Page 84 of Love Me Forever

"Let's hope we won't have that opportunity," she said. "I'll be happy if I never hear his name again."

She lowered her gaze to her legs and picked invisible lint from the jacket of her suit. "Do you have the contract on hand?"

"No, but the HR manager will set you up. I told her to include in your contract that you can work from home and even from abroad as often as you want for as long as you want."

"That's very thoughtful. Why did you include that?"

"I figured you might want to go to London again. Visit your dad, your sister... and your guy."

The corners of her lips tilted up. "My guy? Have you been gossiping with Luke?"

"Not gossiping," I said, "but he's mentioned it."

She brought her hand to her ear as if she wanted to push a strand of hair back but then realized it was all up. That was a nervous tick for her.

"What happened, Reese?"

"He's not my guy anymore. It didn't work out. I'm free as a bird again." She was exuberant as usual, but I could tell she was more disappointed than she was letting on.

I leaned back in my chair, mentally reviewing my schedule for today. I had a lunch meeting, but I'd cancel it. This was more important.

"Let's grab lunch together."

"You have time for me?” she asked.

“Yes.”

“So the rumors I've heard circulating that you're back to your former workaholic self aren't true?"

"I don't know why they're spreading that around. I'm not working nearly as many hours as when I was in the process of selling the company. I do have a meeting, but I’ll clear my schedule. I want to celebrate that we’re going to work together.”

Her eyes lit up. “Let’s go upstairs. I heard they’ve introduced snacks for lunch.”

“Perfect. Let’s go now. I’ll tell my HR manager to have everything ready for you by the time we get back.”

I headed next door. Paul, the HR manager, shared an office with Marjorie.

“Paul, Reese accepted the role of CFO. Prepare her contract as we discussed. We’ll be back in half an hour.”

“Will do,” he said. “Will she need her laptop and phone today?”

“That can wait until her first official day. Probably tomorrow.”

Reese nodded in agreement.

“How wonderful that she’s joining us,” Marjorie exclaimed. “Welcome aboard, Reese.”

“I agree,” I replied with a wink before stepping out of the office.

The bar was surprisingly full when we arrived. Typically I gathered with my brothers here after work. I’d never seen so many customers. It was smart that they’d added a lunch menu.

“Let’s order a bowl. Full of healthy stuff,” Reese said.

“Sure, why not?”

I didn't really care about the food; I simply wanted to spend time with Reese. I was immensely proud that we’d work together. My mind instantly went to Kimberly.

"You look lost in thought. What are you thinking?" Reese asked.

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