Page 21 of Claiming Her Cougar
“Do you think we should pass?”
“No.I think it’s going to be perfect for a rink and some supporting retail, but without confirmation that we’re getting the hockey franchise, it’s too risky to commit to purchasing it yet.Our regular retail model won’t work there.It needs another element to drive traffic.”
“The property isn’t even for sale yet, so we have time.It’s just when it is listed for sale, I think it would be best to move quickly.My source says we have about six months.”Dad leans back in his chair.
“Six months is a good timeline.We should know about the franchise way before that.When I know something, I’ll tell you.”
“Fair enough.When do you leave?Wednesday?”
“Yeah, I’ll be hitting the Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia properties and be back a week from Thursday.Barring anything goofy, I’ll be in Jersey through year’s end.I’ll check out the New Jersey properties and get ready for my property tours in the new year.”
I check my watch.It’s almost 5:00 p.m.Rising, I give Dad the half grin that I know I inherited from him.
“I don’t know if I’ll be in here tomorrow, but I’ll see you at the game.”
“Have a good night, Liam.”
I take my leave and say goodbye to Allison and Betty as I pass their desks.Climbing into my truck, I decide to swing by home to change before going over to Daphne and Logan’s.I don’t want to look like I’m too eager to spend time with Mallory.Iamextremely eager to spend time with her.I just don’t want to make it obvious.Yet.My cougar, the universe, whatever, won’t leave the idea of Mallory and me alone.And maybe this feeling or message is right.It’s not about never.It’s about when.Maybe I’m not avoiding.I’m waiting.
I use voice-to-text to ask Daphne if she wants me to pick up anything for her and Mallory while I’m getting the beer.
Daphne: Nope, we’re good.Beef and broccoli as usual?
Me: Yep.
Daphne: Are you trying to pick up Mallory?
Me: I thought she was driving to your place herself.I can pick her up from wherever though if she needs a ride.
Daphne: You know what I mean.
Me: Why do you ask?
Daphne: Because she’s my friend, and I guess you are too.
Me: Ouch.
Daphne: Shut up.You flirt with everyone.I want to make sure you aren’t just playing around.If you’re hitting on her for fun, knock it off.
Me: Simmer down.Want to get to know her, that’s all.No games.
Do I ask for her help or not?Daphne’s going to torture me with the knowledge of my burgeoning crush on Mallory, but if it advances my cause, it’ll be worth it.
Me: I’d be happy for your help.I think she likes me, but since I work for Morgan and am an executive, it’s a no-go.
Daphne: Well, that complicates things.You could quit…
Me: Ha.Seriously.Neither one of us wants a relationship now, but no reason we can’t be friends and lay some groundwork, right?
Daphne: I guess.But don’t make things weird.
Me: Probably too late for that…
Daphne: Ugh.Bye.
I enter my pool house, thinking about Daphne’s comment.I could quit my job at Morgan Development now and maybe remove an impediment to a relationship with Mallory, but that seems rather drastic.Plus it would leave a hole in the company until my cousin Andy graduates in the spring and is ready to step into my role.
Maybe I’m not the one who has to leave though.She’s a paralegal.She could find a job at any of the law firms around here.Maybe one of the casinos.
