look at the figures in column two on the third page of the spreadsheet.”
Vanessa looks at me a moment, then nods. “Absolutely. Let’s stay focused on the job.”
It’s the reminder I need. Maybe we both need it. We’re here for one reason, and that’s to get Juniper Ridge off the ground.
I scoop a mountain of salsa onto a chip and shove it in my mouth, savoring the sting. I feel it burn all the way down my throat, along with the reminder of what I risk by getting distracted.
If I forget for one moment that the whole family is counting on me to keep my eye on the ball.
Chapter 6
CONFESSIONAL 189.5
Vincent, Vanessa (CFO: Juniper Ridge)
No, that’s not what I’m saying. I do believe in love. For other people, I mean. Take my sister. She’s completely bonkers for her husband, and he’s nuts about her. It’s awesome, totally amazing. I’m thrilled for them. And I’m glad I’ve reached this point where I don’t need a relationship to be happy. I’m one hundred percent satisfied without—what? Oh. Sorry. I didn’t realize I was yanking it. No, go ahead. I’ll leave the cord alone. Let’s just plug it back in and start over. Yes, totally fine. I’m great!
I know I shouldn’t interrogate my new colleague about his love life, but curiosity got the best of me. Besides, I wanted some reassurance we’ve got zero risk of falling for each other. I’ve sworn off men, he’s sworn off women, and we’re both committed to making Fresh Start at Juniper Ridge a kickass show. Easy, right?
So why do I keep catching myself ogling him?
“…If ad revenue comes in the way we’re hoping in Q2, that’ll give us some major purchasing power for media buys in Q3, you think?”
“Absolutely.” I nod to underscore the fact that I’m paying attention, even though my brain got stuck wondering what Dean Judson looks like with his shirt off. I blame the smell of chlorine, which is giving me crazy urges to strip off my clothes. For swimming, not for anything else.
I clear my throat and order myself to focus on the spreadsheet in front of me. “What do you think about the estimates I’ve plugged into column six?” I ask. “Too high or too low?”
“They seem spot-on to me. If we need to shuffle things around, there’s some extra padding in the line item for social media marketing.”
“Ah, yes. I see that. I’ll make a note of it.”
See? We can do this. We’re totally doing this. Look at me being professional and no-nonsense and not at all ogling Dean’s massive hands on the laptop keyboard.
Dammit to hell.
I’m about to suggest we break for the day when the door swings open. Gabe, who just married my cousin’s half-sister, strides in with one of the biggest cameras I’ve ever seen. Beside him, lugging an armload of studio lights, is a fierce-looking brunette with sun-streaked hair and a no-nonsense scowl.
“We can at least get some shots in,” she’s saying. “Even without bodies, we’ll get a sense of what pops.”
Gabe’s grumbling something as he heads toward the towering waterslide in the corner. “Is there a reason you make everything sound like the setup for a horror film?”
“Maybe because I’m thinking about murdering my brother?” the brunette fires back.
“We should definitely ask Mari to head-shrink you.”
“Or to be my accomplice. She’s got a mean streak, and besides—shrinks know the best ways to get rid of bodies.”
Across from me, Dean sticks two fingers in his mouth and gives a sharp whistle. His two siblings jump, then scowl at him.
“You’re such an asshole, Dean.” The brunette heads for our table, then spots me and seems to soften. “Sorry. I don’t usually swear in front of strangers.”
“Vanessa Vincent.” I stick out my hand, which she shakes with a firm grip. “We’re not strangers now, so swear all you want.”
She laughs and drops into the seat beside Dean. “You’re the new CFO. I’m Lauren.”
I try to recall the birth order, pretty sure she’s the oldest girl. “Glad to meet you.”
Gabe slides into the seat next to me. “For the record, she swears at everyone.” He looks from me to Dean, scrubbing a hand over his chin. “Is there a reason you’re working in the pool house instead of your absurdly huge office?”
Lauren snorts. “Probably because they want to be left alone.” She gives me a pointed look. “Judsons aren’t great at respecting personal boundaries.”
“Not all Judsons suck at it.” Dean leans back in his chair, fixing them with