Page 26 of Dream with Me

“Ew, no. Nothing like that at all. Are we talking about the same Will?”

“Yes. We’re definitely talking about the same Will.” She pauses and takes a sip of her diet soda. “Listen, I’m not trying to be a bitch, and I’m not usually one to talk badly about someone but be careful. That’s his M.O. He starts out acting like a civilized human being, complimenting your work, and he respects your input in those God-forsaken boring client review meetings we have. Then he starts making subtle moves, and everything changes if you set boundaries with him. Everything.”

My mouth goes dry, hating that this was her experience and hoping Will complimenting my hair this morning wasn’t the start of him going down the same path with me. Seriously, though, I’m probably safe. She’s gorgeous, and I’m... Nope. Stop it. I’m hit with a little pride for catching myself about to indulge in some ‘negative self-talk’ and stopping it. Maybe my therapy is working a little.

“Did... did something happen again today? Since you called him an asshole, I mean.”

She picks at her pasta salad. “Only the same type of stuff that started when I made it clear I wasn’t open to his bullshit. He took one of the accounts I’ve been managing for several years and decided they were too small for us to keep. Said it was interfering with my work for more “lucrative” clients—which is totally not true. My work is top-notch. Anyway, he wants to dump them, and I’ve been fighting him on it. Today, we met with Jeff and presented our sides. Jeff sided with him—because he always does—nowImust let the client know we won’t be continuing to work with them after the end of this year.”

I’m speechless. It’s not a side of Will I’ve seen, but I also find it hard to believe Tillie wasn’t handling her work because of the client. I knew who she was before I met her today. Her reputation proceeds her around the firm, and it’s a good one.

“I’m sorry. I don’t even know what to say. Ihavenoticed we only seem to have clients whose businesses are at least moderately large and mostly from the city. No small local businesses. Am I right about that?”

“One hundred percent right. Their business strategy is to target clients who don’t have enough need to keep their own accountants on their payroll but are large enough that the hourly billing structure benefits Stinson the most.”

“So, we don’t take on small clients at all?”

She shakes her head, her lips in a tight line. Then she glances down at my study materials, and her shoulders visibly sag.

“Shit. You’re studying, and I commandeered your space and time. I’m sorry.” She looks a little closer. “CPA test?”

“Yeah. I’m testing in early November. Now, I’m wondering if I should have scheduled it further out. Maybe even into next year. There’s so much.”

“Is it your first time?”

“Yeah. So, any tips are always welcome.” I smile at her and glance up at the clock in the break room. My break is almost up, so I close my notebook.

“Let me think about it. I can pull up the study plan I used and pass it on to you to see if it helps. Plus, I’m a total dork and love taking tests, so if you want to do practice questions, I’m happy to help you do those.”

“Oh my gosh, that would be fabulous. If you’re serious, I’ll take you up on it.”

She claps her hands together, and her eyes light up. “Great, I’ll meet you here tomorrow at eleven-thirty. We’ll use our break time and start hitting the practice exams! You put me in a better mood. Thanks, new friend.” She grins at me, and I smile back.

“Awesome. I’ll see you tomorrow.” I gather my things and head back to my cubicle to finish my day. I sit in my chair, take a deep breath, and that’s when it strikes me. I’m a little bit... excited. Not elated or overjoyed. But it’s there—an inkling of excitement. For the first time in years, I’ve made a new friend.

CHAPTER16

TROY

This was a mistake. I bolt up out of my seat and make it to the door, my hand on the knob about to turn it when I hear someone clear their throat.

“Mr. Willson?”

I stare at the door for a few seconds before I turn around and look at the woman watching me with one eyebrow cocked. She’s attractive, probably younger than me by about five years. I don’t know why, but I assumed she’d be much older.

“You weren’t trying to sneak out, were you?” There’s a light, teasing tone to her voice.

I put my hands in my pockets and rock back on my heels. “Um... maybe?”

The woman laughs. “I’d hate to see you leave when you’ve come this far. I’m Marissa. Why don’t you stay, and we’ll relocate to my office?”

I swallow the lump in my throat.Am I really going to do this?I take a few steps toward her, and when she walks down a short hall, I follow.

“What’s that?” I blurt out, pointing to the small, odd white box outside the door of each room. She looks to where I’m pointing.

“It’s a white noise machine.” She must see the skepticism I’m feeling on my face because she smiles. “They help maintain privacy by masking sound. It’s another way we maintain the confidentiality of our clients.”

I nod and follow her into the room. When she gestures to have a seat, I sit on the loveseat in the room and glance around. The room is cozy, with a few lamps on.

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