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Something wasn’t right. I took a big sip of wine while I waited for his response.
“Everything okay?” Shane asked.
My phone buzzed and I looked down, reading the message. “No, it’s not okay,” I said softly.
Got the pitch. It could use some work. I’ll have to spend some time on it. I’m not headed to Denver until next week.
I looked up. “Melvin said he’s not coming to Denver until next week.”
Shane tilted his head. “He’s flying in tomorrow. I wonder why he wouldn’t tell the team, or at least ‘Indiana.’”
A bad feeling formed in the pit of my stomach. “I think I might know why, but I really hope I’m wrong.”
I tried to take another sip of wine, but it tasted sour and turned my stomach. I set the glass down and tried to focus. Maybe it was another meeting. Maybe something else was going on. Maybe Melvin was back in town for an encore performance as waffle chef and didn’t want the rest of us to feel left out. He’d even had batter in his hair when I’d last seen him. One could hope, but it was unlikely. Melon Hamster might be back for a romp in waffle dough, but Melvin Hammer most likely had a far less fun motive for his secrecy.
The waiter chose that moment to come in carrying a full tray. He laid out the appetizers, and my stomach turned over. Seafood. I looked up to see if the fish had noticed. Seemed kind of rude. But so was I because there was no way I could eat. “I’m sorry, Shane,” I said, turning my face away. “This was so thoughtful of you, but I need to go home. I’m not feeling well.”
“Are you okay?” he asked.
I shook my head. I didn’t have to fake the green tinge to my cheeks. “I hate to do this, but I have to go home. Like, now. I’m so sorry.”
His face was tight, but he turned to the waiter. “Would you mind boxing this up, along with the next three courses? We have to take off a bit early.”
The waiter nodded, put the food back on the tray, and left. I couldn’t meet Shane’s eyes.
“I already paid for it,” he said, “so it might as well not go to waste.”
I nodded. Once we had the food, we got in the car and drove back to my apartment mostly in silence. God damn Melvin for not only messing with my career but for ruining what could have been the best date I was ever going to have.
Shane dropped me at my door but didn’t get out of the car. “Would you like some of the food?”
“No, thanks.” I shook my head and started to close the passenger door.
At the last second, he grabbed it, holding it open. “I hope this isn’t because of something I did,” he said.
I’d been a bundle of nerves ever since the Melvin thing, but I softened at the thought that he might feel responsible. “No, Shane, it’s not you. I’m really not feeling well. And I probably couldn’t have eaten seafood in frontof living seafood, even on a good day. Though I appreciate the thought,” I said hastily. “There’s just something I have to deal with.”
“I don’t think they’d be able to tell what cooked fish look like, but I understand your point.” He shrugged. “If you feel like confiding in me, I’d love to help.”
“Thanks,” I said again.
He let me close the door and pulled out of the parking lot without looking back.
I shut the apartment door and took a few deep breaths. Maybe I was wrong. I decided to give Melvin one last shot to clarify things before I flew off the deep end.
Want to tell me your issues with the pitch? Maybe I can help.Was it possible that Melvin didn’t understand it? His tech knowledge wasn’t where it should be for someone on his level, and I knew it was some of my best work.
I have to turn my phone off in a minute, so I apologize for the brevity. I think we only need one person in the S.J. Sporting meeting. I can take things from here.
Excuse me?I reread the message a few times. There was no way this was for real. There was no way he could make the presentation and answer questions alone.
You’re cutting me out of the meeting altogether?
Maybe that’s for the best, since you feel that way. I can look after the potential contract with S.J. from now on. You can help Evan on Cake Bakes.
Like hell, I thought. He gets my completed project, then cuts me out altogether? No. Just no.
I think you need me with you on this pitch.
