Page 123 of Business Casual

I stared at Mr. Franklin, unable to read his expression. “I’d quit before I’d leave him or let him lose his project.”

He took a sip of his scotch and then sat back in his chair. “You’d give up your contract for him?”

My throat stung as I choked my answer out. “There are other contracts and I’m sure you’ll help me find one. But there’s not another Tre Franklin.”

“Hm,” he remarked, checking his phone. A smirk played on his lips before he looked up. “Looks like my lawyer is here.”

I didn’t want to turn around, so I just watched Mr. Franklin’s face and I could tell they were close. My hands twisted in my lap as he rose to his feet.

He hugged and then kissed her. “Hello, sweetheart,” he greeted her.

I did a double take. “Mrs. Franklin,” I blurted out as soon as she turned to face me.

“Call me Clara,” she replied, sticking her hand out for me to shake.

“Okay… Clara,” I responded, looking between the two of them when she took her seat next to him. “I don’t understand what’s going on. I thought… a lawyer was coming for me to sign something.”

“Iama lawyer,” Clara explained. “I consult mostly. But I took a particular interest in this matter, so Alexander asked me to meet here at seven thirty.”

It was awkward enough to have to speak to Tre’s dad about our relationship. But because he was the CEO, it made sense. Having to speak with Tre’s dadand momfelt odd.

“Oh, okay…”

“When I saw you and Alex tucked away by yourselves at the gala, I could tell there was something going on between the two of you,” Mrs. Franklin informed me. “I waited until Alexander and I were on the dance floor, and I told him that I saw the way you two looked at each other and that something was going on. I know my son. And I know that he wasn’t looking at you like you were his star employee.”

“And I told her that Alex might have a crush on you… and you might have the same. But I was certain Alex wouldn’t jeopardize the company for just a… crush,” Mr. Franklin jumped in.

Mrs. Franklin smiled. “And I told him it looked like more than just a crush. He didn’t believe me. So, by the end of the dance, I bet him a spa weekend that I was right.” She turned to her husband. “And I was.”

“Right on time,” Mr. Franklin announced with a big smile.

Our waiter approached with a tray full of food—and then went to the table next to us. I was so focused on the delicious plates; I didn’t see Tre walk up until he was a few feet away.

My lips parted.

“What’s going on?” Tre’s voice cut through the room like a knife. He sounded suspicious as he eyed his father.

“Have a seat, son.”

Tre turned to me, placing a hand on my shoulder. “Are you okay?”

Still shocked, all I could do was nod.

He sat down beside me, placing an arm around the back of my chair. The protective energy he came with immediately quelled any awkwardness I was feeling.

“Are you sure?” he asked me again.

“I’m fine.” I placed my hand on his thigh. “I’m glad you’re here,” I murmured honestly.

With furrowed brows, Tre looked at his father. “You said that you and Mom wanted to talk to me. You wanted me to meet you here. You didn’t say anything about Imani. What’s going on?”

“I had a seven o’clock meeting with Imani and a seven thirty meeting with you,” he stated.

The waiter came and delivered the food. I noticed that the extra entrée was for Tre, not Mrs. Franklin. Mr. and Mrs. Franklin were splitting the special.

“I needed to know what this was,” Mr. Franklin said calmly. “I needed more information before going to the board. So, I told Imani that the way this plays out either you two break-up or you’re going to get demoted or fired. Those are the only options if the board decides they are going to enforce the policy.”

Mrs. Franklin’s eyes widened in alarm.

---