Page 30 of Enthrall
“Maybe they have cookies.”
“How old are you?” He frowned. “I mean really?”
“From now on I’ll bring a snack in my handbag for you.”
“Initiative too. We’ve outdone ourselves.”
“Why are we here?” I said, trying to ignore his attempt to rile me up. If he wanted to get a reaction out of me so he could find another excuse to fire me, he wasn’t getting one.
“The Sullivan’s need to sign some forms so they’re set for next week,” he said.
“You can’t send them in the post?”
“Tell me what you know about Chrysalis?”
“Well...um...”
A bark pulled our attention toward the door. A Pomeranian snarled at us. The dog’s owner appeared, a woman dressed elegantly in a cream suit, her blonde hair up in a chignon. She looked about twenty-five but dressed older.
“Master Richard Booth,” she said with a strong Texan lilt, holding her hands out to greet him. She flushed brightly and giggled.
The dog yapped at Richard’s feet. He ignored it and rose to greet his highly perfumed friend. Her scent reminded me of a flower shop.
“And who is this adorable young lady?” she said breathlessly.
“Mia, my new secretary,” said Richard. “How are you, Constance?” He kissed both her cheeks, and her hands still held in his.
Constance beamed at me. “I’m fine. Bill will be right with us. He’s finishing up on a call. Why Mia, do sit and tell me all about you.”
Richard sat beside me. “We’re not here to talk about us, Constance. This day is all about you and Bill.”
She took the armchair opposite. “We are just thrilled you could make it. The driveway can be tricky.”
“It’s a road,” jested Richard.
“Bill gave you directions though, didn’t he? He’s good at that kind of thing. Me, well if it wasn’t for my GPS I’d be back in Texas every time I went to Beverly Hills.” She let out a nervous laugh.
“We’ll take it slow,” said Richard.
Which was kind of strange but it seemed to appease her. She took a long, deep breath and calmed a little.
“Can I get you refreshments?” she said. “Lemonade?”
“Your housekeeper already offered,” he said. “We’re fine.”
She leaned forward. “I am ready for this? Right Richard?”
“Absolutely,” he said. “It’s only natural to be a little nervous.” He opened the envelope. “Once these are signed you’ll be all set.”
“I wish you guys did a one week thing. A month seems such a long time.” She swallowed hard.
Richard leaned back and blinked his answer.
“I am ready,” she said. “Really I am. I know I don’t sound it.”
Richard looked thoughtful.
“They call it emersion, apparently.” Constance turned to me. “That’s why it goes on for so long. That’s what Bill tells me anyway.”
