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Smiling her brightest smile, Lottie locked eyes with Cain. “I’d consider coming back on one condition.”
“And that is?” he asked.
“For you to be my sponsor.” She winked.
“Well, that was unexpected.”
“I’m full of surprises, I guess.” She shrugged.
“Listen, let me discuss this with Nova and-”
Lottie cut him off, smiling while she rolled her eyes. “Do you think that’s the best idea? What if she says no? Then I won’t be able to come back.”
“I thought you and Nova were somewhat friendly. You were talking the other night and she mentioned you helped her enroll at CU.”
“But would she wantyouto showmespecial privilege?”
Cain considered this.Would something like this upset Nova?They had each been individual sponsors for guests in the past but none of them had ever started in this way. Did he have to tell Nova? Could he just explain that Lottie needed extra attention?Why didn’t you tell her about this lunch meeting if it was so innocent.
“Let’s meet this evening. I can catch you up on the intro you missed today.”
Lottie stood. “Sounds wonderful.”
“It’s for the program, Lottie. Let’s meet in the conference room so we have access to the materials and welcome bag. If you’re going to participate you need to have the materials like everyone else.”
“Of course. What time?”
“Let’s say 8 PM?”
“Just the two of us, right?” She winked again as she headed towards the door.
“Right.” Cain stayed in his seat replaying their conversation in his head. He knewhehadn’t crossed a line, but it still felt wrong somehow.Should I speak with Mr. Bryant about how to handle this?He didn’t think that was his brightest idea, but he was confused about his feelings and what to do next.WWBBD?What would Beau Bryant do?It was an inside joke with him and Nova, but he thought about it a lot. Beau was a well respected, thriving member of their community. True, no one knew his true existence, but did they need to? Beau had overcome so much in all his lifetimes, there wasn’t a blemish against him that Cain knew of.Maybe Ishouldspeak with Beau about this.
***
The rest of the afternoon went by without incident. Cain watched as Nova explained how they would tackle the next thirty days. She possessed such an encouraging smile and inviting tone that their clients were taken with her. This is why, regardless of what Beau said, Cain always felt that Nova should open and close their program. She was beautiful. And funny. Nova was always the person he saw by his side when he thought about the future but lately, he envisioned something different for himself. He wanted to make a name for himself outside of Beau Bryant’s company and he suspected that Nova did too. It wasn’t that they didn’t appreciate Beau and the opportunities his fame afforded them but there was so much world to explore, things to try, people to meet, and eat, he joked to himself.Where did that come from?
Cain continued to watch Nova. She was a natural born leader. As reserved and shy as she could seem she thrived when she was the center of attention. He’d noticed the tension between Nova and Lottie at dinner the previous evening.Could Nova be interested Lottie in that way,he mused. It was something to consider. There was something about Lottie. Yes, she was stunningly gorgeous in that bad ass, devil-may-care kind of way but she was also intoxicating. She’d gotten to him in just the short lunch they’d spent together.
“Cain?” His head snapped up as Mrs. Bryant laid a hand on his shoulder.
“Hi!” he whispered, flashing a smile at her. His cheeks flushed with the feeling of being caught. Luckily, none of them could read minds or anything like that.
“How’s it going?” she whispered back.
He caught Nova’s eye before answering. It seemed she was questioning her mother's presence just as he was. “Going great. We’re almost done for the day. You’ve seen Nova in action before, she’s captivating.”
Mrs. Bryant’s smile at his comment was blinding. “I’d like you, alone, to have breakfast with me and Beau tomorrow morning. However, I would like you to keep this to yourself. Tell Nova she can handle it and you’re going to town for something.” Without another word, she stood blowing a kiss to her daughter and walking out.
What the hell was this about? Had someone seen him with Lottie? No, Mrs. Bryant didn’t seem angry.That solidified his decision, he would reach out to Beau Bryant once the class was over.
Chapter Eight
Lottie wasn’t a patient person. She was getting bored sitting in one of the plush lobby chairs nearest the elevator. She did, however, have faith in the plan she and her friends had come up. Divide and conquer. Selena was going to ensure Nova left the room alone this afternoon so Lottie could “accidentally” bump into her, then ask her to dinner.
At 4:10 PM, just as they had planned, Nova walked to the elevator…alone. She was carrying several books and a few bags. Lottie counted to three then walked a huge circle around the lobby keeping her fingers crossed that no one noticed her and called her out.
“Fancy meeting you here,” Lottie said as she walked up behind Nova. “Let me help you with some of this. Where’s Cain? He just made you take all of this up yourself?”
