This Changes Everything by Jennifer Ashley Page 0,21
a small business in a big city.”
“People like dealing with locals,” I say, giving the standard defense. “The personal touch.”
“That’s true. We’re a big corporation but we like the personal touch too.” Another brilliant smile. “Abby said you recommended this restaurant. She’s right. It’s excellent.”
“Also locally owned,” I point out.
He laughs, everyone’s friend. “Touché.”
“This is Austin, Zach’s brother,” Abby goes on, and I’m aware of a curious Austin by my side. “Also with the family business. He does PR and client leads.”
“A man after my own heart.” Brent seizes Austin’s hand and they size each other up. “Can I give you my card?”
“You can, but I’m pretty happy where I am,” Austin says. “I have my own office, can come and go as I please, swim in Mom and Dad’s pool …”
Brent laughs his professional laugh. “I’ll give you my card anyway. You never know. I can always help you all find employees.”
“True, we do need a receptionist.” Austin palms the card and slides it into his pocket. He may or may not ever do anything with it. I don’t worry. Whatever his quirks, Austin is utterly loyal to the family.
“What do you all do around here for fun?” Brent asks.
I wave at the television where the Suns have just stolen the ball and made a three-point shot. There’s a lot of cheering and beer hoisting.
“Pretty much this,” I say. “More fun when the games are at home and we’re at the arena. In the summer, we go to the lakes. In the winter, to the mountains for skiing.”
“Arizona is so outdoorsy.” Brent nods his approval. “I’m always looking for an excuse to come here. I snowboard.”
Of course he did.
“I hang out at Snowbowl all winter long,” Austin said. “Snowboarding can be great up there.”
I sense kindred spirits about to bond. I glance at Abby, not wanting to steal her job interview. “Get you another drink?” I offer to Brent.
He perks up, ready to accept, but he glances at his watch.
“Wish I could. Flying out at nine, so better get going. Abby, it was wonderful to talk to you.” Brent shakes her hand, holding it a little longer than I like, but he’s trying to be sincere. “I’ll call you Wednesday. What time is good for you?”
“After work,” Abby says. “If my boss knew I was talking to you, he’d fire me on the spot.”
Brent looks disgusted. “If he was smart, he’d offer you a raise. There’s a reason your company bleeds decent people. He should fight to keep you.”
“Well aren’t you a lovely man?” Abby says with a smile. “I look forward to talking to you Wednesday.”
Brent finally releases Abby’s hand. “Let me call a ride, and I’ll be out of here. Nice to meet you Zach. Austin.”
“I can drive you,” Austin offers. “It’s not far out of my way.”
He’s fibbing—Austin lives north of here, and the airport is south, but he’s probably dying to talk more about snowboarding. We brothers are a disappointment to him in that area.
“Thanks. If you’re sure it’s not too much trouble.”
“Not at all.” Austin waves him to the door. Austin gives Abby a long look, a very long look, before he walks away with Brent.
Brent might be effusive with his good-byes, but he also knows when to cut them off. He lets Austin precede him out, then waves farewell, like a royal prince taking his leave.
Abby and I are on our own, standing next to the table. Staring at each other some more.
Abby
Zach, the man I’ve been daydreaming about nonstop since Sunday morning, is in front of me. I was thinking about him during my drive over, during my discussion with Brent, even during my visions of an office of my own and a secretary to help me.
I brought Brent to this restaurant not only because it was convenient for him and far from where I work, but the back of my mind told me there’d be an off chance Zach would be here. Why he would be, on a random Monday night, I didn’t know, but it was a possibility.
We keep standing. People are staring at us, probably wanting us to sit down and stop blocking the television.
“So,” Zach says. “Brent’s a slick talker.”
I nod nervously. “Yes. I know. But he’s truly good, and he has the power to bring people and great jobs at his company together. I might even have my own window.”
I clasp my hands and flutter my eyelashes. Zach dissolves into laughter and waves me to my chair.