Page 35 of Seventeen Years Ago

“That’s not a bad idea. Can you call him and tell him to meet us in the lobby? I’ll text Bennett and ask for the use of an office.”

Great. I get to make the call.

I hadn’t shared what transpired between me and Steven last night.Hopefully he answers my call.

I dialed his number, and it rang several times, but he answered on the fourth ring.

“Hello Steven. President O’Connor asked me to call you. She’d like you to meet her in the lobby of New Hope. She should be arriving in ten minutes.” I didn’t let him know I was going to be there too.

“That’s fine. Thank you for letting me know,” he replied.

“You’re welcome.” I ended the call before he asked anything I didn’t want Reesa overhearing.

“Bennett said we could use his office.”

I nodded. “Steven said he’ll be in the lobby.”

“Good. And thank you again for the suggestion. I really should’ve thought that though, but I’ve been so focused on this presentation. I have a feeling if I don’t get him to agree after this, then he never will,” she stated.

“I am sure you’re doing your best. Maybe he really isn’t interested. If that is the case, then no matter what you say, his answer won’t change,” I reminded her. “Have you spoken to Caydan about it?”

“Yes. He also encouraged me to keep trying.”

“It sounds like everyone thinks he is the right choice but him,” I said.

She nodded as the driver pulled onto the resort. “Then let’s get this meeting started and maybe the two of us can convince him differently.”

“I thought I was here to observe,” I reminded her.

She chuckled. “If you think I let you come just to sit quietly, you’re wrong. We are in this together.”

Oh, that’s just perfect. All I wanted to do was get a minute alone with him to make sure he wasn’t backing out because of me. I needed to let him know I meant what I said. I’m not going to break my promise. I’m not going to tell anybody what happened that night, and I sure in hell am not ever telling them that it was him.

When we entered the lobby, I saw the look of surprise on Steven’s face. “Ladies. Nice to see youboth.”

“Hello, Mr. Morse. Thank you for meeting with us. Mr. Stone has been gracious enough to offer the use of his office,” Reesa said.

Just then, Bennett joined us. “Hello, President O’Connor. If you’ll follow me, I’ll show you to the office you requested.” Once inside, he asked, “Is there anything I can get you before I leave?”

“No. Thank you very much, Bennett,” Reesa said. “Oh wait. I do have a question. Would you mind if we spoke alone in the hallway for a moment,” she asked.

“Of course not,” he replied, and Reesa stepped back out of the office and closed the door behind them.

Steven and I were left to stare at each other. This was my chance. “Steven, I don’t know why you are declining the project, I want to make sure it has nothing to do with me.”

“Shouldn’t it? I mean, you know what happened between us. I have no right doing business in Tabiq,” he said.

That’s what I feared. “Steven, you have every right.Nothinghappened between us. At least nothing that we can’t move past. And as I said, I don’t want to live in the past. I’m leaving it there. I hope you can too. And if you really want to show me that you’re sincere, then please be open-minded and listen to what Reesa has to say. I don’t know what the project is, but I know if she is putting in this much effort, it is important to Tabiq.”

Which means it’s important to me.

“You’re serious? You have no issue with my being here in Tabiq on a regular basis? This won’t cause you any...pain?” he questioned.

“Not more promises, please. Let’s just start fresh.”

He nodded. “Okay. I’ll listen to what she has to say, and Caydan and I can make the decision from there.”

“Thank you,” I said.

---