Page 132 of Inflame

Graham stares at me, as if he is analyzing the stock market. “There’s something different about you.”

“Probably just my new suit.” I’m starting to get used to the formal attire. My prior jobs never required more than dress pants and a button-down. However, the way Claire’s eyes glaze over at the sight of designer labels helps me not gripe about all of the fanciness.

“Nope. Not that,” he says. “You look happy.”

“Maybe it’s the control that I have been craving all along.”

I can tell by his eyes he doesn’t believe me, but he has the decency not to push. I quite frankly have no idea what he is talking about. Sure, I am overall content. But, I wouldn’t be making a big deal about it. It’s not like I’ve been depressed or emotionally drowning prior to his psychoanalyzing session.

I start to walk into the break room to make myself a mug of coffee and feel Graham’s presence at my back.

“You're doing a great job here. I knew you would.”

I turn around and lean my backside against the counter, crossing my legs at my ankles. “I appreciate it.” I wait to see if there is anything else he wants to discuss. It’s not like he would make a special trip up here to say what he could easily do with a text.

"I need a favor.”

“Okay."

“It’s big.”

“Good thing we are family.”

“I have to go to New York City.”

“When?”

“Tonight.” Graham sighs in frustration. “It is a sudden trip that needs my physical presence. I have to see a few associates who are flying in from the Middle East.”

“Let me guess, you have asked Angie to go with you and she refused.”

“I have not asked Angie yet, but I can bet you she will say no.”

I chuckle. “Yeah. I can see how aggravating it can be to be attached to someone so stubborn.”

Graham rubs at the back of his neck. “Angie is so dedicated to jumpstarting Plus None that she can’t see straight. Besides putting in a full shift here at the office, she then goes home and is researching and planning. Says it is fun for her.” He shakes his head. “She is going to work herself into the ground if she thinks she can maintain this schedule. Learning the work-life balance is key.”

I want to tell him that Claire is the same way, but he doesn’t need to know how much time we’ve been spending together. I also want to tell him that before Angie came into his life, he had no concept of balance. Work was his life.

“So, my favor…”

“Let’s hear it.”

“I need you to look out for her. Collins is on a paid vacation for the week, otherwise I would ask him. You both I trust. Anyone else, I’m not so sure.”

I nod. “How long will you be gone?”

“Minimum of two nights. Probably more. That okay?”

“Sounds reasonable,” I mutter. “What could go wrong?”

“Ha. Everything.”

“That’s a bit dramatic, even for you,” I say with a laugh.

Graham sighs and runs his hands through his hair. “Literally every time I leave or let my guard down, Angie gets herself in trouble—and it usually involves Claire.”

“I think I can handle them,” I snicker. I’ve been enjoying handling the one at least.

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