Page 61 of Caught in the Axe
During my exploration of the city, I saw DiLuca Constructions signs everywhere, and Owen was confident and knowledgeable and fair. Witnessing him in his element was thrilling, and the energy of the place already had mebuzzing. No wonder they were so successful. Everyone here was working hard and excited about it.
The door to the conference room opened, and a broad-shouldered man in jeans walked in. He wore a wide smile as he held his hand out. “Enzo DiLuca. You must be the famous Lila.”
As I slid my palm against his, I marveled at this guy. He was handsome, with thick dark hair and a neatly trimmed beard. He wore a dress shirt, jeans, and work boots rather than the stuffy suit one would expect from the CEO.
What was even more unexpected was the way he turned the chair around and straddled it, then put his elbows on the table.
“I’ve heard so much about you. Sorry the office is crazy today. Our biggest client was in yesterday, and the adrenaline hasn’t quite worn off.”
I straightened a stack of papers beside my laptop and nodded. “This place is beautiful.”
“Thanks. As usual, your boy Owen came to the rescue. I don’t think he slept last night, but he has all the new calculations ready to go.” He scratched at his beard. “A lot of professionals warn against working with your friends, but there’s no one I trust more. I wouldn’t last a week here without him.”
I’d known this man for two whole minutes, and already, it was clear that he was whip-smart but down-to-earth. No wonder he and Owen were so close.
“He’s brilliant.” The moment the words were out of my mouth, my cheeks went hot.
Enzo nodded in agreement, but he narrowed his eyes, as if evaluating me. Rather than feeling anxious about thescrutiny, I felt proud. Let him judge me. I had nothing to be ashamed of.
“I’ve heard a lot about you. Owen said you plan to study nonprofit management. Is that right?”
“Yes. I’ve been accepted to some great programs. It’s my dream to develop my leadership skills and business acumen in a mission-driven setting so I can use my skills to have the greatest impact.”
A broad smile spread across his face. Like I had passed some kind of test.
“That settles it. You’ve got to join us at the Boston Cares event tonight. The foundation is connected to every major philanthropic effort in the city. It would be a great networking opportunity for you, and I’ve got two empty seats at my table.”
“Um,” I stumbled, my stomach twisting at the prospect.
I wasn’t the charity gala type of girl. I was a waitress in a small-town Maine diner, not the kind of accomplished city socialite who belonged on Owen’s arm.
“I’m not sure,” I hedged, racking my brain for a way to politely decline without insulting him.
I was saved from having to stutter my way through a lame excuse when Owen walked into the conference room.
“Lawyers will be here in twenty minutes.” He handed me a cup of coffee, then jerked a thumb at Enzo. “This guy bothering you?”
With a roll of his eyes, Enzo stood and gently punched Owen’s shoulder. “I was telling Lila that she must come to the party tonight.”
Owen winced. “Don’t force her.” He pulled out a chairand sat down across from me, carefully opening his laptop. “We’re here to work.”
“She’s a future nonprofit star. Have you considered how many people we can introduce her to at this single event? You’re already here, and there will be free food and alcohol, so why not?” He picked up his coffee and held it out in my direction. “You dragged this poor girl all the way from Maine. Might as well show her a good time.”
Owen looked at me, brows furrowed and his mouth pressed into a straight line, as if considering.
As I took him in, I couldn’t help but feel a little curious. What would it be like to attend a glitzy event on Owen Hebert’s arm?
It only took a moment for reality to sink in, and when it did, I had to keep from slumping in my chair.
“It’s so kind of you to include me,” I said, “but I didn’t pack any gala-appropriate clothing.”
I did notownany gala-appropriate clothing, so that was a nonstarter. Not that I’d admit that out loud.
Enzo waved a hand. “That’s no problem. I live with four women and a couple of billionaires.”
I frowned at Owen.What was he talking about?
Owen only shrugged and took a long sip of his coffee.
