Page 289 of One More Kiss

“Let’s say it was both of our ideas,” Jeffrey offered. “After all, our inspiration was right in front of us.” His eyes crinkled at the edges as he looked between Eli and me. “Though I guess I shouldn’t get ahead of myself. Have you decided to join the family company once you finish your MBA?”

I schooled my face not to betray any of the emotions this issue usually brought up: annoyance, indecision, utter disinterest. “Those negotiations are still underway.”

Jeffrey’s eyes widened, and he sent an impressed look toward my father. “You’ve taught her well.”

“Perhaps too well,” my father said, crossing his arms.

“How could she not go into the family business?” Eli asked coolly, and it reeked of being for my father’s benefit. After all, he was sitting right next to me. If Axel were here, I knew what he’d call him: a pompous turdmuffin.

“Maybe you could ask her,” I said a bit quieter, strictly for Eli’s benefit.

“Well, I suppose that does put a damper on the conversation,” Jeffrey said, looking disappointed in the way an actor on Broadway might—overdone a bit, so the audience in the last row can still feel it. “We’re interested in working with the next generation of Margulis Realty. Though I’m sure the alternatives you’re entertaining are…worthy.”

My father coughed. My mother reached for her wine.

“Point is, I’m seeing an incredible team right here.” Jeffrey made a square between him, my father, Eli and me. “Yes, our flagship businesses have found incredible success.” He clapped my father on his shoulder, but pinned me with a deep look. “But we’re thinking about the future here. We want to be at the front of this race to develop space, not coming in second or third. And I think it’s something my grandchildren will actively be participating in as well.”

“Your grandchildren?” I echoed as both June and my mother erupted into laughter.

“I thought we were the ones supposed to be putting on the pressure?” My mother asked wryly.

“As long as there’s pressure, I’m not sure it matters who applies it,” Jeffrey responded.

“Oh, Jeffrey.” June feigned annoyance, but secret pleasure rolled off her. The way her gaze darted between Eli and me served as a billboard for her thoughts: Just get married already and give me grandbabies!

I had no intention of marrying Eli. Ever. He was handsome, but that’s where my admiration began and ended.

The only man I was interested in procreating with wasn’t welcome at this table. But I couldn’t think about that tangle right now. Every man here wanted something from me, and I didn’t want to give any of them even half of what they hoped for.

“I hope it doesn’t bother any of you that I’m not planning on having children,” I said once their laughter subsided. It wasn’t strictly true, but they didn’t need to know that.

“You’ll change your mind,” June assured me. “I said the same at your age.”

“Cora,” my mother started, her tone dripping with don’t start.

“Aren’t we getting ahead of ourselves?” Eli broke in, squeezing my shoulder. His touch made me tingle, but not for a good reason. “After all, it’s way too early to talk about that. There are businesses to run.”

“At least we agree on that,” I told him.

“Fine. We’ll table the grandchildren for a later meeting,” Jeffrey conceded. “But we can’t let the future of this Margulis-Rossberg merger get away from us. That’s why we need to act now. Look at all this talent around us. All this opportunity. We’d be negligent to let it slip away.”

Dinner churned forward, punctuated with Asian pear salads, lamb shank, expensive wine, and unending chatter about business. The attention turned from my childbearing and business merger potential, thankfully, but Eli buzzed with interest at my side and it was all I could do not to tell him to fuck off. That was Axel’s influence, no doubt—he had a way with words, but he did not hesitate to scrap the finesse and resort to a good old fuck off when necessary.

When the chardonnay and lamb shanks were tucked away inside me, I saw my chance to snag my handbag and head for the bathroom. Curiosity clawed at me, wondering if Axel had replied. I excused myself, grabbed my purse, and bolted for the ladies room.

Inside the mauve and taupe tiled paradise, where fragrance oils gave the mundane a touch of the elegant, I leaned against the wall and scrolled through my phone.

AXEL: Babe, where are you?

AXEL: I need you. I need to see you. Like, NOW.

CORA: What’s wrong? Just saw these texts. I’m at dinner with my parents.

Three dots appeared on the screen as Axel typed. I wriggled with anticipation, gnawing on my upper lip.

AXEL: What’s on the agenda for after? I’ve got a surprise cooking.

CORA: Just tell me where to go and I’m there. I’ll figure it out.

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