Page 53 of Knocked Up by my Best Friend's Brothers

I nod slowly. “Yes, he could.”

“I finally got a good offer on newer windmills,” she says. “But the price is a tad steeper than what I anticipated in terms of handling and transport. We’re talking about a large number of parts for an even larger number of windmills to be transported across two states.”

“That sounds like quite the mission,” I say. “But I know you can hack it, Alexandra. The Hawthornes wouldn’t have partneredwith you if they didn’t think so, too.”

“Aw, thank you. I guess I needed to hear that. You’re right. I’ll probably get a fair deal, eventually. The seller keeps complaining about the price of gasoline.”

“What if Hawthorne Corps offers to pay a third of the gasoline?” I suggest.

Her eyes twinkle excitedly. “I think you’re on to something.”

“I overheard Nathan talking about transport expenses just the other day, about securing funds for large transports through a federal grant for the steel mills. Maybe they could use some of that to move the windmills to Portland. I don’t think the grant’s destination is specific as to what they’re transporting, as long as it helps the business run or grow.” I lift a finger. “I think.”

Alexandra nods a few times. “No, I agree. And I think I know what federal grant he was talking about. River and I had a chat on the same topic over coffee this morning.”

“You did?”

Why do I still feel jealous? Do I sound jealous? Can she tell? She is hard to read, and I don’t like it.

“Yeah, and while we were talking, he mentioned how productive your department is,” Alexandra replies.

“Really?”

Why do I sound surprised?

Jesus, Christa, get a grip.

“Of course. You’re a rising star in their company, by the looks of it. Personally, I’m always happy to see a woman rising in amostly male-dominated field. I’m even happier to hear that you and Colin are getting along well.” She giggles, reminding me of my first staff meeting.

“Right. Yes. Colin came across differently in the beginning, I agree.” I chuckle lightly. “But he’s good people. A bit too stubborn at times, but that just helps me better chisel my own counterarguments when we’re working on something we both want to succeed. It works, oddly enough.”

“Good. You deserve a fine team behind you, given the projects you’re developing.”

“My old company was different,” I say, comfortable enough to reminisce about the so-called olden days of Los Angeles. “There was room for growth, of course, but never at this level, where I could lead an entire product department.”

“Is that why you left?”

“There was a personality and ethical clash in the middle. The Perry side was horrendous. The Sage guys were slightly more—oh, shit,” I gasp, realizing I let something slip. It’s not even the first time. Part of me thinks it’s because I do want to talk about it to anyone who will listen, but the repercussions are simply too frightening.

“Oh, shit, what?” Alexandra asks, her eyes wide.

“I shouldn’t have--”

A smile slits her pretty face from ear to ear. “Shouldn’t have what? Said the name of the company I’m not supposed to know you worked for? Relax, Christa. You’re cool here.”

“Am I?”

“It’s a delicate situation, considering how it ended for them. I get it. We’ve all done work for people we’re not in an immediate rush to plaster all over our resumes.”

I give her a curious look. “I thought you inherited the funds you used to start your company.”

“I did. Verdant Ventures wasn’t built from the ground up; I own that. But it doesn’t mean I haven’t dealt with unpleasant people and situations prior to setting my sights on the Hawthorne brothers, on their business, I mean, their business potential,” she adds with an embarrassed laugh.

Alexandra doesn’t know about my relationship with Cassius, River, and Nathan. She’s free to like any of them, to make passes at any of them, for that matter. It’s not my place to tell her to keep her eyes and paws off them. It’s theirs.

“You’re doing an amazing thing, Alexandra,” I say. “Most people wouldn’t think about helping the planet heal when they come into a heap of money. It’s honorable.”

“You’re too kind,” she replies, giving me a warm smile. “And I just want you to know, if there’s anything you need, ever, at all, I’m here. We women should stick together. Grow together.”

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