Page 55 of Degrees of Innocence
“What, did you have someone time it?”
“No, but I Googled it,” he admits, grinning. “I anticipated more of an argument about this and thought I may need to convince you that eighty-two minutes of travel is non-value added,” he says.
“I’m not going to squabble about the space. I like the idea of less driving time and having a space the team can collaborate in, especially since the project work will span over the next couple of years.
“Pity, I anticipated an argument and had such a delightful punishment in store,” he says.
“Inquiring minds want to know what that might entail.”
“A sound paddling with an implement of your choosing,” he says.
“Really? Well, as you know, I’m quite innocent and inexperienced. I might need you to go over my options,” I say.
His eyebrows raise and his mouth quirks. “Indeed? I think we can arrange a viewing of said implements and if you desire, a trial of each,” he says.
I feel the heat rising to my cheeks talking about such intimacy in a public place. “I think I might need to reconsider my original agreement. I’m sure I can find something to squabble about,” I say.
“You are delightful on so many levels, Katarina. I’m glad we’ll be able to put our new toys to good use so quickly,” he says, taking in my widening eyes. “I’m anxious to have you moved in. Jay will drive you to Torzial and help you bring back anything you need from the office. He can also run you by Jenny’s if you need to pack your personal belongings.”
“That would be nice. I don’t have anything in the way of furnishings. When my roommate and I parted ways I left anything we had purchased together. I just have the usual. Clothes, makeup, and lots of shoes,” I say.
“I think we can make room, somehow,” he says, grinning. Dinner arrives and smells delicious. The rack of lamb is served on a large oval platter surrounded by gremolata, cumin spaetzle and shaved roasted brussels sprouts. The lamb is tender and the lemon and garlic in the gremolata intensify the taste. The brussels sprouts are slightly caramelized bringing out their own sweetness, and providing a lovely balance to the meal. Chase this is so good,” I say, finishing another bite.
“I’ll have him pick you up early so you can be back to Prestian Corp for the project meeting,” he says.
“What project meeting?” I ask.
“Martel scheduled a meeting for tomorrow afternoon. I assumed you were included,” he says, looking at his cell phone.
“I don’t recall seeing one, but I’ll check,” I say, pulling up the calendar on my phone.
“It’s scheduled for one thirty tomorrow in one of the Prestian conference rooms. It doesn’t appear that you were on the invite Katarina, but you should be there. I’ll forward the planner to you and Jay can have you back from Torzial and Jenny’s in plenty of time,” he says before my calendar loads.
“I can be there,” I say, wondering what Mark Martel is up to.
“Enough about work, though, tell me a little about your family, Katarina. You said you grew up without a father and you and your mom are close. Where does she live and what does she do?”
“Well, I never knew my dad and Mom didn’t talk about him. She never remarried and only dated a number of times, at least that I can recall. So it’s a pretty small family, just the two of us. She worked long hours to support me growing up and now she’s a very successful publicist and runs her own business in Naples, Florida. We don’t get to see each other as much as we’d like with work schedules, but I’m planning a surprise trip to go see her for her birthday in a few months.” I say.
“Seems like a long time to go without seeing each other,” he says.
I sigh. “You’re probably right. I’ve literally thrown myself into work the last several years. I should really make her more of a priority,” I say, contemplating on how time passes so quickly.
“What about your family, Chase?” I ask.
“I told you about my mom already. She died of cancer when I was nineteen. My dad lives in New York and spends a lot of money funding research and technological advances in the hopes that one day they will find a cure. He’s been dating a woman named Emily and spends a great deal of time with her when he’s not working at the office. We talk on the phone quite a bit, especially lately. I gave him an iPhone for Christmas, so he’s been trying out the FaceTime features,” he says, laughing.
“Are you texting Jay?” I ask as they clear our table and he messages someone.
“Yes, I usually let him know when we’re moving.” The manager stops to talk to us for a few minutes and apparently knows Chase well. They spend a few moments chatting and Chase compliments him on the food and service before we leave. The Jaguar is waiting for us as we exit the building and Jay is already in the driver’s seat as Chase and I get into the back. “Are you ready to go home, Baby?” he asks.
“Yes, please,” I say, curling into his arms as Jay pulls away from the sky-rise and into heavy traffic. As we begin heading out of the city Chase pushes a button on a remote control and the privacy glass slides into place.
“Do you need to let Jay know if I plan to run tomorrow?”
“You don’t like the treadmill?”
“I love being outside and we only have a couple months left before it gets too cold.”
