Page 61 of David's Proposal

“Again… Think about it for a moment. All you need to do is to give her some directions.”

“She’ll throw a fit.”

“Not if you increase her pay. And you can afford it.”

I search her eyes before tilting my lips into a slow smile.

“You know I’m right,” she says.

“Yes. I know you’re right, but this is not my thing. I hate playing games.”

“You’re not playing games. You pay the woman and tell her to show up where she needs to show up. You also ask her not to make a scene. You don’t need to be harsh. Your arrangement will work for a while, giving you enough time to figure things out.”

“I didn’t mean her,” I say.

“Oh… You mean the girl?”

I nod.

“Are you two exclusive or something?”

“We are nothing.”

“Uh-huh. Okay. I see. You are nothing. So she thinks you are single?”

“She knows my history, but I don’t want to rub it in her face.”

“All right… But she’s also on board with keeping this a secret, I suppose.”

“Yes. She is.”

“Then use this strategy on an as needed basis. Like when you’re going to events and such. This way, no one suspects anything. She’ll understand. Plus, this could be your leverage. You never know when you can get something in exchange for firing Sabina. It gives you something to negotiate with.”

“Good thinking,” I say, smiling. “You’re learning too damn fast,” I add.

“This stuff is easy. I’m sure it’s crossed your mind as well. It’s just that you’ve been a bit discombobulated this evening.”

“That’s why I have you. To help me out,” I say humorously. “Discombobulated? Who uses this word?”

“I do,” she says, grinning.

“You’re going to get far. I can tell,” I say, pushing to my feet. “One day, you might run my company,” I joke, and she gives me a phony chuckle.

“I don’t believe you,” she says.

“Believe me. Let’s go,” I add, gesturing for her to follow me. “I need to talk to that woman.”

She rises from her seat.

“You think I’m good?” she says, joining me as I head to the exit.

“You are good.”

“Woohoo.”

Her eyes are alight with joy when she looks at me.

“Thank you. Can I give you a quick hug?”

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