Page 234 of Love in Riverbend
I take a step back, observing as Ricky and Mr. Stevens carry on a conversation. A bit of pride comes to life inside me while listening to Ricky’s responses. He’s done his homework.
Mrs. Stevens steps closer and lowers her voice. “How do you know Mr. Dunn?”
Tearing my eyes away from the two men, I turn to her and smile. “We come from the same hometown. We’ve known each other for most of my life.”
“He’s older than most of the applicants.”
“I’d say that’s a positive,” I respond. “He’s more likely to be a stable employee.”
“Oh, heavens. I didn’t mean it as a negative. Ralph mentioned his name.”
“I hope that’s good for Rich.”
“I would say by looking at the way the two are talking, it is good.”
A waiter stops with a tray of champagne flutes. I take two, a second for Ricky. Mrs. Stevens and I chat about something rather mundane. It isn’t until Ricky looks around that I excuse myself and step to his side.
“This is for you,” I say, offering him the glass.
“Thank you.” He turns back to Mr. Stevens. “I look forward to speaking about this in greater detail on Monday.”
“My assistant will set up a time.”
It isn’t until we step away that I ask excitedly, “What was that about? He wants to talk to you Monday?”
Ricky reaches for my hand. While the warmth of his touch travels through my bloodstream, I’m not sure he even realizes what he’s doing. “He asked me about my parents’ farm and what I did on it.”
“He asked you about the farm?”
“It seems that those individuals still fortunate enough to farm succeed due to their size and worth. Mr. Stevens wants to structure a financial wealth plan that would work for farmers. The income isn’t as reliable as other professions, and there are a long list of variables. He wants someone who understands the business to work on the research and development.”
“Oh my God, Ricky, that’s fantastic. Research and development isn’t outlined in the new starting position. This could be big.”
Letting go of my hand, he wraps his arm around me and gives me a hug. “I owe this to you.”
“No, you owe it to your hard work.”
“Marilyn.”
Ricky and I take a step apart and turn to the deep voice. I clench my teeth together at the sight of my ex-boyfriend. I force a smile. “Bryce, I see you made it.”
It doesn’t take two seconds before Ricky steps closer, no doubt remembering that this is my ex.
A woman appears at Bryce’s side.
“Beth decided she was up to attending.”
This is the woman who said I wasn’t a threat.
I plaster a smile on my lips and offer her my free hand. “Hello, Beth. I’m Marilyn.”
“Nice to finally meet you.” Her focus isn’t on me, but on Ricky.
I reach for his arm and lean closer. “Bryce and Beth, this is my date, Richard Dunn.”
Everyone greets one another.
“Richard…” Bryce says. “Yes, I remember looking at your portfolio. I had no idea you knew Marilyn.”
