Page 89 of Corporate Escapades

Thirty minutes later Paris found herself seated across the table from Tom. “You look lovely,” he said. “Now, do you want to tell me why you were late this evening? You seemed quite shaken on the phone,” he added.

Paris was certain that she had sounded as if she were shaking because she was—in anger. “My grandmother has become ill and was admitted to the hospital this afternoon,” she begrudgingly told him.

“Oh, that’s too bad. Is there anything I can do?” he asked. Paris knew he was simply acting a part. He had no desire to do anything nice for her unless it meant helping himself.

“No, I don’t think there’s anything to be done,” she said.

“This is Burt’s ex-wife, correct?”

“Yeah. She’s a tough old woman. Hopefully, she’ll be fine.”

Changing the subject, Tom said, “When I was younger, I volunteered for one of the park cleanups, and Burt was there. He told us stories all afternoon. It made the time fly by. He’s a brilliant man. I’ve often wondered why he works in maintenance?”

“He doesn’t need the money,” replied Paris. “He likes fixing things, and he enjoys overseeing the cleanliness of ADG.”

“Well, he does a fabulous job of it. I can’t recall a day when the bathrooms were not in perfect order or that the floor didn’t sparkle.”

“Let me tell you, he keeps his crew on top of things. I hated working down there because I’m ridiculously clumsy, but I enjoyed being closer to my grandfather.”

“I’m sure that was a bonus. Was he at the Gala this year?”

“No, he had a wedding to attend that weekend.”

“Ah, that explains why I didn’t see him. He loves any event where he can put on a tux, doesn’t he?”

“Yes, he does.” Nothing could keep her grandfather from showing people his clean-shaven debonaire side. “He needs a woman in his life,” she sighed. “He isn’t getting any younger.”

“What exactly happened to your grandmother?” Tom asked. He sounded interested.

“Can we change the subject? I’m worried enough about my grandmother.” Inside, Paris was seething. Her grandmother hadn’t been heard from in years. She abandoned her family, but Tom didn’t need to know that.

Raising a hand in the air, Paris flagged down the waiter. “Will you please get us a bottle of the house Chianti?” She needed some liquid courage to continue. The waiter disappeared, and Tom prattled on about his own family. Paris nodded and focused on the story as a way to keep herself from dwelling on the sick feeling in her stomach. She never would have guessed he was capable of such insubordination had she not heard the evidence played before her.

Returning to the table, the waiter poured them each a large glass of Chianti and took their orders. Paris tried to maintain a happy persona. Tom watched her every move.

“I’ve been thinking,” said Tom. “Why don’t you come over to my place after dinner? We can sit on the patio, drink some wine, and listen to music.” Smiling, he reached into his coat pocket and pulled out a box. Handing the box to her, he said, “I saw this the other day and thought of you. It’s a little something to show you how much I care.”

All the red flags went up at once as she reached out and accepted the box from him. She had no desire to take the gift, but she also knew that not taking it would be suspicious. She pulled away the cover to reveal an ornate emerald necklace. Small whitediamonds surrounded each emerald. Jessamine had excellent taste.

“It’s breathtaking,” she replied. “It must have cost you a fortune.”

Tom smiled. “It will look beautiful with your dark hair and green eyes. Here,” he said, standing up. “Let me put it on you.”

Paris let him proceed.Thank goodness for that recording, she thought.

“Astounding,” he said. “You look like royalty, my dear.” Moving around the table, he took his seat.

“You’re much too generous. Thank you,” she said with a yawn. “It’s been a long day. I hate to do this to you after such a beautiful surprise, but do you mind if I take my food to go? I’m exhausted and not in much of a social mood with my grandmother falling ill.”

“I understand. Perhaps we can meet for lunch Monday afternoon instead?” asked Tom.

“Yes, that would be wonderful,” replied Paris.

The food arrived, and Paris wasted no time in having the server package it up. She said one last thank you, and was out the door seven minutes later, which was not soon enough for her standards. Walking fast, she wanted to put as much space as possible between herself and Tom. She was glad she had told her driver to stay close.

As she approached the car, her stomach flipped, and her mouth watered. She knew things were about to turn ugly. Jack hopped out of the car and held the door for her. “Where’d you come from?” she asked, but before he could answer, she dropped her food container and ran for the bushes at the edge of the walk. Throwing herself to her knees, she lost the contents of her stomach all over the small patch of grass in front of the restaurant. Jack had run after her and was right there, holding her hair and rubbing her back.

“It’s okay, I’ve got you. You’re fine,” he assured. When Paris finished, he helped her to her feet and handed her a handkerchief. “I keep it on me for situations like this,” he shrugged. Paris let out a nervous laugh and accepted the cloth.

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