Page 16 of Without Apology

CHAPTER SIX

Simon

We’d decided, as we often did with possible acquisitions, to requisition space in the same building as the company we could be buying. In this case, that was two floors up from where Maddox Consulting had their offices. After arriving there this Monday morning, I’d frowned at our fishbowl space and the thin walls between the three rooms, but it would have to do for now.

Being on a separate floor from Maddox would allow us to do all of the audits, interviews, and meetings with key players while at the same time maintaining a space to talk freely amongst ourselves. Once the rumors started about people potentially losing jobs, the last thing you wanted was to run into a tenured employee in the loo, someone who hated your fucking guts because you were the outsider coming in to mess up their lives. During my early years of doing this, such had unfortunately happened.

I’d been here since six this morning, feeling like something was a tad off about this deal but not knowing what. I normally trusted my gut instinct, but until I could put a finger on why I was concerned, I wouldn’t make any rash decisions. Not that I ever did.

As expected, my assistant, Emma, came in with a huff. “I can’t believe you left me to ride with Tom this morning.”

I glanced up from the list of assets I’d been reviewing. Although I couldn’t stand Tom, Emma absolutely loathed the man. “I was gone by half past five and didn’t think you’d appreciate the wake-up call so early.”

Her green eyes narrowed. “No, I probably would’ve murdered you.”

There weren’t many people who felt comfortable enough to be candid with me. But I thought of Emma as a little sister, and we were often open with our conversations when it was only the two of us.

“If you killed me off, you’d be left to work with Tom alone. Where is he, by the way, if he came with you?”

“In the queue at Starbucks. He actually had the nerve to imply I should get him coffee, to which I told him to fuck right off for.”

It reminded me of the guy Peyton had to work with who treated her similarly. It was my hope I could get a free night this week to see her. Deciding now would be the only time I might get a chance to send a text, I sent one quickly, telling her that I couldn’t wait for Friday.

“Are you texting someone?” Emma asked.

“I’ve been known to do that from time to time.”

She leveled her look on me as if assessing. “Yes, but normally I’m the only one you text. And you abhor having to.”

She was right. I preferred email as texting was too chit chatty for my taste. “I, uh, met someone.”

“Here in Kansas—I mean Texas?”

“Yes. On Friday night in the market.”

Her face showed nothing but shock. “What, was she in the produce aisle picking out a melon? That’s so weird.”

I chuckled. “At the checkout counter, but agreed. It was unexpected. We went out on Saturday and have another date Friday.”

Normally, Emma and I didn’t share many details of our dating lives; however, I could use her advice.

“If I were to send roses, what color should I send?” I brought up a browser on my laptop, perusing the florist’s website. I had limited time before the morning would start, and I wouldn’t have a chance to get back to this task.

She gave a little hm before answering. “It’s premature for red. Yellow feels too mum-ish. White too much like a funeral. I’d go for pink.”

I glanced up to see her studying me. “What?”

“Nothing. Just never seen you like this.”

Emma and I were cut from the same cloth. Not only because we were both British but also because we had to be somewhat detached to travel around the world and buy companies, turning the people’s lives upside down. She’d had a rougher go of it in childhood, but as adults, we both struggled to develop personal relationships.

“I’m certain I’ve sent flowers to a woman before.” I wasn’t completely inept at the art of romance.

“No, you had me send them. Big difference.”

I didn’t give her words much thought, simply shrugging. “Somehow, I feel Peyton would care if I’d told my assistant to send flowers on my behalf instead of expending the effort myself.”

Emma grinned. “I think I like her already. You tell her why you’re here?”

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