Page 16 of One Big Little Secret

“Patton?” Salem asks. “Mr. Rory? Sorry, did you want to say more?”

“Right.”Focus, focus.There’s a crease between her eyebrows. She probably thinks I’m an idiot. “Where was I?”

“You were talking about the perks…”

“Yes.” I clear my throat. “There are several benefits associated with this job, as outlined in your contract. HR can answer any questions about your health insurance or the profit sharing. The most exclusive benefit we offer, however, is my personal mentorship.”

“For sure,” she whispers, leaning forward. A pendant around her neck swings with the movement, teasing my eyes to her neckline. “That’s why I jumped at this job, actually. You guys, the Rory brothers, you’re practically legends in business around here.”

“I prefer notorious, but thanks.” I snort. The latest hype has nothing to do with me or Archer or even our miraculous start-up success.

We’re the toast of the town because everyone thinks Dex is a homegrown superhero.

“Unfortunately, my brother Dexter won’t be helping out with this program,” I tell her before any disappointment sets in.

“That’s fine,” she says with a smile that doesn’t waver.

Damn. There’s something naggingly familiar about the way her face catches the light, bringing out the gold flecks in her brown eyes.

Why do I feel like I’ve dealt with her before?

“There’s a lot to be said for the company,” she tells me cheerfully. “Your whole brand, really. I’ve done my homework.”

“Have you?”

“Yeah! The way you forced your way into a crowded market, it’s impressive. Your growth in the first five years is hardly matched by similar firms in much bigger markets. Plus, you’ve single-handedly reframed expectations around travel rentals. I mean, just look at the condos here.” She waves a hand. “Allthe convenience of hotel living without the stuffiness and big crowds. The Cardinalfeelsexclusive.”

I nod. “People with money like feeling independent without losing their creature comforts.”

“And Higher Ends delivers.” She’s surprisingly passionate. There’s no doubt she believes what she’s saying when she looks at me like I can turn water into wine.

It’s almost enough to forgive her little hurricane for tearing up my lobby.

“I’m glad you read up on us before you arrived. Now, if you’d like to come this way—”

“Look, Mommy!” Arlo skids into Salem’s side, holding up a poorly drawn picture of a stick figure with a scowl so huge it’s sliding off his chin. His eyebrows are angry Vs that take up a good proportion of his face. “I drew Mr. Grumpybutt.”

Salem’s face flames.

Wait. Is that supposed to be me? Withthoseeyebrows?

“Arlo, go sit down,” she hisses, pressing the back of her hand to her cheek.

“But Mom, you said—”

“Arlo! I’m so sorry, Mr. Rory. He’s normally not like this, not in public. I swear.” She glances around the meeting room desperately and whispers, “It must be all the excitement here.”

Whatever.

I’m willing to bet my bank account it’s partly the coffee he guzzled. Caffeine and children don’t mix.

“It’s fine,” I say, trying to hide my irritation. Like it’s suddenly important that I’m not Mr. Grumpybutt, spoiler of everything fun beneath his twitchy villain eyebrows. “How about we get Arlo that hot chocolate—decaf, for sure—and have a look around?”

Arlo’s ears must be fine-tuned for treats.

“Yeah! Hot choc-lit!” he shouts, throwing the notepad down.

With a firm frown, Salem takes his hand and admonishes him as they follow me back to the lobby, which has thankfully been cleaned.

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