Page 24 of One Taste
“Yeah.” My voice is hoarse. I’m not sure why I feel embarrassed, there’s no reason for it. “I left because I didn’t want to deal with the awkwardness. I mean, it was a one-night stand. It wasn’t going to be anything more than that, so why waste the time and energy with all of the thanks for the night, it was great, yada yada?”
“I get it, Dev.” She nods. “If you felt like leaving before he woke up was the right thing to do, then it was.”
“I did leave a note stuck to the door that said thanks for the good time.”
Brielle’s face turns puzzled. “Where the hell did you find tape in a hotel room?”
A naughty grin forms on my lips. “I used bubble gum.”
Brielle bursts out in laughter. “God, I love you. This is why we’re each other’s person.”
“Duh,” I tease, shoving a piece of bacon in my mouth.
“So, on a lighter, less likely to get us kicked out of here note, have you given any thought to the job situation or just the massive fork from last night??”
I nod. “I thought about it on the train and for some reason I can’t shake this feeling that I need to take the temp CEO job.”
“You’ve been talking non-stop about thisNBCopportunity since you got the interview. A permanent position at a big network with possible advancement. What’s so special about the other place?”
Stuffing another chunk of waffle in my mouth, I shake my head. “I don’t know. It just seems more my speed for some reason. They need someone to come in and take over while they figure out some stuff that’s been going on. I’ll be the interim CEO while the company works through some issues they are having in the office. I’ll be filling in for the new CEO.”
“What issues and if they’re this bad why aren’t they firing him?”
“It’s a family business and the son is taking over for the father. His name is Sebastian, and the rumor mill claims he can’t keep his act together longer than five minutes. I was told he likes to party and that usually ends up with him in compromising situations displayed in the tabloids.”
This catches Devin’s attention. “I wonder what he looks like? I’m starting to wish I read the trash papers if this is the shit I’m missing.”
“Huh?” I stare, confused.
“This Sebastian guy. He’s got to be young and hot if he’s naked all over the gossip rags. I highly doubt a pudgy, middle-aged CEO of an advertising company would be news worthy.”
I shrug, taking another bite of my breakfast. “I have no idea. I didn’t meet him.”
Brielle gets a devilish look in her eye.
“What?” I ask suspiciously.
“Did you Google him? Is that why you want to take this job?”
“What?” I squeak. “No, I did not. I would never make a decision based on something like that. Besides, it’s not like I could sleep with him if I was working with him, dumbass.”
“When are you going to letNBCknow you’re passing on the job?”
“I don’t know,” I sigh. “I worked so hard to get there and Dennis called in that favor... holy shit.”
Brielle has a shit eating grin on her face as I realize what she just did. She tricked me into facing the choice she knew I already made. “You’ve already made your decision.”
“But...” I stammer.
Brielle shakes her head. “Don’t do that. You made your choice. If you feel some kind of connection to this opportunity, take it. If you don’t, you’re always going to wonder what if. Plus, you said it yourself, this could open more doors for you. More management experience at a higher level. Stop thinking. Just do.”
I let her words sit as I push some soggy waffle bits around my plate.
“Holy fuck,” Brielle squeals gaining the attention of the whole restaurant, again.
“What?”
“Good God Almighty.”
