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When I order a coffee she raises her brow over her menu, purses her lips, and then says to the waiter, “Make it Irish and get me one too.”
He has a shaved head, black ink running up his arms and neck, and bulging muscles below his black button-up. He smirks and then shoots Marion a wink before turning away from us.
I can’t help but giggle. Even over sixty she garners the type of attention from men that an eighteen-year-old would receive in college. She exudes sex appeal. Or in all honesty, appeal in general. Both women and men flock to her, seeking her approval, her attention, and her commentary.
Including myself.
It is only after I’ve sipped my Irish coffee that Marion finally speaks. “How are things with Steven?”
“I need to move forward with the divorce. How do you think I should handle it from a PR standpoint? I don’t want this to adversely affect the firm.”
Marion tilts her head in thought, and then it’s like a lightbulb goes off in her head “Oh, the article.” The words are said with acknowledgement and understanding. “I must say I was rather enjoying watching Mr. James traipsing around with a mystery woman for the last few weeks.”
The whiskey burns my throat and I choke. “Huh?”
“I have alerts set up for all of our clients. Please tell me you do that too?”
I nod with big eyes. Where is she going with this?
“I can’t tell you the number of times I was pictured with a client as their mystery woman. It happens, Grace. It’s just unfortunate they’ve now identified you. It can be cleared up with a statement regarding the nature of your relationship. We don’t need to address your divorce.”
The nature of my relationship with Cash. Right.
“About that,” I start. Marion looks at me with an almost smirk and I lose my nerve. “I think it would be good for me to be seen out with Jonathan. Take the heat off Mr. James.”
Marion shrugs. “If you want. Mr. James is quite delicious though, isn’t he?”
I cough as I remember precisely how he tastes. Clearing my throat, I look everywhere but at her. “Sure, yeah, I mean, if that’s your type.”
Marion laughs. “He’s everyone’s type. Tall, gorgeous, and there is something about him, like he’s a lost puppy that you just want to help guide home. Maybe cuddle him. Don’t you think?” she asks pointedly, her heeled foot bouncing in almost glee.
Or he’s a dirty talker who steals your panties. But sure, we’ll go with lost puppy. I’ve certainly seen that side of him too.
“He…uh…said he was going to take a break from dating. He’s too busy with work, and the tabloid gossip isn’t good for him.”
Marion frowns. “That’s too bad. I guess Jonathan isn’t a bad option for you then. I just thought…” She doesn’t finish her sentence, and I find myself staring at her, wondering what she was going to say but too afraid to ask. I need to get out of this conversation in one piece with as few half-truths as possible.
“So, PR person?” I redirect.
“Right. If you are going to start dating, we should set the record straight on your divorce. I’ll have Melanie call you.”
I sigh. “Thank you, Marion.”
“Anything for you, Sweets.” The food arrives and I take a moment to peer at the woman who has given me so much. I hope one day she understands why I did what I did, and she isn’t too disappointed in me for going after a client. The truth is I have tried to stay away from Cash, and it’s not possible anymore.
A bubbling excitement forms in my stomach as I remember Cash’s declaration about me being his girlfriend last night. In the end, he’s worth it.
Whatever the cost, I’m willing to pay it.
“How’s the matchmaking going?” Rachel asks when I arrive back in the office.She has a coffee in her hand which I greedily accept. The Irish coffee has just left me tired.
“Mr. James is going to take a break from dating. Time to start working on another client. Who’s up next?”
Rachel smiles. “Gavin Langfield.”
My smile matches hers. Now there’s a bachelor to get excited about. Hopefully, with the attention on the media mogul—who is notorious for never being seen with the same woman twice—Cash will become yesterday’s news. “Oh, that’s a good one.”
“I’ll bring his file into your office in a bit. Just doing some final research on his fetishes.”
