Page 35 of Red King

“I do, but we can have wine together first. Chicks before dicks.”

I choke out a laugh. “We’ll see.” I stand. “I’ll let you know,” I tell her as I leave her office.

I chuckle to myself as I take the stairs. Maggie is a card. I feel so much better after talking things through with her.

A few minutes later, I knock on the door to Cathy’s office.

“One second,” she yells. A full minute later, she shouts, “Come in.”

I smell nail polish as I enter the small office. Her face falls as soon as she sees me, but she quickly smiles, hiding any sign of animosity. Or trying to, at any rate.

“Hi, Paisley,” she says in a singsong voice. “Take a seat, please.”

I note that two nails on her right hand are unpainted.

“I won’t waste too much of your time.”

“Let me guess, you’re here to tell me about your promotion.”

“It isn’t a promotion…not really. I’ll still work in my position as nurse. I’ll be assisting you for a short while…that’s all,” I say.

“Well…” She makes a noise like she isn’t quite buying it. “You’ll head up liaisons between the two species. Marcel, Thorn, and I will report to you. You’ll have the final say in everything and report directly to the king himself. I’d say that’s a promotion.” There’s more than just a hint of irritation in her voice. She clears her throat and puts the bright smile back on her face. “Congratulations, Paisley. I think it’s great.” It’s clear that she thinks it’s anything but great. I can’t really blame her. I’m stepping firmly on her toes here.

“I haven’t accepted the position yet.”

She narrows her eyes. “Really?” Then she smiles. “Oh…okay, I see.” Her smile turns genuine. “Not your thing?”

“Not really, no. I’m happy to stay in my lane as a nurse. Arctic gave me the itinerary. He was sure I would accept the position, but I needed to think about it.”

“And you’re leaning toward turning it down.” Her disposition is definitely brighter, lighter, and much happier.

I shrug. “Yeah, I guess I am. I see there’s a picnic planned for tomorrow.”

“Yeah, don’t you think that’s great? A picnic on the beach will be super romantic, as long as the weather holds. The walk is supposedly quite beautiful. They’ll get to know the island, so it’s of double value.”

On paper, it sounds good. I’m not sure it’s practical.

“They haven’t even met each other yet. There have been no introductions at all. I’m not sure they’re ready for something romantic yet. How will they talk on a hike that sounds like it could get technical?”

Cathy narrows her eyes. “I thought you weren’t taking the position. For someone who isn’t interested, you sound pretty keen.”

“I’m more than likely not. Look, I really think a hike and a picnic are not the best idea; not just yet. Perhaps something closer to home. Something short and sweet, like a cocktail party in the courtyard or at the castle, even.”

“We’re not permitted to hold events at the castle.”

“Why?” I frown.

“I don’t know why. We were told it’s out. Look, Paisley, I’m sure you’re a fantastic nurse. Understand that I’m a top event planner. I can run three events concurrently. I know what people want. I know what makes them happy, just like you’re good at…at…cleaning vomit and changing bedpans and…um…stuff. Leave it to me. I have it under control, I promise.”

“Good to know.” I smile. Now, I’m the one who has to force it. “What about Lauren?”

“Who?” Cathy frowns, looking at me like I just grew two heads.

“Lauren, the woman who got injured yesterday.” I widen my eyes because she should know her name.

“Oh! Yeah, of course. What about her?” she asks hesitantly.

“She won’t be able to hike for an hour, and the beach is inaccessible to vehicles.”

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