Page 13 of Strictly Business : A Lesbian Romance

going. We’ve already bought the tickets, but Andrew unfortunately can’t

attend.”

“Oh.” Andrew was in marketing. Christina was still trying to learn all

the new faces and names, but she remembered Andrew as a burly, cheerful

man who usually bragged about his kids. He was likeable and kind.

“I was hoping that you’d attend in his place. The tickets were

expensive, but that isn’t the point. You’re one of our newest team members

and I know you’re new to the city. I think it would be a good opportunity to

network.”

Christina wanted to cringe. She hated that word. Network. People just

threw it around so casually. Michelle really meant what she was saying, but

usually it was code for sit there, look good, tow the line, and be bored to

freaking death all night so that we can look like we care about our

community.

Christina had little doubt that the evening would be no better than

listening to a group of thirty people scrape their nails down individual

chalkboards.

“Absolutely.” She gave Michelle the same winning smile she gave to

clients who she was going to deny for any sort of funding. “Sounds like it’ll

be amazing.”

“Great. I have a busy morning, but I’ll send you all the details this

afternoon.”

Christina nodded. Michelle left, and she even shut the door behind her.

Christina spun her chair around and stared at the back of her desk. It looped

around in a U shape. The back half had cabinets up top that locked and a

few shelves below where she liked to keep books and a couple potted

plants. Other people tacked photos of their kids or spouse up there, or other

far too personal things. Her space was decidedly empty.

She didn’t make a sound, but she did scrunch up her nose at the books

on the back of her desk. She made sure that she was out of sight from the

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