“That’s not what I meant. I’m thrilled he’s interested in you. I’m not entirely sure what you see in him, but he’s really a great guy.”
“I don’t even know, to be honest. He can be so oblivious to how his words hit people, but then there are these moments when the real Brian shines through and I just,” I took a breath and ran my fingers through my hair. “I know that doesn’t really do much to explain anything, but that soft spot draws me in.”
“I know what you mean. You have to remember that he’s been rich and famous most of his life. I can’t tell you how many lips have kissed that ass of his. Then his career tanked and he was suddenly a wash-up.”
“A rich wash-up,” I pointed out.
“Yeah, that definitely saved him from being down in the dumps completely, but it didn’t help his people skills much. And without a job, he’s been floundering.”
“I wondered what drew him here. I’ve seen where he lives; it’s not like he needs the money.”
“You’re right, he doesn’t. But he needs something to inspire him again. Up until recently, he’s poured his devotion into his love interests.” She grimaced at a memory. “As you can guess, that wasn’t working out so well.”
“I gathered that.”
A tender smile touched her lips. “You know I don’t remember ever hearing someone mention that vulnerability as something they were attracted to in Brian. I think that’s what had so many of his exes running for the hills.”
“He puts up a good front.”
“He does, but there are things about him that you haven’t experienced yet. I just think you need to know what you’re getting into. And there are other things. He has some peculiar interests. Private interests.”
“I’m guessing you’re talking about the bedroom.”
“I’m not trying to tell you what you should and shouldn’t do.”
“Don’t worry. I’ve met men like him. Powerful in the boardroom, submissive in the bedroom.”
“Yeah, that’s what I was getting at. It’s not that. More the opposite.”
I recoiled a bit. “Are you sure?”
Her lips spread into a tight smile. “I thought it was better you know that going in. That’s why the two of you butted heads in the beginning. At least, I think that’s why. You should be upfront with him. He’s not the type of guy that just comes out and says it, you know? He’s used to having his pick of men of a certain caliber.”
“Coming from anyone else I’d be offended.”
“I know. I’m sorry if I overstepped. I just don’t want to see either of you hurt.”
I nodded; lips pursed together. “Thanks,” I said, then I went to the door and quietly slipped out.
I played the conversation over and over in my head as I walked to the parking lot, the day’s bag of cat food in hand. Something she’d said was dragging at the back of my mind. Men of a certain caliber. I’d heard that phrase before, and suddenly it clicked.
Scrolling through my contacts, I dialed my cousin Alex’s number and waited impatiently for him to answer. At the picnic table closest to the pond I had my back to the bushes, so I almost missed the little flash of gray streaking by.
“Jeremy,” he answered warmly. “It’s been a long time.”
“Hey, Alex. How’s everything?”
“It’s great, but I’m more interested in what you’re up to. I saw your name mentioned in Spin. Looks like your boutique record label is making quite a splash.”
“It’s been great. But that’s not why I called.”
“Of course it’s not,” Alex laughed. “So, who is he?”
“Just a guy I met while I was out. He’s a great guy, but his life is a little complicated.”
“Sounds juicy. Dish it, come on now.”
I shared everything that had happened from the moment he’d walked into the office until the night at the launch party. Leaving out the encounter at the bar, I gave Alex all the details without sharing his name.
“So you met him at work?”
“Sort of. I’d seen him around, but he didn’t remember me. He’s a friend of the boss.”
“Does that mean he’s off limits?”
“Not exactly.”
“What does that even mean, Jeremy?” he huffed. “Is there a rule about that in the office?”
“No.”
“Are you sure the Boss Lady isn’t going to get mad?”
I laughed. “She’s practically playing matchmaker.”
“So soon? He’s only been there a few days, right?”
“About a week, but yeah.”
“How does she know him well enough to do that?” I could hear it in his voice. The wrinkled nose and pinched lips.
“She’s known him for some time,” I explained. “This isn’t some new hire she’s pushing on me. They’ve been friends for years.”
“Years? I feel like you’re leaving a lot of information out. Are you hiding something?”
“No.” Yes. “I’m just being vague to protect everyone’s privacy.”
“Don’t be silly. I probably don’t know him.”
When I closed my eyes and forced my breath to remain steady, I was glad Alex couldn’t see me through the phone. I was a horrible liar in person. My face gave me away every time. “Who he is isn’t important. He’s a guy from work. That’s all you need to know.”
But Alex was having none of that, and after a few minutes of pushing I finally admitted who it was. “Fine, but you have to keep it to yourself. I don’t want the rumor mill running with my name on their lips.”
“You act like people care. So dish. Tell me his name.”
“Brian.” I let it out in one triumphant breath, then I waited for the wheels in Alex’s brain to turn.
“Brian?” Alex said without a hint of familiarity. “Brian and Jeremy has quite the ring to it. What’s his last name?”
“I’m not sure I’m ready to share that.”
“Why? Is he someone I’ll recognize?”
I sighed and straightened my shoulders. From his hiding place the cat’s ears poked up above the flowers. “I think so.”
“I’m not getting any younger here.”
“Hattersly.” Silence. “Do you know him?” I pressed.
“I, um,” he stuttered, then. “I can’t really talk about that.”
“You don’t have to. I wondered about him when Laura said something about the men he favored. So he’s a member then?”
“You know I can’t tell you that, Jeremy.”
“And I know you wouldn’t say that if he wasn’t a member, so that answers my question.”
“You can’t talk to him about it, Jeremy. I could lose my job.”
“I won’t.”
“What are you going to do?”
A soft meow called out to me from his safe space behind the flowers. My heart swelled but I ignored him. Cats were most outgoing when people were aloof. It was one thing I loved about them. Plus, a plan was brewing.