first he didn’t think the direct approach was going to work, but after a deep breath she slumped her shoulders and started talking.

“Duane asked to speak to me this morning.”

Duane was part of Design Team One and Wes had always respected his work, while inwardly disliking the man himself. Wes wasn’t sure why he didn’t care for the guy, he just didn’t. “Did he upset you?”

“No. Not really. He asked me to consider joining his team when Neil retires.”

Wes knew he wasn’t hiding his shock very well. For a moment he tried to decide whether he should block the door so she couldn’t leave, or run down to Duane’s office and give him a good shake.

“That’s rather unprofessional.”

“Is it? He had some good points. Maybe we’re only working together because we always have. Maybe we’d be better with other people.”

“I would not be better with other people. You and I are a team. I know what I’m going to get from you, and I trust you when you tell me something I’m doing isn’t quite right. Our stuff is great because it’s our stuff.”

He knew how much Jamie wanted to be on Team One. It wasn’t that he didn’t want it. He just enjoyed what he did and didn’t get pulled into the drama. He knew he was a better engineer than Duane. That wasn’t ego, it was a fact.

The only reason they’d kept their spot on Team One was because Neil’s designs were organic and trendsetting. Without Neil, it wouldn’t take long for Jamie and Wes to move up to number one. But he wasn’t sure he could convince her. And it wouldn’t be in time to snag the McCafferty job.

“But you only thought my design was nice.” At this she sniffed and looked away from him.

So that was it. She didn’t feel appreciated. He’d been taking her for granted and hadn’t properly emphasized how much he needed her.

“You don’t like the words good or nice? How’s this for a word? I fucking love your stuff. You are so talented. I know we will get to Team One because you’re amazing.”

“Don’t patronize me.”

Nothing he said seemed to fix this.

“Have I ever patronized you, Jamie? When you asked me what I thought of that halter dress thing you changed into last summer for your date, did I hold anything back?”

“You said I should charge at least three hundred a night because I looked like a high-class hooker instead of a run-of-the-mill street whore.”

Maybe reminding her of that comment was not his best idea, but it did prove that he wouldn’t just throw words at her to spare her feelings.

“What I said was true—not the street whore part, but just now. I should have told you I loved the design yesterday. When I saw it, I thought it was amazing, but I should have voiced it so you knew. I’ll try to be better about that. Please don’t throw away everything we’ve worked for because Duane thinks you’re settling.”

“Okay. You’re right. I’m being crazy. It just stirred up a lot of things. And I started to have doubts.”

“I get it. You’re a talented architect. Anyone would want you on their team. And we’ve been together for five years now. Maybe Duane seems more exciting.”

“He doesn’t. In fact, he kind of icks me out. I just had a moment of insecurity, but I’m better now.”

“Do you want me to go get you some chocolate?” he offered, now that they’d made up.

“No, thank you. Maybe next week.” It would be closer to nine days according to his calculations.

* * * *

Jamie felt better by the time they headed to his car so he could drive her home. They’d stayed late to finish a project, and the sleet had turned to ice and then snow. It hurt to breathe in, the air too cold for her fragile Southern lungs.

She ran ahead, hoping to get in the car before the cold could settle in her bones, but stopped short when she slipped on the parking lot surface. She didn’t fall, but it was a very close thing. Fortunately no one could see her less-than-graceful recovery. Except Wes, who was laughing hysterically.