Page 25 of The Physical Attraction Seminar
“I know. We’ll talk about it later,” he says dismissively, and my heart sinks to my stomach. “I have to go, but I’ve got the tickets covered, so there’s nothing to worry about. Just get to the office as soon as you can.”
“Okay, okay.” My voice trembles as I attempt to conceal the tears that are welling up in my throat. “I’m so sorry, Barrett. I’ll be there as soon as I can.”
Just as I was about to hang up the phone, I pulled the phone away from my ear, intending to hang up only to be halted by the unexpected sound of Barrett calling my name. “Lyla, are you still there?”
“I’m still here,” I say, multitasking by packing my work bag and holding my phone between my ear and shoulder.
“I know I’m being short with you right now, but it’s just because I’m swamped. Please understand that I’m not angry with you, okay?”
“Okay,” I try saying confidently, but my voice quivers, revealing my uncertainty.
“Would you mind stopping by the smoothie bar on your way in and grabbing me a drink? I have an open tab down there, and the staff are aware that you are my assistant. If you want to get something for yourself, you’re more than welcome to charge it to the tab, too.”
This is the most we’ve spoken to each other all week, and I’m not sure how to feel about it. It feels as if I’ve stepped into an episode of the twilight zone, and I’m hesitant to snap out of it.
“I can do that. I’ll see you when you’re done with your meeting.”
After the call ends, I feel a stray tear roll down my cheek, and I quickly wipe it away, determined to keep the rest at bay. Between the whole Barrett situation and the usual learning curve of starting a new job, the past week has been a rollercoaster of emotions, leaving me feeling drained and overwhelmed. Everything I once knew has been turned upside down within a few short days, and now I’m expected to carry on with my usual happy attitude as if nothing has happened.
Working with someone you had a one-night stand with is not what I imagined. I expected a certain level of professionalism, but I didn’t expect to be taken aback by the perpetual coldness in his demeanor. Barrett had been so charming and funny on our date, but now he seems like a completely different person. It’s almost as if the guy had gone on a date with has vanished into thin air.
Part of me knows I was spoiled working for Elliot since he was genuinely like a friend to me. The rational part of my brain also knows that it’s silly of me to think that I would feel the same level of comfort in a new job. Then again, being rational doesn’t make it hurt any less.
Right now, I just wish Barrett would let me see a glimpse of the guy I had met last week.
I think I’d feel more comfortable around him, knowing that despite maintaining professionalism, we can still be true to ourselves. All I need is a sign that somewhere, deep down, the sweet guy I met last week stillexists. It’s already difficult to begin a new job, and a cold boss only makes it more unwelcoming.
With a heavy sigh, I set my bag down and sink onto the edge of my bed, feeling the weight of the last few days rest on my shoulders as I cradle my head in my hands. There’s a little voice in the back of my brain urging me to tell Barrett how I feel. But I want to respect the boundaries that have been set, and it’s not my place to overstep.
If we are going to uphold the non-fraternization policy, then I fully intend to keep my promise. No matter how much it might bother me to do so.
ELEVEN
BARRETT
“Harrison,what are you doing right now?”
“Dad and I are on the way to a breakfast meeting with Nicolette Cade.” From his end of the phone, I can hear the sounds of cars honking and people chatting on the busy street.
“Reid’s old girlfriend?”
“I’d hardly call her an ex,” my dad’s voice now crackles through the phone line. “She was in love with Reid, and he hardly gave her the time of day.”
“Yeah,” Harrison agrees. “If they were dating, I don’t think Reid got the memo.”
Dad’s deep chuckle instantly brightens my mood. “Either way, I’m trying to buy her brokerage. She may have a handful of clients, but they have deep pockets, and I want them to spend their money with us instead.”
“We both agreed that it’ll be easier for us to buy her company instead of trying to poach them off of her,” Harrison adds.
“You know what to do…” I start.
“Make her an offer she can’t refuse,” the three of us say in unison.
“Circling back to the reason you called—do you need my help or something? I can’t do much since we’re walking into the restaurant right now, but I can step away to make a quick call if you need me to.”
“It’s fine. Tickets for the Commercial Real Estate Executives conference go on sale at nine, but I have a call with Greg Wyndemyer in five minutes. If you were free, I was going to see if you could get them, but I’ll handle it.”
“Have Lyla get them. That’s kind of how personal assistants work.”
