Page 34 of To Believe In You
Like, windows and doors opened and closed.
Oh, and they locked.
Probably better not to list those helpful factoids.
In the silence, Russ’s mouth twisted.
“I’m a quick study.” That, at least, was true.
Russ cringed in what appeared to be another moment of internal debate, then he extended his hand to Matt. “Welcome to the team.”
As Matt shook, Russ’s smile grew more genuine. Having a former rock star work for him must’ve seemed worth whatever fallout he would face from other members of the management team.
After settling training details, Russ led the way from the office. “Is it true what they say?”
Matt slowed, braced for a question about some stunt he’d foolishly pulled years ago. “What who says?”
“Awestruck is thinking of making a change, swapping Philip out and hiring you. It must not be, though, right? Why would you want to work here if Awestruck wanted you?”
Matt crossed his arms. What was he supposed to say? He’d applied for lack of better options?
“There are as many theories the other way, too, I guess,” Russ offered.
“ThatI’m the one who doesn’t wantAwestruck?” That’d be new.
“Kind of. Some people think Philip’s quitting because no one wants to work with Gannon. Big personality, judgmental.”
Back in the day, Matt would’ve agreed. Now righteous indignation—something he was rarely in a position to feel—led him to take a conspiratorial step toward Russ. “The truth about working with Gannon?”
“Yeah?” Russ looked eager enough to pull out a pen and take notes.
“Takes an awfully big flamethrower to burn a bridge with him. Believe me. I know.”
Russ nodded, uncertainty tinging his hopefulness.
Right. Russ had just hired him, and now Matt was bragging about being good at burning bridges.
Off to a great start.
Matt slugged his arm. “But I’ve changed a lot since then. I’m looking forward to contributing to the team.”
He hung around long enough to watch Russ rally another smile, then got out before he could incriminate himself further.
* * *
The bouquetof orchids resembled a pink-and-white firework, dominating Lina’s desk at Key of Hope and continually drawing her gaze from her laptop screen. The large arrangement must’ve cost a fortune. Lakeshore didn’t even have a florist, and hiring one to drive the bouquet from the city two towns over must’ve added to the expense.
The exquisite blooms marked the first apology where Shane had put his money where his mouth was. She tapped a nail on her desk. If she kept the flowers, she ought to thank him for them … Right?
The front door swung open, and Lina rolled her chair back, distancing herself from the flowers. As if Adeline would believe their existence on her desk were coincidence.
The arrival was a student, though, who immediately went to a practice room for her flute lesson.
Lina scooted closer again and lifted the card from the desk.
Thinking of you on what should’ve been our six-month anniversary. I’m sorry I stole that from us.
“Stole” certainly fit the situation.
