Page 15 of A Night To Remember

Laura flipped her long, dark hair over her shoulder and winked. “What can I say? I’m just damned good.

“And modest.” Charlie lifted a brow. “Speaking of your mom, have you heard from her lately?”

Laura grimaced. “Why must you bring her up? We were having a nice conversation.”

“Actually, you were the one who brought it up, but from the look you gave me, I take it things aren’t going so well? I thought you’d resolved to let the past stay in the past.”

“You know the hell that man put me through and she did nothing about it. Why should I cut her any slack when I never received any from them? Why did it take so long for her to suddenly remember I’m her daughter, too?”

Charlie sighed knowing her friend’s pain would never heal if she didn’t learn to let go. “I know, sweetie. I think it was rotten how they treated you, but she’s trying to make amends now.”

Laura rolled her eyes. “Sometimes it’s too little, too late for the ‘I’m sorrys’. And you know what? I can give a rat’s ass. She’s made her choices and now I wish she’d respect me in mine. I’ve found a parent who loves me unconditionally. Maryanne is more of a mother to me than she could hope to be.”

“I’m sorry you feel this way.”

“You—Oh dear Lord.” Laura broke off.

“What?” Charlie asked, puzzled at Laura’s expression.

“It’s Steve Suarez. He’s the VP and the head of marketing.”

“I can tell by the tone of your voice you don’t particularly care for him. He’s cute,” Charlie observed, looking over to see a tall Latino male who would make any woman with a pulse give him a second or even a third glance.

“Yes, he seems to think so.” Laura sounded annoyed for some reason. Charlie didn’t pursue the subject, although her curiosity was piqued by Laura’s obvious dislike of the gentleman.

“If you think Steve is hot, you should see the owner of the company, now he’s a knock-out. The man used to be a model for Christ’s sake,” Laura turned her attention back to Charlie.

“Really?”

“Yes. I saw his picture in a magazine once, but he looks much better in person.”

“Hmmm.”

“He’s not just a pretty face, though. He’s really smart. He started this company when he was twenty-two, and he still designs a lot of the software. You’ll flip when you meet him.”

Charlie rolled her eyes. “I’m sure he’s all you say he is, but I’m here to work Laura, not scope out hot men.”

Laura’s grin widened. “Yeah, but there’s a lot of hot guys around here.”

“Well, by your own theory, they should be either taken or gay,” Charlie teased.

“Oh, don’t be such a pain in the ass.” Laura stuck her tongue out playfully. “Anyway, what’s wrong with getting a little action if you can?”

“Girl, you are too much. Besides, you know I’m not interested in any action, let alone with someone from the office.” Charlie shook her head. She didn’t know how Laura’s mind could stay occupied on men ninety-nine percent of the time.

“Good afternoon, ladies.” A suave voice came from the side of their table. Charlie and Laura looked up to see Steve Suarez standing over them.

“Hi, Steve,” Laura said between clenched teeth. Anyone with eyes could tell Laura wasn’t happy to see him.

Steve looked down at Charlie with a predatory gleam in his eyes. “Laura, aren’t you going to introduce us?” He asked Laura, but he was looking at Charlie.

“This is Charlotte Brown. She’s in accounting. Char, this is Steve. He’s head of marketing and the VP,” Laura introduced with obvious reluctance.

“Hello, Charlotte. I saw you this morning and wondered who the lovely new face belonged to.”

Oh brother. This guy was a smooth operator.

“Charlie, please.” She shook his hand, bestowing the kind of smile she would have given anyone, but he seemed encouraged by it.

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