Page 75 of Analysing Her Assets

The road not taken was not closed to him. Now that he knew what he wanted, his priorities had shifted, his worldview had changed. He wouldn’t say anything just yet. He wouldn’t even tell Tamar his decision. She would share it with her sister and friends, and it wouldn’t be a secret anymore. And then Keynan might come up with another candidate.

“Hey, Gideon, want to hear something funny?”

“Yes?”

“I miss Giddy. Do you think he misses me?” He laughed.

“No. Dogs have a different sense of time,” he answered, immediately regretting it. Tamar looked so crestfallen.

“But knowing Giddy, he will be so ecstatic to see you, he’ll be all over you,” he added, knowing her dog would slobber all over Tamar.

Who wouldn’t.

“It’s my turn tonight,” he announced. “From now on, we’re going to meet every night. Bring Giddy with you. He can stay to sleep, even if you don’t want to.”

“Yes,” Tamar said. “Okay”

Secrets And Plots

(37 days to end of year finish line, 11 days to new position)

37. Gideon

Gideon was used to having a great secret and not sharing it with anyone. At least here he had a clear deadline for which he aimed. This coming Saturday, at his parents' 40th anniversary party, he would announce he was leaving Peaks and returning to Berdiplast. It would thrill his parents he was coming back. It would be Gideon’s gift to his family.

But first he had to get through Berdiplast’s shareholders meeting, which would keep him away from Tamar.

They had been seeing each other every evening since Eilat, and they’d kept their turns religiously. They never mentioned their rivalry anymore. For him it didn’t exist, and she avoided an unwanted subject. He also didn’t press her to spend the whole night with him. Tomorrow he would confide to her he was leaving Peaks, and that she was the next chief analyst. He had completed the voting system. She could take advantage of it as Peaks’ new head of research.

It was doubly painful he wouldn’t see her tonight because it was his turn.

He entered Peaks’ roster and reserved the meeting room. It was small and windowless. Perfect.

Meet me at the meeting room on floor 26. It’s my turn. Now! He texted.

He half stood, his head above the partition, and looked towards Tamar’s place. A second later, her dark head popped up, she smiled a small smile, nodded, and sat back.

---