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“That’s interesting.” I’m trying for the most casual, unaffected expression a person can possibly have. But my heart is beating out of my chest. Just the fact that they’re bringing this up now tells me they suspect something.
“The break up must have hit him hard,” Sophie continues. “Sebastian’s got a tender heart under all that grump. He’s loyal, almost to a fault. When you’re in Sebastian Tate’s circle, he’d do anything for you.”
Oakley nods. “He’s the reason the family’s still together in one unit.”
“Well, he and Stella are the reason, but in different ways,” Sophie adds.
“Uh huh, you’re right,” Oakley says. “And Celine, as well. She had a hard time with depression for many years, and I mean, who wouldn’t under the circumstances?” She sighs. “But I give her a lot of credit because she’s trying to make amends now. And I think the brothers are responding well to that.”
“I think they are, too,” Sophie says. Her brown eyes sparkle. “What I’m trying to say is, Sebastian’s set in his ways, he’s a perfectionist, he’s demanding. But he’s also got a heart of pure, unadulterated gold.”
I manage to nod, but I have to clear my throat before I can speak. They definitely know something’s up. “I think you’re right. He’s a good person.” My gaze flits around the room.
Must. Change. The Subject. Now.
“We don’t want to make assumptions—about anything, but—” Oakley falters.
“Be patient with him, if you can. But also, don’t put up with any of his crap, okay?” Sophie says.
“Girl, have you seen this woman in a business meeting?” Oakley laughs. “She is legit. She’ll say it like it is.”
“I probably say too much,” I offer.
“Nope,” Sophie says. “That’s exactly what Sebastian and Tate International needs.”
We’re getting up from the table when Rowena appears, her brow furrowed.
“Oh, hi,” Sophie says. “You’re Rowena, the consultant Sebastian’s brought in, right?” She extends her hand.
Rowena just looks at it, clutching her messenger bag strap tighter to her. “It’s Ro-when-a. And you are?”
“I’m Oakley and this is Sophie. We both work for the company.” Oakley doesn’t take gruff from anyone, and who, in their right mind, would even try? The woman’s buff in ways I can only dream of.
Rowena turns to me. “Sebastian said you’d be down here. I was wondering if now’s a good time for the mentorship.” She’s already setting her things down at the table.
“We’ll see you later,” Sophie says as she and Oakley leave the eatery.
I wave to them. I was not able to wrap up that conversation the way I would have liked. “Mentorship?” I say to Rowena. Did I miss something?
Rowena adjusts her glasses, staring at me. “Sebastian didn’t tell you?” She sighs and clicks her tongue. “I identified a few people that seem to need some extra help from someone who’s consulted for many a Deca Arete.” She chuckles and places a hand on her chest. “Me.” She begins organizing items on the table. A tablet, a notepad and pens. “There are best practices to consider . . . I thought I’d give of my services and expertise. And since they seem to be a having a family reunion up there with all these Tate men around, I figured this would be a good time.”
So, I need extra help now, do I? I think I’ve been doing a good job. Working with Sebastian has been empowering and things are running as smoothly as can be expected.
“Let me just have a look at the schedule to make sure it’s a good time,” I say.
I open The Calendar, fumbling to find the correct date and time since I’d rearranged several tabs. I hate it when I feel flustered and put on the spot. Especially when I’m around someone like “Ro-WHEN-a.”
“It’s a good time, trust me,” she says. “When the boss is off doing his own thing, like right now when he’s carousing with his brothers, that’s personal development time. And trust me, I’m the only personal development person you’re ever going to need.” Her head moves side to side to the beat of her words.
“I guess I can for a half hour.”
“Let’s get started then. I’ll pull up my Elianna document.”
She has an Elianna document? This makes me want to either scream and back away, or jostle for the upper hand. I nod and offer a smile, looking at my watch. I guess I can stand anything for a half hour.
“I’ll take notes.” My voice is cheery. It isn’t worth it to fight it now. Ro-WHEN-a is bristly and harsh, but if the things she’s implementing help Sebastian, then it’s worth it.
“Now,” she says. “Let’s start by discussing proper workplace attire.”
