Page 22 of The Renter
Greg pauses for a moment before chuckling. “Fuck! I’m so jealous; tell me what hot sex is like.”
I shake my head, not wanting to share anything about her.
“I introduced her to our team via email this morning,” I redirect. “Can you have them confirm she’s no longer at Shirts? And should I even care how the wind-down is going?”
“If she’s no longer at Shirts, then she’s fair game,” Greg states the obvious. “They’ve only got a skeleton crew there now as we spin the company down … and no, you don’t want to know what was going on.” He cynically chuckles, which tells me everything. “It’s only going to upset you,” he says, and I saw that coming. “There’s even less than we were thinking.” He pauses, then laughs. “Make sure to thank Declan. He owes us three million dollars for insisting we invest in that company; he ruined our damn near-perfect track record.”
“Good thing he’s good for it.” I desperately try not to think any more about work. I’m not supposed to be working thatmuch right now, after all. “Twenty-five-year-olds, man.” I laugh, changing the subject. “It’s a whole new world.”
“Stop making me jealous about what freedom is like. And don’t let it distract you from the assignment, which you’re fucking failing at,” he reminds me. “You promised you’d return calm, relaxed, refreshed, and healthy.”
“I’m happy.” I smile, thinking about her and our time together. “She makes me happy.”
“Good for you. And get her to sign an NDA while you’re at it.” His COO brain is always on. “Can’t have her running her mouth about fucking Adam Harris during his midlife crisis.”
“That’s not a bad idea. Send me something.” I should have her sign an NDA. “Thanks, man. Talk later.”
I end the call. Dani is quickly surprising me. She’s a real talent. Why does she need to get back on her feet? And here, in Wisconsin? I need to know the full story about what happened at Shirts.
19
Thursday, May 12th
All week, I’ve had preliminary virtual meetings with members of Harris Ventures. Adam is serious about helping me. I’ve learned more about the companies they’ve invested in and where those companies need PR support. It’s exciting to learn about new industries like PropTech and logistics.
My phone dings, and I check it.
Adam Harris
Dinner tonight?
Dani Sommer
Where?
Adam Harris
La Nonna?
Of course, he wants to go to the most expensive restaurant in the area. It’ll be our first official date, and the thought brings a smile to my face.
Dani Sommer
What time are you picking me up?
Adam Harris
How about a drink at my place first? That way, your car will be there in the morning, so you can leave me at your convenience.
Dani Sommer
So presumptuous … assuming I’ll be staying over.
Adam Harris
Whatever you want. Let me know.
I haven’t even known this guy for a week. Are we moving too fast? He’s supposed to be my summer fling, right? But I love that he’s helping me grow my client list—it’s amazing, but it also feels like it could get complicated. Itwillget complicated if we keep mixing business and pleasure.
