Page 79 of With Wine Comes War

“Ok, give me a minute so I can return an email or two and I’ll be right in,” he muttered. I gave him a sweet kiss and he hugged me tightly. I went back out to join them in the conference room.

***

ROMAN

I was having trouble getting out of my car after all that information. How the hell was I supposed to keep that from Alex? She could hear my thoughts better than I could.

I mindlessly made my way up to the 15th floor and stepped out and stood in a daze right in front of Amelia’s desk. Amelia snapped me out of it when I heard her say, “Roman, Roman! Earth to Roman.”

“Yeah, sorry, hi.” I quickly glanced her way and swallowed the lump in my throat.

“Is everything ok?” I nodded then hurried straight to my office. Amelia came in without saying a word and dropped off some messages and my schedule for the day. I knew Alex would be here in a little bit to bring Darius to fill out paperwork, so I somehow needed to get myself together before that happened. I sat in the chair ruminating over what I heard at lunch absentmindedly running my hands through my hair.

I still had the trip to Texas tomorrow, but now that I knew what had happened down there, I didn’t see a need to go. I’ll send Amelia in my place and she and Harrison can stay down there for a few days and get a break from me and all this craziness. I think I’m going to have Alex work with me for a few days until I feel less overprotective. I don’t know how to feel normal around Grant now, though. Oh lord, tomorrow we have dinner with the Santoros— that’s going to be evenmore nerve wracking. I leaned back in my chair, dragging my hands through my hair and down my face.

On my way to the conference room I stopped by Amelia’s desk and said, “I’m not going to Texas tomorrow with Harrison. I’d like for you to go with him. How many days did you make the hotel reservation for?”

“Just two. Why does your hair look like that?” She looked at me with squinted eyes.

“Make it for three or four and just take a couple of days off.” I smoothed my hair down not really caring what it looked like but I still had to meet Darius. “I’m going to have Alex work with me here so it’ll be fine.” I said that more to myself than for her.

“Does Alex know this?”

“Not yet, but I’m sure she’ll be fine with it.”

She laughed as she said, “Ok, whatever you say.” I wasn’t in the mood for Amelia’s attitude.

“Amelia, I don’t want to get into anything right now, ok, so are you cool with going to Texas with Harrison tomorrow?”

“Sure, if you can handle all the phone calls here. Do you want me to have them forwarded and bring my laptop?”

“Sure, you can do that. I know I won’t answer that phone.”

“Ok, well they’re waiting for you in the conference room.”

I walked to the door and leaned on the door jamb. Everyone was laughing and carefree. I wish I could join them.

***

ALEX

As I watched from the entryway to the conference room, I witnessed Harrison making Darius feel right at home. He was smiling, excited and laughing– engaging in all kinds of communication with him. I hoped Roman’s mood didn’t change that. I wanted Darius to feel like he fit in here. Shay was great with him too.

“Darius, don’t listen to a word this guy tells you.” I put my hands on Darius’s shoulders and winked at Harrison.

“Harrison is a cool dude. I’m looking forward to learning about the money side of the business.”

I shook my head slowly at Harrison.

“Thanks Harrison, but let’s start with the basics.”I mean it’s the kids first day.

“Well, what if his basics are in the investment side?” Harrison would make a good recruiter.

“What is he investing in? Don’t you think he should have a basic knowledge of the investment first?”

Harrison laughed. “Good point, but I still think he can learn both at the same time. He’s a smart kid. I mean young man.”

Darius had a look of pride on his face that I was just overjoyed by. I hope we can keep him this interested as long as he works with us.

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