Absinthe novel Chapter 19

The next two weeks were two of the most boring ones I had ever had since I came back home. Faye was still pissed off with me for not letting her know about the JM money issue. Cassie had gone MIA after her career problems were forcibly brought out in the open because of that stupid game we played. Derrick was flooded with hospital work, so I didn't get the chance to talk things over with him, which meant I was still guessing as to what I had done wrong. As for Janus, well, he and I weren't that close to begin with.

That meant I ended up spending most of my time with Robert. For some reason, he had a lot of free time for a lawyer.

"Aren't you supposed to be working?"

"This is work," he said, lazily sipping wine and leaning against the head rest of my Jacuzzi.

"Oh, so I'm a case you're working on?"

"It's the responsibility of name partners in a law firm to bring in long-term clients," he explained. "Hence, here I am, flexing my muscles so this hottie beside me will give in and decide to be one of ours."

True to his word, Robert flexed his biceps and gave me the most cringeworthy wink in the history of mankind.

"Um, I'll pass. Thanks."

"Oh c'mon!" Robert protested. "This move has gotten me more than 50 guys into bed!"

"Proud of being a man-whore, aren't we?" I teased.

Robert's mouth fell wide open, and there was a look of genuine dejection on his face. "I meant that a lot of people find me attractive. It's disappointing that you don't seem to."

I took a sip of wine from my glass and placed it carefully back on the tray on the Jacuzzi's edge. I studied Robert's features. His eyes were closed, but his facial expression was solemn.

I would have sympathized with Robert if I hadn't had any corporate training. Closing your eyes was one of the first maneuvers I had learned from my boss. It was an effective technique to mask your emotions, and it was handy in negotiations.

Unsure of how to respond to a sudden counterproposal from a prospective investor? Close your eyes, don't show a hint of excitement or worry, and pretend you're deep in thought. More often than not, the other person will betray themselves by saying more than what's necessary.

So I was not falling for that trap. Not with Robert.

"I have some really good cheese. Want me to get some?"

As I had predicted, Robert gave up his drama and opened his eyes. "Is it because of what I did with Chef Maxwell?"

"Huh?" I asked, feigning ignorance over Robert's misguided actions during the cook-off preliminaries.

"I'm sorry. I acted poorly, but please acknowledge the fact that my intentions were good."

Spoken like a true lawyer. "It's okay. It's all in the past now."

"Can we start over?"

"With what?"

"Now that JM's out of the story, I want you to know that I'm pursuing a relationship with you," he said. "Full-time."

Robert was staring at me. Maybe Faye was right. Perhaps Robert is the perfect man for me. He's successful. He has money. He doesn't have any ulterior motives in chasing after me.