Page 18 of Small Town CEO Grump

Hey Jenna. I wanted to talk to you about something but I figured it would be awkward to have you come to my office, after what I just heard. Is it okay if we text? I don’t necessarily want to put this into an email.

I was curious as to what he wanted to say, so I immediately replied.

Of course that’s okay. What’s going on?

I had things that I had to do, but I sat and stared at the blinking dots on my screen, waiting for Ryan’s response.

Well, I was standing outside the file room just now and I heard everything that was said. I did not look inside so I am not sure who was talking about me, and I don’t want to know because I don’t want it to taint my relationship with them. But I recognized your voice.

I thought for a minute, not sure of what to say. I didn’t know how he felt about what he had heard, and I didn’t want to say the wrong thing now. Finally I decided to say the most honest thing that I could think of.

I am sorry you had to hear that.

I really was sorry that he heard people saying such awful things about him.

It’s alright. I have heard much worse. But I wanted to thank you for the kind things that you said about me. I appreciated the professional way in which you handled it, but I also appreciated you speaking up on my behalf. I am used to having people tear me down, but it was nice to hear what you had to say.

I smiled and let out a sigh of relief. I had been concerned that he may have been upset about how I handled it, or about the fact that there would most likely be a rumor going around about us.

I meant every word that I said.

I felt my heart start to pound, and I knew that I was entering into territory that I needed to avoid. He was so handsome, kind, and supportive. He had been so nice to me in the city, and he had been so wonderful to Tyler. I knew that if he wasn’t my boss it would be really easy for me to develop a crush on him. I shook my head and pushed all of those thoughts out of my head.

Well, I deeply appreciate it. I am pretty sure that they are going to assume you and I have something going on, but that’s alright. That will pass, and that’s why I didn’t have you come into my office to discuss this. But thanks again, and keep up the good work.

I felt bolstered by his compliment.

Thank you. Have a good rest of the day.

I settled into my work, and the day flew by. Tyler had a baseball game that night, but it was a late start and I didn’t have to leave early. My parents had to leave town and would have to miss the game, so they were going to have dinner with him and drop him off for warmups.

When it was time to go, I gathered my belongings and hurried out of my office, nearly bumping into Ryan on the way.

“Oh, sorry,” I said, flustered.

Ryan chuckled. “No harm done. Why are you rushing?”

I felt myself blush. “Tyler has a game tonight, so I’m excited.”

“Ah, that makes sense. Are you late?”

I shook my head, feeling embarrassed. “No. Not late. Just excited.”

Ryan laughed, and I was delighted.

“What time is his game?” he asked, kindly.

“Seven,” I answered.

“Are you up for company at the game?” he asked.

I was surprised by his request, but it was not at all unwelcome.

“Absolutely,” I said. “It will be fun!”

“Okay, great,” he said. “Then can I take the two of you out for dessert after the game? I had a lot of fun hanging with Tyler in New York City, and I would love to be able to talk with him about his game tonight.”

“That sounds like a fun plan,” I said, hoping that I didn’t betray just how much I was looking forward to it.

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