Page 219 of Dream Girl
I sighed. “Some people were nice–like all of Rami’s friends. But some of them were weird. Is it because I’m not an omega?”
“Did you tell them you work for me? That could be part of it,” he replied as the server brought our drinks.
“You do great work, so why would people be weird?” I took a sip of the drink, grateful for the warmth of the fire–and him.
“It’s not our biotech, it’s the work we’re doing with qubits. Some people think that we should stay in our lane. The thing is, I have the money to fund such projects, and they fill a need. Why should I not?” He took a sip of wine.
Everything made sense.
“Oh, okay. I mean one of the things I love about your company is that Special Projects is basically a mad scientist incubator. The people who were most standoffish were talking about the symposium PIIP is having. It sounds nice, because then I could see Dr. Harlowe’s particle cutter. But when I asked about it, I got snapped at, and told it was exclusive.” It felt pretty unprofessional considering the Daedalus Society was supposed to be about omegas in science supporting each other.
“That is mean, but unfortunately not everyone is nice. I’m sorry they were like that.” He squeezed my knee. “You wish to go?”
“It would be fun. But there’s always next time.” I took another drink, then swirled it in the glass so that it caught the light.
“What if I told you I got us on the list?” His look went hesitant.
I perked. “You did?”
“It was supposed to be a surprise. Mrs. K is finishing our travel arrangements. We already have people going from Compass BioTek. I simply asked if we could be added. The conference hotel is full, but I found someplace better for us to stay. Iknow that you wanted to see the particle cutter. I hope I didn’t overstep.” His brow furrowed with worry.
“Overstep? Spencer, it’s perfect. Thank you.” I leaned in and kissed him.
“Now you can arrange for your tour.” He beamed.
“This is an amazing surprise.” I got to go? It was going to be fascinating, not to mention the people I’d meet.
“I like you, Grace, and I intend to court you. You’re all right with that when I do?” He took my hand in his, the warmth searing right through me in all the right ways. His eyes met mine and didn’t leave as he brought my hand to his mouth and he kissed the back of it.
“Spence.”
“We’re going to have so much fun, Darling.” His eyes gleamed, and he told me more about the symposium and the plans he’d made as we finished our drinks.
“Do you want another?” the server asked.
“I’m fine, are you?” He looked at me.
“I’m fine, thanks.”
Spencer settled the bill, then stood and offered me his arm. “Are you hungry? I’ll warn you, I was told not to feed you much because someone is planning on ice cream sundaes.”
I laughed. “They are? I knew they’d do something. No, this was perfect, thank you.”
“No, you’re perfect.” He led me to his car, and we drove home.
On the way, he told me some of the topics that my future co-workers would be presenting on and the topics he was excited to hear about at the symposium.
“I’ll send everything to you so that you can see what you’re interested in,” he told me.
“I can’t wait.” It was perfect.
“This is only the first of many trips. I want to show you so many things. I want to teach you tennis and golf, and take you scuba diving,” he told me as he drove down our street.
“Please. They all sound fun.”
We pulled into the driveway. He got out and rushed around to my door to open it and help me out.
When we entered the kitchen, Wes and Evan, both shirtless, were putting out ice cream and toppings on the table.
