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“It’s starting to come together. I like it.” Alec’s gaze roams the area.
“Well, there’s a lot more to do. I wanted to play around with things.” I rush over to some boxes that hadn’t gotten unpacked yet. “And these are the dinner trays that we’re repurposing as places to set books. It’ll give it a more relaxed and welcoming feel.”
He nods and we work for a few minutes, trying and failing to find the exact right place for the sofa.
“It’s a gorgeous piece of furniture.” I run my hand along the butter of the leather. It’s so soft I could cry. Or maybe I could cry because Oliver went to London without telling me.
“I see what Oliver meant.” Alec is folding his arms over his chest, surveying the area with a strong sense of distaste. “This nook isn’t working. It’s just not…appealing enough…”
I’m torn, because I know he’s right, but part of me really wanted to prove that I could do it, that I could make it better than it was. I wanted to pull a bouquet of flowers out of a hat.
“You just wait,” I insist. “It’s going to be much better.”
“Oh, I know.” He flicks a glance at me, and there’s something gentle there. Understanding? Compassion? “I know this is important to both you and Oliver,” he continues. He sighs and shifts his weight, placing his hands on his hips.
“We’ll make it work,” I assert. I hope the Tates don’t decide to nix the whole project.
“I don’t doubt you’ll do the best you can, but—” He looks out the window at the darkening sky. “It’s too bad the patrons’ only view while they’re in this spot is of the parking lot.”
“Yeah,” I say. “We’ll figure it out.” But will we? I know it’s just a little space—not a big deal. It doesn’t really matter much. But it’s become significant to me. I have to see this through.
He frowns. “That’s not okay.” He growls lightly. “No one’s going to want to read back here.”
I don’t know what to say, so I busy myself with reading and re-reading the packing slip from one of the boxes of lamps. Fascinating stuff.
“We’ll figure out how to make this better. I mean, even moving all of this to face the wall instead might be a better alternative than a view of the parking lot.” His phone buzzes and he glances at it. “When Oliver gets back, I’ll have Sebastian join in and we can sit down and figure this out.”
“Speaking of Oliver, do you know when he’s getting back?” I hate the neediness I feel.
“I would guess sometime tomorrow.” He sighs again. “Sebastian sort of forced the trip on him. One of us had to be there for the meeting, and he couldn’t go this close to our grand opening.” He glances at his phone again and then shoves it in his pocket.
“I have to go. I’m supposed to discuss some produce issues with the chef. But can I just say something? I think you’re a really great person and Oliver…well, there’s sort of this thing—”
My heart hammers in my chest. “A thing.” I repeat, my voice flat.
“It’s a Tate thing.” Alec hesitates. “From the past. Our father has always cautioned us against dating people from the company.”
I laugh. “I’m not from the company. I’m freelancing for like a month and besides, I don’t know how serious this is—”
He gives a grunt of a laugh. “Well, we’ll see…”
“No. I mean, yes. We’re good. He and I are good. Except I don’t know if I can talk about this right now.”
“Of course. Well, freelancer or not, maybe you should contact HR if you want to continue with the relationship.”
It’s odd that I’m having this conversation with Alec, and I want to ask him what he means by ‘a thing from the past.’ But before I can, he answers his ringing phone, nods in my direction, and covers the phone with his hand. “We’ll meet up with Sebastian and Oliver soon,” he says to me before he disappears into the elevator.
The doors barely close before I take my phone out of my pocket. I call Oliver, and as it rings over and over, I’m torn. I have the right to my anger over his dissing me, don’t I? Or am I merely a small blip on the trajectory of his life, with no claim on him at all?
Chapter 27
Oliver
I’m in the meeting. I’m here. I made it. That doesn’t mean I give a rat’s behind about what’s being discussed.
I’ve got Sophie on my mind.
I messed up.
