And then there is such a thing as too much information. I press two fingers on opposite sides of my temples and try not to laugh.
“Yeah, I’m the one that can be your girlfriend and boyfriend too. You should give it a try.”
Laughing, I shake my head. “Thanks for the offer.”
He waves a hand. “It’s okay. Never hurts to ask. Anyway, I had plans to move my money from this ultraconservative firm. But I like you.” He winks. “Tell me how you can make my money grow and expand.” The innuendo isn’t lost on me and I have to chuckle.
We talk shop for a solid half an hour and he’s pretty in tune with how he wants his money invested. After he signs on the dotted line, I’m able to report to Dad that I’ve done my job and made an interesting friend of sorts.
My high from winning a client plummets when I get a call from my potential client letting me know he won’t be making any changes with his investments due to the news involving the hedge fund scandal. Even though I’ve assured him our company hadn’t been involved in any way, it’s a lost cause that leaves me drained.
Jeff and Mark are busy when I decide I need air and a break from the office. I stroll out of the building and pull out my phone. Scrolling through my contacts, I automatically search for Drew. He was the only one who truly understood the relationship between my father and me. I know Dad wants the best for me. He just doesn’t believe I’m the best. And I’ve spent my whole life trying to prove my worth. Winning a client I had in New York would prove to him that I hadn’t left because of failure, but by choice.
Hastily, I shove the phone back in my pocket feeling my mood sour even more. When I turn the corner, I spot the doctor who’s been around Cate a few times.
“Ben,” Cate’s friend says.
“Hey, Mercer.”
“Have you seen Cate lately?”
His question makes me feel worse than shit. I haven’t been doing my job for Drew very well these days and the guy’s accusatory glare is confirmation enough.
“Not in the last few days,” I mutter. “But what’s that to you?”
Protectiveness overtakes me and I wonder what the good doctor and Cate have going on.
“Can I ask you a question?” His words aren’t a request.
“What’s that?”
“Is something going on between you two. She’s never really explained her relationship with you other than you were Drew’s best friend.”
I frown. “Me and Cate.” I shake my head. “She’s like my little sister. That would be …” I cringe feeling my face pinch in disgust. “Yeah, no, never will happen.”
“Oh.” The guy’s face brightens, then dims. “Do you have a problem with her dating me?”
No one can take Drew’s place, but Drew would want me to reassure the guy. He wanted Cate to find someone.
“Not as long as she wants to and you make her happy.”
His next words are a total surprise. “I’m falling in love with her.”
I take his measure differently. The few times I’d met him, she’d made it clear they were just friends. Jenna hadn’t said anything different. “Wow, that’s fast.”
“Maybe. We may have only started dating a little over a month ago, but we’ve been friends for a while. And she’s easy to love.”
“Make her happy, man. She deserves that and more.”
When he leaves, I actually hope he wins her over. Cate deserves someone like him.
Back at the office, the sun has long since gone when Jeff pops his head in my office. It’s a nightly ritual for him, so I’m not surprised by his appearance.
“It’s been a shit day,” he complains.
“That it has. The bad guys always seem to ruin it for the rest of us good guys.”
“Good guys?” he scoffs, falling into one of the chairs in front of my desk. “I doubt any of the women in this town would call you good except maybe your event planner. Did you nail her last night after your little show in the parking lot?” I scowl at him. “Don’t bother answering. You look a little lighter, like gravity doesn’t have a complete hold on you.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“It means that since you blew your load, you’re light on your feet.”
I can’t stop the chuckle. “You are something else,” I say evading the question, not sure I’m pissed or amused.
“You want to go out for drinks?” I shake my head. His eyes go wide. “Are you pussy whipped already?”
“Who said I slept with her?”
Mark’s voice comes out of nowhere as he steps into the room. “I told you, Jeff, she’s not like that.”
It’s my turn to be surprised. “How do you know her?” Even I can hear the predator in the tone of my voice.
“Her parents live down the street from my dad.”
“You ever hook up with her?”