Page 54 of Royally Benevolent

“It’s a big deal, but I did it while not drawing a salary. I am not personally making any money managing the project. It’s a small drop, but it’s important to me. And I haven’t stopped investing in donations, either. It’s… we could do more and don’t deserve promotion for planting a few trees because a local ordinance required it.”

The tone was unintentionally salty.

Odette looked at her lap. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to bring up money. I know not to.”

“Don’t be,” I said. “I said that a little harshly. I mean what I say. I just could have said it a bit more diplomatically.”

She nodded. “Well, should we go to the business meeting?”

“If we were bored before, we’ll be miserable now,” I said.

That elicited a cute smile. “Okay, well, let’s get it over with. I’m going to grab more coffee. You want some?”

“Sure. One cream, one sugar. I’ll grab us prime seats.”

I grabbed a seat in the back next to Mary, hoping things would cool with them now that Odette was in on the open secret. Mary looked self-satisfied, convinced I’d done something with Odette.

“What?” I played dumb.

“You never came back. I didn’t get your text. I can only assume you were too busy with her.”

“I wasn’t,” I said. “We had a productive conversation.”

“Uh-huh. That’s all?”

“There was more—but not that much; calm down. I’m not so brave.”

“And she isn’t, either, I’m sure. She’s a sweetheart.”

I disagreed with that. I thought she would have slept with me if I’d suggested it. She wanted more, but I wasn’t ready.

“I asked her out. It’s probably stupid.”

“You’ll have fun. She’s young, hot, and sweet. You’ll have a good time, which is enough for now, Wyatt. You gotta get back on the horse.”

“Can we not refer to her as a horse?”

“It’s a saying. Could you not take it literally? Get your mind out of the gutter!”

I flushed red.

“It makes me happy to see you wound up, Wyatt. If nothing, I’ve seen you come to life amid this snooze fest. Now, I have to make a speech in a second. I don’t want to.”

I snickered. “You love the sound of your own voice, Mary.”

“Talking about high-speed rail doesn’t exactly get me wet, Wy. I’m not you or The Princess.”

“Oh, there you are!” Odette said in French before switching to English. “Hi again, Ms Vice President.”

“Headache gone?” Mary asked.

“Yes, thanks.”

“Wyatt insisted he bring you something. Hopefully, you didn’t starve.”

“I didn’t. But only because I ordered some things for myself. He was darling and brought me food, but?—”

“She’s a vegetarian,” I winced.

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