Page 66 of Just a Plot Twist
Great. Not only are they connecting me with someone for the first time since they met me, but that someone is Sophie’s sister. Which is a big deal. And no one is going to stay quiet about it.
“It’s looking more and more like it really is Peter’s new business,” Thomas clarifies. “In today’s meeting with HR, he was asking questions about how HR would work for a new company. And he’s been taking boxes of things from his office out to his car in the evenings. He’s cleaning his stuff out.”
“Maybe he’s doing some spring cleaning?” I mean it as a joke. I’m still not one hundred percent convinced Peter’s actually going to jump ship and abandon my father. It’s looking worse and worse by the day, though.
Thomas ignores my comment. “I’m not easy to work with.” He sighs. “But nothing gives him license to go around behind my back in breach of contract. I’ve been talking with the legal team.”
“That’s wise, I guess, especially since they’re obligated to keep it quiet.” And he’s right. Historically, he has been difficult to work with, but I don’t want to even touch that comment.
Thomas clicks his tongue. “They say there’s nothing we can do quite yet. We have to sit here and watch it happen right under our noses. And what if the boxes of stuff he’s taking out of here is proprietary information? I want to fire him ASAP, but again, legal says I can’t.”
“It’s problematic to have to wait, but we need to be wise in how we react. Peter’s position isn’t at-will. If you let him go without just cause, things could get much worse. He could sue.”
Thomas snarls, a deep groan, and I know it’s coming from the anguish caused by his friend stabbing him in the back.
“I’d be glad to go to the birthday party, Thomas.”
“Thanks. Try to have a nice time and let me know if you hear anything.” I hang up the phone.
Spending time with Claire on the beach the other night felt different…more than just two people hanging out.
I suppose the best way to get back on the saddle is to go for it. No sense hemming and hawing over it.
Except that makes me uneasy because it’s not about that. It’s a big deal because of the family connections already in place. Besides, I put pressure on myself because this is more than just a casual thing. She deserves more than casual.
And because she’s pretty inexperienced in dating, I have to be cautious and take my time.
Even though all that is true, and I still don’t know what I’m going to do, there is one consolation:
I get to see Claire again.
The next evening, I pull up to Claire’s little house in the heart of Longdale, all wound up. My insides are spinning like a top.
When I texted her for her address, I only asked if I could stop by for a quick visit.
Was it necessary to drive to Longdale to ask her to come to Peter’s birthday party with me?
No.
But I wanted to, okay?
Her house is a nice little bungalow on a tree-lined street. It’s navy and white Hardie board with a large front porch that spans the entire front of the house. I laugh at the life-size resin dog by the front door with a sign in its mouth that reads: “Don’t stop retrievin’.”
Why is everything about Claire cute?
And since when did I start finding “cute” so attractive?
I ring the doorbell, but she doesn’t answer it until the second ring.
“Hey. Come on in.” Her expression is bright as she uses a towel to pat the ends of her damp hair. A strong scent of florally coconut soap drifts through the air. Her loose-fitting tank top and not-so-loosely-fitting leggings do something to my insides.
And I know it’s not the clothing. It’s the woman.
“What a great house.”
“I know, right?” She has an easy demeanor, yet there’s a slight hesitation. She’s aware there’s more to my visit than just stopping in to say hello.
She leads me through the front room and down a short hallway. There’s a square shadowbox behind glass on the wall. I recognize the maroon and gold of the Longdale Longhorn mascot.
