Page 10 of Business Casual

It was something about the way he said it. Or it was the way his mouth moved as he said it. Or the way he looked at me when he said it.

“I agree,” I said softly.

He licked his lips. “If you were offered the contract, I wouldn’t be able to take you to dinner socially.”

My voice came out with soft disappointment as I got lost in his eyes. “Oh. Okay.”

“And you wouldn’t be able to call me Tre here.”

“Okay.”

“And you can’t look at me like that either.”

I tilted my head to the side. “Like what?”

“I can’t explain it. But it does something to me and you can’t look at me like that if you work here.”

“Okay. Same goes for you.”

“Deal.” He extended his hand to me, and we shook on it.

As our handshake slowed, I wondered, “Does that mean you’re offering me the job?”

“I’m offering you the job,” he confirmed.

“Thank you!” And then I thought about it. “Is Mr. Franklin going to be okay with that decision?”

Tre let go of my hand and picked up one of the papers his father left with him. “He agrees that you’re the best candidate for the job…”

I noticed a look cross his face. “But…?”

He showed me the paper and I read it aloud. “I need to get ready for a ten o’clock call, but she’s the best candidate for the job. Offer her the position and get your shit together, son. All employees, including ones who are only working as contractors, are off-limits. You’re a partner. She’s a lawsuit. Remember CW.”

Tre folded the paper and slipped it into his pocket. “As much as I wanted to take you to Comida Sabrosa tonight, it’s more important that our business relationship remains intact.”

I held his gaze. “I agree,” I whispered.

“Imani Jones.” He dragged my name out, extending each syllable. “Welcome to Franklin Financial.”

*****

---