Page 53 of A Smooth Operator

"That's the best kind of blackmail." I was so excited that I stood up and jumped.

Teresa laughed at me, and so did some of the others in the bar.

"Sorry, I just got some amazing news," I confessed sheepishly and sat back down. "You'll really introduce me to Dr. Doudna?"

"Yeah," Teresa promised. "And in return, I want you to think very hard about why you want to leave GeneVerse. If it's not a career-related reason, I want you to ask Dallas to delete your resignation. Deal?"

"Yes."

"You kids are so easy," Teresa said smugly.

Chapter 20

Remi

Irang her doorbell on a Friday night. Like a stalker I'd waited for her to come home from work and then gave her time to get changed. I crossed my fingers and hoped that she wouldn't be leaving right away…like on a date!

I came prepared with beignets from Ben Yay's on Main Street—her favorite. I also got a fragrant freesia bouquet because the scent reminded me of her.

I was scared she wouldn't open the door. I'd already decided I'd use my key then. I needed to apologize. I needed to talk to her. I fucking missed her so much that it hurt.

Echo was a bigger person than me. She opened the door, and my breath caught. She looked beautiful in a black maxi skirt with a slit and a loose tank top. Loungewear that she elevated by just wearing them.

"Remi."

I held out the flowers and the bag of beignets. "Peace offering."

She opened the door wider and waved me in. I was so relieved that my legs almost gave out. I'd thought about how I'd gain entry and what I'd say for the past few days. My father had warned me that there was no easy fix for my fuck up.

"You're gonna have to have patience, son. And if, after all your efforts, she still doesn't want you, that's your cross to bear."

I set the bag of beignets on the kitchen island and handed her the flowers. She found a vase and arranged the fragrant florals. In the meantime, I pulled out a plate and put the beignets on it, just like she did with bread and pastries when I used to come over for dinner. We worked in harmony. How could I have confused this feeling of contentment with just sex? Well, they do say 20-20 hindsight.

"Thanks for lettin' me in."

Echo set the flowers on her dining table. "I had a big lunch. I'm full as a tic, so I can't even…." She waved a hand at the beignets.

"They'll make a nice breakfast." I suggested.

"Would you like something to drink?" she asked politely.

"A beer?"

"I got some left from the last time you were here."

She brought out a craft pale ale from Good People Brewing Co. that I favored.

"Can we sit on the porch?" I asked. I wanted that again. I wanted to sit on the swing with her, just hold her as the evening slipped away peacefully.

"Sure."

She poured herself some iced tea from the fridge, and we walked outside into the twilight. She lit the mosquito repellant and sat down on the stairs that went to the garden from the wooden porch.

I sat next to her.

"Why are you here, Remi?" she asked softly.

"I miss you," I blurted out.

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