Page 23 of Lust

“Brent is Ben.” I look up.

She stares at me blankly.

“The drunk guy the other morning. The one you sat me next to. He comes here a lot?” I search around on the seat for more bricks.

Delilah nods slowly.

“That’s Brent. He lied in his pictures. Lied about everything. He’s married.”

A look of horror crosses her face. “My ex cheated.” Her hand flies up to cover her mouth. “My son’s dad. It’s not even the worst thing he did, but I’d still never do that to another woman. Ever. I didn’t know.”

“Of course you didn’t.” Three more LEGO bricks and my design takes shape. “He’s a huge fucking creep. You seem like a good person, and I didn’t want you to suffer.”

“Thank you.” Tears fill her eyes. “I can’t believe I let myself get so invested in someone I never even met.”

“Well, if people didn’t do that, I wouldn’t have a multi-billion dollar company.” Pausing my construction, I study the woman in front of me. She seems solid, smart. But can I trust her? She did what I asked the other day, without any questions.

“Will you do me a favor?” I watch her face carefully.

“Of course.”

No hesitation. Good.

“I need you to keep talking to him.”

Her nose wrinkles.

“Nothing more than conversation.” Grabbing the last few LEGO bricks off the seat, I study my design.

She frowns.

“I want to put you on my payroll,” I explain.

Her eyebrows raise, but she still says nothing, just glances down at the object forming in my hands.

“There will be a non-disclosure agreement.”

“I don’t want you to pay me to talk to some cheating asshole. I’d feel like a whore.” She cups her chin in her hands, though, clearly considering the offer.

An idea comes to mind. “You can help me test some new software we’re working on. Consider the Brent thing a side project. I just have to be able to trust you.” I hand her the LEGO design. “You decide. The money’s there if you want it.”

Turning the object in her hand, she studies it, then looks at me.

“Even my son never built a knife out of his LEGOs before.” She smiles.

“Can I trust you?” I maintain a steady gaze. It’s definitely a knife. Boxy, but recognizable.

“Fine.” She nods once. “I’ll look over your contract and I’ll think about it.”

Bingo. She’s in.Allowing a small smile to creep across my lips. I slide open the door and step out of the van. “My sister Linda will be in touch,” I call over my shoulder.

“Don’t you want my number?” Delilah sounds eager now.

Excellent.

I laugh.

“You think I don’t already have it?”

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