“Um… Thanks for that Suz,” said Claire weakly, “I have to apologize to him but how exactly do I do that?”
“Well let’s see,” began Suzy helpfully, “'hey hot buns, sorry I threw your offer back in your face; I just wanted you to know that I would be glad to give it up for free, you don’t have to offend me by trying to pay for it.'”
“Oh thanks! I’m sure that would sound so much better; and I don’t want to give it up for free,” laughed Claire.
“So you do want to be paid after all?” replied Suzy wiggling her brows.
“No, you pervert; I don’t want to give it up at all as you so nicely put it. Speaking of giving it up though, Jason wanted me to ask if you’d like to come to his house this weekend. We’re working there with Grayson on the merger and apparently Grayson asked if you’d come as well.”
“Ugh… Really? That stuffed shirt thinks he’s going to get his groove on with me? I mean he’s good- looking and all, but it’s a damn shame he’s such a tight ass. He probably thinks I’m some call girl he can buy for the weekend to rock his little uptight world. Nope, I don’t see it happening for him; tell Jason I’d rather pick lint out of my belly button.” Suzy seemed to protest a little too much every time the subject of Grayson was brought up.
Although maybe someone like Grayson was exactly what Suzy needed for her ego after the heartache that Jeff had caused, Claire put on a really brave face, but knew Suzy was still hurting inside and the front that she presented was really to protect her heart. “I might not be interested in going, but I’m really interested in what you plan to do there,” said Suzy.
“I’m going there to work, nothing more,” defended Claire.
“Umm Hmmm, is that what they call it these days?”
“It’s not like that, and we won’t be alone; Grayson will be there and probably others as well. It’s strictly professional so get your mind out of the gutter,” said Claire.
With a sly look, Suzy said, “We will see girly. You forget I saw you two at dinner last week and the looks between you were actually making my underwear melt. I can’t imagine you being under the same roof and being able to control yourself. Just rip each other’s clothes off and see where it goes from there.
“I do insist on details though as soon as you get home, call me, text me, email me, just get me the 411 on exactly what happened.” With a laugh, Claire moved on to safer subjects and thoroughly enjoyed her lunch.
~~~
The next day Claire was in the office before Jason had arrived and used the extra time to arrange for the repairs to her mother’s home. She picked up the check from the credit union yesterday and was still overjoyed at how simple the process had been.
When Jason arrived a short time later Claire greeted him with a smile and a cheerful good morning. As if almost surprised, Jason returned the greeting and stopped in front of her desk.
He looked at her warmly and asked, “How are you today?”
“Very good, thanks.”
“I’m going to be out of the office for most of today, but I wondered if you were free for dinner tonight?” asked Jason.
Surprised, Claire replied, “Dinner?”
At her obvious confusion, Jason quickly added, “It’s really a business dinner. I’ll be out of the office for the rest of the week at Mericom in Charleston, and I want to go over a few things with you before I leave. Since we both have to eat, I thought dinner would work out well.”
“I can just stay late, and we could go over everything here when you get back if you’d prefer.” said Claire.
“That’s not necessary; we will eat somewhere close to your apartment if it’s more convenient,” added Jason. “How about the Italian place down the street from you, Villa Risso?” asked Jason.
“They have great food,” said Claire, “it’s very casual though if that’s a problem.”
“No, I like casual. Let’s say around seven, does that give you enough time?” asked Jason. Claire agreed and after picking up some files from his office, Jason left with a quick goodbye.
The afternoon passed quickly in nervous anticipation. Claire kept trying to remind herself that this was a business dinner and not a date. There was no reason to be nervous. She left promptly at five so that she would have time to go home and freshen up before meeting Jason. Luckily, she didn’t run into Suzy on her way out. She could just imagine what type of graphic comments she would have made.
Chapter Fifteen