Page 39 of Pride
– You licked it?
– I also rearranged your desk decor. You look much more personable now. You’re welcome.
– Personable? I don’t want to look personable. Put it back the way you found it.
– No.
– No?
– Come and make me.
…
…
Alice loved seeing those little three communications dots pop up and then disappear, as though Parker was stewing over what words to write next. But before he had a chance to give an autocratic declaration, or decide he should really call security after all, she used the opportunity to barrage him with work. Text after text she sent him outlining urgent matters demanding his attention. He gave her yes or no answers, but he engaged in work, which was more than she expected. It felt good. It felt like routine. It felt like them.
Relief made her realize why she kept coming into the office, despite her charade being over.
She didn’t want him to lose his company.
His mother’s words she’d heard over the planted bug came back to her. She’d accused Parker of being a perfectionist because he was afraid to outlive his use. He didn’t think he had anything else to offer. It was always about duty with him. Not a moment of rest or reward.
She knew the feeling.
Back to the messages and work. She continued to filter the communications that needed his attention. Last but not least, she reminded him about the pressure from the top brass. They needed him at a board meeting, and some were threatening a vote of no confidence. He only replied that it was irrelevant. He was a majority shareholder. They couldn’t get rid of him. And then finally, she threw her lot in and asked him the question she’d been wanting to ask all day.
– Do you have an answer to my offer?
– I refuse to talk about this over the work system.
Her lips curved. So that wasn’t a no. Neither was it a yes. While she was thinking of how to respond, Parker sent another message.
– Why are you still hiding behind those dowdy outfits?
She glanced down at her potato sack of a dress and cardigan, then up to the security camera stuck to the ceiling in the corner. Her lips tugged into a smile, then she remembered what he’d typed.
