Page 14 of Cupcak
“That’s bullshit and you know it. I’d say you’re the highest paid PA in the state.” I grin at her, and I get an audacious smile back.
“Touché. And to answer your question, no, I haven’t been there. But I don’t think you’d want to, either, sir. I heard from Diane down in Legal, whose friend, Elise, has a sister, Amy, who’s dating Mr. Plank from the DA’s office. He tookherthere, andshesaid that they serve tiny portions and then charge a bomb.”
I blink. “Who went there? I’m sorry, I lost you somewhere around Diane in Legal.”
Alice smiles even wider. “Food no good, sir,” she simplifies.
“Now I know why I don’t want to pay you more, you talk to me like I’m nine,” I respond with a smirk.
“I think it’s part of my charm, sir.” She bats her lashes, and I roll my eyes.
“So, the place on Ekkers is out of the question. Do you know another place?”
She spouts off a couple of restaurants, all of them, I realize, perfect for business luncheons.
I shake my head. “No, Alice, this is not a business thing. I’m asking for me. I want to take someone out. And I want it to be special.”
To her credit, Alice doesn’t blink, but her eyes do light up and the corners of her mouth turn up a little. “A date. Well, I never thought I’d see the day.”
“OK. I can sort this out myself if you’re going to tease me. We can’t all be happily married to our high school sweetheart. Especially for those of us who barely finished high school.”
“I’m just happy for you, sir. But if I may suggest something, Mr.Grant…”
“Please, suggest away.”
“There's this place down by the water, right on the pier. It has the loveliest view of the ocean and the food is to die for. But that’s not the best part.”
“I’m dying to know.”
“They have this gorgeous private gazebo up on the roof. It’s pricey, but for what you save yourself each time you don’t give my magnificence a raise, I think you can swing it.”
“Alice, if I gave you a raise every time you suggested it, I’d be broke and you’d own the company.”
“That would actually be perfect. Where do I sign?” Her eyes shine with restrained laughter as she locks eyes with me.
“Har, har,” I deadpan. “How about you put that sense of humor of yours to work by making that reservation for me.”
She smirks. “When would you like it?”
“Tonight.” I look at my watch. “As soon as possible.”
Her mouth falls open. “I might not be able to make that happen.”
“Tell you what,” I say, wagging my finger at her. “You get me the private gazebo, and I’ll give you that raise. Deal?”
Her hands move immediately to the phone. “Deal.”
Giving her a nod of thanks, I head back into my office and attempt to work some more. Not even ten minutes later, Alice buzzes through to let me know she’s booked the rooftop at seven.
“You’re a doll, Alice. I’ll let HR know you’ve won yourself a raise.”
“Kelly over at Cuthbert Construction is going to spit when she finds out. You’ve made my day.”
I chuckle down the line. “And you’ve made mine. Thank you, Alice.”
She snorts. “You’re welcome, sir. And I hope you and Ms. Townsend have a great evening.”
I don’t bother hiding my surprised bark of laughter. Trust Alice to know everything. She seems to have her finger on the pulse of everyone’s business. She’s invaluable.
