Page 62 of Monsters

“David—”

“The way you handled the Maximus Kline fiasco…” he exhaled heavily, giving a small shake of the head, “… I didn’t think we’d come out of that alive. But in the end, he only wanted to consult with you.”

Before I could respond in what would only be a lie concerning that very event, the waitress arrived with our wine. We both watched while she placed each on the table in front and left.

Leaning forward, I took my glass and swallowed deeply. When I leaned back, David’s fingers began grazing my skin below my shoulder blade. My heart pounded, and despite squirming under his touch, he continued.

“How are things with Vanessa?” I asked hoping to divert attention off me. He didn’t seem fazed by the question and shrugged his shoulders, fingers still tenderly drawing circles on my back.

“Vanessa and I have each moved on. There’s no point on dwelling on something that isn’t, at the end of the day, functional. You on the other hand…” he smiled, “… I hope Peter treats you… well?”

“As well as I expect. Look, David—”

I was cut short when David’s eyes glanced at something behind me.

“No one told me this was a family business,” an unfamiliar voice suggested. I followed David’s smile and saw who I could only assume to be Rufus. We both stood and shook hands with the artist.

“Rufus, this is Gemma Sinclair,” David introduced, his flat palm placed possessively on my bare back. Inwardly I cringed, but outwardly I wore my most welcoming smile. “Mr. Harding, such a pleasure to meet you and to have you on board.”

“Thank you,” he said warmly, unbuttoning his vest before sitting. “You two make a cute couple.”

“We’re not a couple,” I interjected, causing Rufus to frown.

Beside me, David chuckled, clearly humored by my objection.

“Gemma is my right-hand-woman in many ways but not in marriage. She does put on a fantastic opening night, and I know your two heads together will create something even more jaw dropping.”

For the next hour, we exchanged ideas and potential would-be’s and could-be’s. David injected on occasion, his hand touching my thigh and arm as if to emphasize his enthusiasm. The rest of the time he sat back listening, his leg pressing firmer against mine with every passing minute. Wine appeared on the regular and before I knew it, I’d lost count of how much I’d consumed.

“It’s been a pleasure, Ms. Sinclair,” Rufus said standing and extending his hand.

“Please, call me Gemma.” I smiled warmly at him while nodding in acknowledgment. Standing aside, I allowed David to bid farewell to his client. When he turned back to me, he mirrored my expression.

“Well?” he exclaimed happily. “I think that went well.”

“I think you’d be right in that assumption.”

David exhaled heavily. Securing big name artists was always considered a victory, and so far we’d championed three in a row. “I couldn’t have done any of this without you, Gem.” He reached out, his knuckles affectionately grazing my cheek. That familiar, flirty glimmer returned, and suddenly my hackles were raised once more.

“Nonsense,” I dismissed, taking a step back. “We’re all responsible.”

“That’s what you do, Gem. You never can accept a compliment.”

“I can when it’s warranted.”

“Let’s drink to this,” he announced, excitedly. David reached for our wine glasses and handed one to me. “We make a great team, Gem. So, here’s to a promising future together. Cheers.” We raised our glasses and clinked. His toast, along with his lingering stare had me in all sorts of discomfort. I knew I excelled at my job, but hearing it from David’s mouth knowing his intentions, made it an excuse to act inappropriately.

Taking a sip of wine, I replaced the glass on the table. “I need to make a move, David, if I want to be ready for this massive project.”

His eyebrows shot up in surprise. “So early, Gem. When you finish your wine, I’ll have my driver drop you home.”

Hooking my purse under the crook of my arm, I shook my head. “That’s fine, really. I honestly don’t think I can drink a drop more. I’m fine to get home,” I said with a smile, hoping to get him off my case.

“Nonsense!” He was having none of it. “I pass your place anyway on the way home. Please,” he said gesturing me to start walking. Conceding, I bypassed him, his hand resting on the small of my back. David was a lovely man. Yet, with each passing day, I grew more resentful of his advances and the predicament he was putting me in. To the point where being unemployed was becoming a more appealing venture. Outside, we hit a wall of warm air, but David’s driver was already waiting with the back door open.

“Evening,” I greeted the man who simply tilted his head in response before closing the door on me. David climbed in the other side, and within seconds we had pulled out onto the road finally heading for home. The trip was a quiet one as I watched the colorful lights pass us by. David wore a satisfied smile which he failed to disguise, our eyes only meeting when I could feel his lingering stare.

Less than fifteen minutes later, we pulled up outside my apartment building. With a wave of relief, I turned to my boss, bidding goodnight. “Thank you for the lift. I’ll see you tomorrow. Goodnight.” I was standing on the sidewalk when I heard his voice.

---