Page 258 of Love in Riverbend
“Thanks for the information. I need to get to my meeting.” I don’t wait for him to say goodbye or end our conversation. I’m perfectly content with where it concluded. As I reach for the handle of the door to the reception area, I notice Bryce stepping into Marilyn’s office.
I tell myself not to think about that. She’s a capable woman, and I know she isn’t interested in Bryce, even if he is interested in her. Suddenly, I wonder if my not getting one of the positions is courtesy of Mr. Bryce Talent Acquisition Team Perkins.
“Richard Dunn, for Mr. Parker,” I say to a different receptionist on the top floor.
“Please have a seat, Mr. Dunn. Mr. Parker is on a call, but he’ll be with you shortly.”
Chapter 23
Marilyn
The lemon chicken is in the oven. A fresh, leafy salad is chilling in the refrigerator. The rice is in the pressure cooker, ready for me to hit the button. I even have a bottle of white zinfandel waiting to be uncorked. The only thing missing from our dinner is Ricky.
I expected him to come back to my office after his meeting with Mr. Parker. When he didn’t, I checked my cell phone for missed calls or messages. By the time I was leaving work, I sent him a text message, asking about the meeting and reminding him about dinner at my place.
Now it’s a quarter to seven and, still, no word.
In the bedroom, I check my reflection. After work, I came home, changed clothes, and freshened up. All the while, my talk with Bryce replays in my head.
After Ricky left my office, Bryce appeared.
Looking up, I smile, expecting to see Ricky back in my doorway for one more pep talk. My smile fades at the sight of Bryce Perkins. Even in his business casual attire, he doesn’t hold a candle to Ricky. His torso doesn’t slim down to a V, accentuating his shoulders. I don’t even want to compare their facial features. “Do you need something?” I ask.
Bryce comes in the door and takes a seat opposite my desk, leaning back and crossing one ankle over his knee. “I thought I’d tell you personally that your friend—or was he a date?” He shrugs. “Anyway, Dick Dunn isn’t Parker and Stevens material.”
I feel my blood pressure rise as I clench my jaw. “I think you mean that he isn’t entry-level material.”
“No. I said what I mean. He’s not working here.” Bryce lowers his leg to the floor and leans forward. “Marilyn, I’m sure it’s hard to hear the truth, especially from me.”
“And what truth would that be?”
“He was just using you to get a job here. Honestly, it was painfully obvious to everyone else.”
I recall what Ricky said, that he thought Bryce was still into me. “His name is Rich,” I correct. “And my relationship with him is none of your business, just as your relationship with Beth is none of mine.”
Bryce shrugs. “I’m afraid Beth and I agreed to part ways. She isn’t like you. Too high-maintenance for my liking.”
A scoff escapes my throat. “Two high-maintenance people in a relationship would be exhausting.”
He placates me with a soft laugh. “I spoke with Rich” —he emphasizes the name— “in the hallway. You know, some people aren’t meant for the white-collar world.” He lifts his hands. “There’s nothing wrong with manual labor. Lord knows we need those people.”
Those people.
His condescending tone grates on my nerves. “Bryce, do you want something, because I have a meeting with one of my clients in a few minutes, and I need to review their portfolio.”
“I came to ask you to dinner, a real one. Just you and me.”
I shake my head. “Maybe you’ve forgotten, but there’s no you and me. We’re done.”
“I haven’t forgotten. I’m hoping you can see a way to give us another chance.”
My temples begin to throb. “There’s no us.”
“Marilyn, seeing you with someone else…it made me realize. We’re kindred spirits. We’ve both tasted success and have the thirst for more. I knew that about you when you were an intern. Your drive, ability, and willingness to learn drew me to you. Together, you and I could be a power couple in the wealth management world.”
Inhaling, I stand. “I’m not interested.”
He also stands and scrunches his lips. “Oh, do you think you’re in a relationship with him?”
