Page 14 of The Frock Up
There was a long pause. "Um, sure. You feeling okay?"
"Peachy." I watched as Millie pressed the button for the elevator, shooting her partner a large grin. "I just have something I need to do."
***
I caught the women in the lobby, my private elevator quicker than theirs.
"Hey," I greeted, falling in to step beside them. "Fancy meeting you here."
Millie's face flushed a deep amber. "Mr. Dogg. Hello again, I—"
"Just Ash," I corrected. "Everyone calls me Ash."
She bit her lip, exchanging a glance with Keiko. "Right, sorry. Ash, of course."
"Are you both headed back to the Cove?"
"Millie is," Keiko said with a grin. "But I'm meeting some friends for a drink."
I nodded, pausing to hold the door open for them. "Did you drive?"
"Keiko did. I was going to catch a bus back."
I gestured at the private car idling at the curb. "Why don't you come with me?"
I caught Millie's arm, steadying her as she tripped.
"Oh, oh no. I couldn't. That would be such an imposition. Definitely—"
"Come on. Seems silly when we're both going the same way."
"But—"
Keiko gave her a little push. "Go! It'd be faster than the bus. And maybe Ash can give you a better feel for the company? Give us a bit of a jump start on the design?"
That little gem landed with Millie; I could see it in the way she hesitated.
"I'm all yours until six," I told her with a grin. "Should I start with the story of how we started the company in my bedroom or the story of the time we burnt down my dad's garage?"
Keiko grinned, shooting me a knowing look. "Have a lovely night, Ash. And thanks again for this opportunity."
She stepped into the bustling crowd, quickly being swept away. Millie hesitated; her expression flustered.
"Are you absolutely sure I won't be imposing?"
"Positive," I confirmed.
"Well… okay."
My mind exploded in triumphant celebration as I fought to keep my expression pleasant.
"After you."
We slid into the backseat of the car, the driver closing the door behind us.
"Is this electric?" she asked, running her hands over the smooth leather of the electric car as we pulled away from the curb.
"Yeah. All the execs get one, and we give a financing option to any staff member who wants to purchase."
