Page 110 of My Secret Snowflake
“No. It’s much better if you talk to her in public—that way you both have to be nice to each other.”
I don’t want to ask how Jamal knows this.
Faith comes over. “I think we need some help putting together the Tiki bar that Dream sent over. Iris is figuring it out, but she probably needs someone to hold the pieces in place while she screws them together. Sebastian, do you think you could help? I need to explain how to make the DIY palm trees to that group.”
Jamal gives her a thumbs-up. “Let’s go.”
As we walk over to Iris, I take a quick look around. The gym already looks amazing, and we’re not even finished decorating.
Iris is muttering to herself as she is inserting one piece into its slot.
“Faith sent us to help,” Jamal says.
She glances up and stills when she sees me. I hate that reaction.
“That’s great,” she says. “I actually have to run back to work, but I wanted to see the library Faith set up, so if you guys can put this together, Faith can show that to me before I have to leave.” She stands.
The old work excuse. I’ve used it myself.
“Sure,” I say—because I can’t say, “Let’s talk, here, in this gym while setting up a Tiki bar.”
Iris practically runs away.
“Boy. You’re really in the doghouse,” Jamal says. “This is beyond my abilities. You should talk to your guy friends who have girlfriends. You need help.”
I’mfirsttotheGrey Dog restaurant. I stopped by the bullpen on the way out, but Iris was already gone. Only Hank was still sitting there. He made some snide remark about how now that’s she’s the boss, she’s leaving before five. She definitely can’t work for him.
They seat me at a table next to the Christmas tree, which has been decorated with plastic orange slices, candy canes, multicolored lights, and gold balls. A pirate sits at the top instead of an angel.
Zeke and Rupert arrive at the same time.
“You’re looking rather glum for a guy who just started dating someone and made General Counsel,” Zeke says. “Tessa says congratulations.”
“General Counsel for two days.” I tell them about the ultimatum and Iris’s response. “It has to be me who gives up my job, I know, but man.” I close my eyes. “I’ve been so focused on this goal for the past year. My dad has finally accepted my career choice. And I’m not even sure she’s as invested in this relationship as I am. She was so quick to say we should break up.” I think she cares about me. Because she opens up to me.Can I read Iris, or am I just looking for what I want to see?
“I hope I’m not betraying confidences, but Tessa said that Iris seems head over heels for you,” Zeke says. “That she was really impressed by the two of you going off to investigate the clues.”
“Tessa said that?” I ask, hope expanding in my chest.
Zeke nods. “But don’t tell anyone in case I’m not supposed to disclose that.”
“Lily also commented on how close you guys seemed when you left Banter & Books together. That she was so happy Iris found you,” Rupert says.
The waiter takes our orders. I order my favorite taco dish and a beer.
“And it’s your life, not your dad’s,” Rupert says. “Believe me, I know. I definitely conformed too long to my grandfather’s expectations.”
“It’s not like Sebastian hasn’t been living his life,” Zeke says. “He did become a lawyer.”
“But I thought you said that Iris won’t accept you giving up your GC position,” Rupert says. “At least she’s not Melody, pushing you to work at your dad’s company.”
“I feel guilty because I have a ready-made position there. I could make him happy, make my sister happy, and maybe even make Iris happy because it won’t look like I’m stepping down. I’m just going to work for my dad’s company.”
“Butyouwon’t be happy,” Zeke says. “Then you will resent Iris. Don’t do it.”
“But I could do it for the short-term. Help my dad deal with Nathan and then find another job.”
Rupert shakes his head. “You’ll end up disappointing your dad more. He’ll get his hopes up. He’s finally accepted your choice. Don’t do it.”
