By Design by J Boykin Baker

Author:J Boykin Baker [Baker, J Boykin]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: J Boykin Baker

* * *

They loaded the car and headed for The Grill. The Greens hadn’t arrived so they had time to check out the menu. Hamburgers were served at brunch—that finally brought a smile to Brad’s face.

Anne spotted Caroline and Gerald walking into the entry. The Greens were a young power couple from California. Caroline was lovely, with a quiet personality, but Gerald was all business. Over the two years Anne had worked with them, she and the couple had gotten along beautifully. She stood and walked over to greet them.

“Hey there, gal,” Gerald said, laughing. “Where have you been? We’ve missed you. I talked to Ben Wilson about three weeks ago, told him I wanted you doing some work for us. He had the nerve to tell me you were on overload, and it wasn’t possible.” Gerald’s voice rose; he had not liked Ben’s answer.

At the table, Anne made the introductions.

“We’re ready to order. What would you two like?” Gerald asked, motioning to the waiter.

After they ordered, Gerald got down to business. “Anne, I need to talk to you about a new project,” he said. “What would you think about helping us with a new resort in New York State? It would mean traveling and possibly spending time in New York, as well as Atlanta.”

“Hold on!” Brad interrupted, raising his hand and looking at Gerald. “She needs to stay in Atlanta.”

“Exactly what are your intentions, Brad?” Gerald rebutted. “Mine are to help Anne expand her career.”

“We’re working on that,” Brad answered, dodging the question, but he didn’t like New York and Anne’s name mentioned in the same sentence.

“You’re meddling,” Caroline said, casting a warning glance at her husband.

“I am not,” Gerald protested. “I’m trying to put a business deal together.”

Brad stole a sidelong glance at Anne and wondered if this offer was tempting her. Just then, their orders arrived. Anne was grateful for the interruption.

As talk of the new job continued, Anne was feeling disloyal to her boss. She felt Ben needed to be included in this conversation.

“Gerald, this sounds interesting, and I love working with you two,” she said. “Why don’t I talk to Ben and have him set up a meeting? He needs to hear your plans.”

“Now, can we all please eat in peace?” Caroline asked.

“Yes, but I want to continue this discussion,” Gerald said, poised to take a bite of his cheeseburger.

After lunch, Gerald continued the conversation. “Brad, I assume you realize what I’m trying to do here; we want Anne’s help. I’m used to working with her, and I want to continue. I’m also hoping you’ll see the wisdom of time in New York. I’m serious about taking her in a new and bigger direction.”

Brad was silent. With this lull in the conversation, Caroline jumped in. “Anne, can you come with me for a minute?”

Walking into the ladies’ room, Caroline turned to Anne. “We’ve bought an apartment in Manhattan and it needs to be totally redone. I’d love your help with the new design. Can you talk to Ben Wilson about that, too?”

“Yes, I can,” Anne said with a smile.

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