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Those words snap my thoughts to the present. What am I doing thinking about Athena, when I have a battle to win?
I should be thinking like a gladiator, and not a fucking bleeding heart poet.
"And which vulture are you referring to now?" I ask.
"Ben."
"Ben Danvers? That fucking asshole just doesn't know when to quit," I say.
"He's still holding a grudge you know," Andrew says, reaching across my desk for the bottle of whiskey. "You don't mind, do you?" he asks, pouring a glass before I can even answer.
"I think I'll join you," I shrug. "I can use a drink."
"Ben can't ever get over the fact that you got the best of him with that company buyout."
"That was years ago."
"But to him, it feels raw—like it happened yesterday," Andrew says. "He's got something to prove, I guess."
"I can be ruthless, but not that ruthless," I say. "That local business was important to a small, working class community … and you know it."
"Look, I've got your back on this man—always have. I get it. You did the right thing. If I didn't know any better, I'd think that was an act of Mother Teresa or something."
I laugh. "Give me a fucking break."
"No, I mean it. It took a lot of heart for you to do that—instead of letting Ben make a killing on that deal, you scooped it up and let the owners buy it back from you after making them a fortune. It was a generous act."
I shrug. "It was the right thing to do."
"See, that's what I'm talking about," Andrew says. "There's a heart hidden in that cold exterior of yours. Little do most people know, but you've got a soft spot the size of Texas in that chest." He points at me, and gives a quick wink.
"Well, there's no way in hell Ben's ever going to get his hands on my company."
"I hope not," Andrew says, shaking his head.
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"It just means that this contest isn't over—you've only completed the round for mortals out of 100,” she says to me, her words cool and crisp and her eyes mischievous. “There's still a lot left for those who still believe mistakenly like you that they can win.”
"Since when did you become a pessimist?" I ask.
"I'm a realist. There's a difference. And just as long as you don't listen to your cock, and fall in love with a gorgeous pair of legs and tits, you'll be fine," he smiles.
As Andrew's talking, I remember that I'm seeing Athena again tonight. I look down at my watch, and gauge how much time I have.
There must be something in my face that worries Andrew because he turns to me, "You aren't falling in love with anyone, Malcolm, are you?"
That's a good question…
10
Athena
Date Number 3.
Yes, hun. This is Date Three. Because I’m counting dinner at Masa as a date. And the booty call the other night with no sex as a date too. Tonight is the night I think.
