Page 34 of Sinclair Duet

“We can discuss details tonight.”

“I would rather meet you. Text me the name of the restaurant.”

“Be ready at seven thirty.”

Everything from Millie’s announcement through this afternoon meeting was wearing me down. I didn’t have the fight in me to argue about a car ride. “I’ve moved. Do you need my address?”

Damien’s blue gaze shone as his firm lips formed a straight line.

Cocky bastard. “Of course, you don’t.”

Damien opened the door. “Johnathon, I’ll entrust Ms. Crystal to your care for the time being. Be sure she sees her new office.”

Johnathon smiled with a nod. “I have some paperwork and then we can…”

As soon asI got into the car, I called Millie Barns. Despite the time being nearly six o’clock, she answered her cell phone.

“How was your meeting?” she asked by way of a greeting.

“I don’t know, to be honest. The pharmaceutical coalition is fascinating.”

“Why haven’t you given Mr. Sinclair an answer?”

“You know I haven’t?” I asked, confused.

“Ella, do you understand how big this could be for the fraternity?”

Shaking my head, I caught a glimpse of the Sinclair badge lying upon my passenger seat. “I felt I needed to talk to you first. Did you know he wants me to physically work from Sinclair Corporate Center?”

“He mentioned that it would make it easier.”

Make what easier?

I sighed as I gripped the steering wheel tighter. “Are you saying you’re all right with that? I won’t be working for him. I’ll still be employed by Beta Kappa Phi.”

“Yes.” She let the one-word answer hang in the air.

“You want me to do this?” I asked, feeling the pressure I should have expected.

“Ella, I’ve spent most of today on conference Zooms with members of our board. We all agree the benefits of this agreement outweigh the inconvenience.”

Inconvenience?

I live five minutes from our office. Sinclair Corporation Center is at least a thirty-minute drive, longer during busy times. “I’m the one dealing with the inconvenience.”

“Of course,” she replied, “and the board is prepared to compensate you for that. Mr. Sinclair made it clear that the only way forward is if you take the new position.”

“New position? Why would my title change?”

“Because your responsibilities will change. The board has a proposal. Come to my office tomorrow morning and I’ll explain better.”

I didn’t like the way this was making me feel. “Millie, who proposed a new title and compensation?”

Please don’t let it be Damien.

“It was my idea,” she said. “We have a strict structure we must maintain to keep our not-for-profit status. I realize that this is a big ask on my part. Your workload will increase. Your commute time will increase.”

“But…” I hated what I was thinking. “Without Damien Sinclair, you wouldn’t be offering any of this to me. I don’t want to receive a title or change in compensation because of him.”

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