Page 7 of Analysing Her Assets

She tucked in her shirt, her palms crawling under her pants. He shouldn’t be thinking of his fingers there, with hers, as she tucked in the back. The mother-of-pearl buttons popped, fought back valiantly, and persevered.

“Then why are you here, Tamar? If you don’t really want a puppy.”

She had always seemed so logical.

“I’m here because I’m a woman. A golden boy like you wouldn’t understand.”

He disliked being called a golden boy. However, it helped him regain his cool. She smoothed down her trousers, then kept pinching the creases with her fingers, as if trying to iron them.

“You look fine,” he told her. The golden wintry sun highlighted her creamy complexion, her red mouth.

“Thanks, I do my best.” She answered, and he was reminded of the conversation she’d overheard. Hearing people dissing you to your face was bad, but at least you could defend yourself, talk back to them. But Tamar heard three men dissecting her looks when she was out of the room–it was way worse.

“Danny and Nir, they’re just saying stuff. They don’t really believe it. I heard Danny asked you out.”

She put on her jacket, closed it, fastening all three buttons, and straightened it.

Gideon breathed in relief.

“He did, but...” She shrugged.

“But what? I’m telling you, he is attracted to you. Like I am.”

Her breath hitched.

He snapped his mouth shut. That last part he didn’t plan to say.

Sonya exited the CEO’s office. Before Gideon had time to say anything, Tamar blurted, “I came to take a puppy. I heard Yehuda, I mean, Mr. Keynan is looking for takers.”

“Puppies? Who wants puppies? Come in, come in.” The big boss’s voice came from within. Tamar jumped in front of him and dashed into the room.

Keynan’s office sported a wall-wide window. The tan-colored velvety curtains were drawn, hiding the majesty of Tel Aviv’s coastline and the Mediterranean. The dark mahogany desk and heavy wooden cabinet Keynan probably brought with him, as they differed from the rest of Peaks’ modern décor.

The CEO wore a dark-blue suit, which was too heavy for the warm day, and a maroon tie that seemed to choke his mottled neck.

“Hello, young woman, you’re Tamar, our senior tech analyst, right? Lovely to make your acquaintance.”

“Hi, yes, I am. Hi Yehuda.” Tamar spoke in a slightly higher voice than her usual one. “I heard that you have adorable little puppies to give away, and I soooo love puppies.” She didn’t bat her eyes because she wasn’t a cartoon figure, but other than that, Gideon had never seen a more fake display of femininity in his life. “My sisters and me, we always wanted a puppy, but my parents wouldn’t let us.”

The CEO was eating it up and loving it.

“Oh, Tammy, how lovely,” he cooed. Tamar’s mouth half opened, but then she bit her lower lip and remained quiet. Maybe she didn’t like her name to be shortened to Tammy. “I’m so happy to fulfill a lifelong wish.” Keynan was positively purring.

“I’d like a puppy too. I’m Gideon...” He was blank. A total blackout made him forget his new surname. The moment lengthened and Gideon stood, blinking, unable to recall the last name he chose when he ditched the one he was born with.

“This is Gideon Sela. He’s our senior real estate analyst,” Tamar said, flicking him a speculative glance.

“Of course, Giddy, of course. Good to meet you, son.”

“Please don’t call me Giddy. My name is Gideon.” He would always correct people shortening his name, even the CEO.

“Of course. Gideon.” Keynan’s beady eyes creased, making him seem almost affable. He turned to Tamar.

“Lucky you! Two puppies left! Tammy, so good to see that you are not only a decent tech analyst, but an animal lover as well.”

Gideon kept the cartoon analogy alive by checking Tamar’s delicate ears, looking for steam to come out of them. Tamar straightened her back and said, “Thank you. Tamar, my name is Tamar. Don’t call me Tammy, please.” She wasn’t using the girly voice anymore. The CEO’s meaty face froze, becoming stonier.

“Of course. Tamar.”

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