awaits.
“The loser is the winner,” I call out.
That spins her around to face me. She leans her back against the wall. “After you, Keats. My dad says I need to respect older people, so you should lead the way.”
“Funny,” I set off at a sprint past her. “Rule change. The winner is the winner.”
She falls in step next to me, gives me an elbow shove, and takes off down the hallway, laughing as she runs.
Chapter 14
Maren
“How was your second day at your new job?” Arietta asks innocently as she pats Dudley’s head. “I didn’t think you’d beat me home today.”
I shift my gaze back to the screen of my laptop. “I’ve been home for hours.”
I hear the shuffle of Arietta’s sensible shoes against the floor as she approaches me. “Did something happen? Did you get F. I. R. E. D?”
A laugh bubbles out of me. “Why did you spell that?”
She lets out a heavy sigh as she drops her purse on the couch next to me. “I don’t know. To soften the blow, maybe?”
“I still have a J. O. B.” I smile. “Keats took the day off to take care of his sick niece, so he told me to go home.”
“Is she okay?” Concern settles in Arietta’s expression.
I’ve never met anyone as empathetic as her. On the odd day I get a migraine, Arietta has a headache within the hour. She feels other people’s pain deeply, maybe too deeply.
“He didn’t sound concerned on the call.” I glance at the screen of my laptop again. “I’ll ask for an update on his niece when I meet him for dinner.”
I know better than to toss information like that at Arietta with no other explanation, but I know her reaction will bring a smile to my face.
“Wait? What?” She lets her hair down from the tight bun she wound it into this morning. Her golden locks bounce around her shoulders as she shakes her head back-and-forth. “Are you going on a date with your boss?”
“If you had the chance, you’d go on a date with your boss,” I counter.
Ever since I briefly met Dominick Calvetti, I’ve teased Arietta about him. His face and body should be plastered on a billboard, advertising cologne, or expensive clothing. He’s gorgeous.
Arietta always scoffs when I mention his name. I can tell by the grimace on her face that she’s about to tell me he’s not her type. “You know I don’t like him, Maren.”
“You love him, “I singsong. “Arietta Calvetti. How perfect does that sound?”
She playfully presses her hands to her stomach. “I think I may vomit.”
I snap the cover of my laptop shut. “Aim for the floor.”
With a laugh, she drops on the couch next to me. “You didn’t answer my question. Are you going on a date with Mr. Morgan?”
I set my laptop on the coffee table. “It’s a business dinner. He’s meeting a potential new client. It’s a baseball player. I was just researching him.”
Her gaze volleys between the closed laptop and my face. “What are you going to wear to this business dinner?”
I trail a finger over her shoulder. “I was hoping I could borrow your outfit.”
The corners of her lips curl up. “I know you’re teasing.”
I am. Arietta’s ensemble of the day consists of a yellow dress that’s at least two sizes too big and a purple cardigan covered in red butterflies.
“You should wear that red lace dress you bought last month.” She jumps to her feet. “And your red strappy heels. They make your legs look ten feet long.”
“Do I want that?”
“You’re a model without a runway, Maren.” She darts her hands to her hips. “I’ll do your makeup.”
That’s an offer I won’t turn down. Arietta has serious makeup application skills for someone who only wears the bare minimum of mascara and pale pink lipstick.
I move to stand. “You don’t think the red dress is too much for a business dinner?”
“It’s perfect. It’s sophisticated with a hint of sexy.” Her hand tugs on a lock of my hair. “There’s something about a redhead in a red dress that drives men wild.”
Tilting my head, I perk a brow. “I’m not trying to drive any men wild tonight, Arietta.”
She laughs. “Do you expect me to believe that, Mrs. Morgan.”
“Touché,” I say with a muted chuckle. “That will never happen. Keats Morgan is a handful.”
Her gaze narrows. “Is that a bad thing?”
“It’s very bad.” I point toward the hallway. “It’s time for me to get ready. Work your magic.”
***
I’m early for everything. I always