29. Twenty-Nine

Val

The last week has been hectic for Chase. He’s having to spend more time at the Knight Security offices. He left the house before I even got out of bed this morning. Hopefully, we’ll be able to see each other tonight as long as I don’t get stuck here at the office.

I’ve been working overtime as the deadline for our software release gets closer and closer. We are still ahead of schedule but only slightly. This is a crucial time because if anything major were to go wrong, it could throw us off schedule and delay the release.

My team and I have been meeting daily. Going over everything at least twice. Making sure we haven’t missed anything.

Emotions are high, and right now, Dave is causing a problem.

“I don’t see why I need to give up my office.”

“Because we need the room. We’re trying to finalize the marketing plans and our backers.”

“I understand why it’s needed. I just don’t understand why I have to be the one giving up my office.”

“Ellen, would you mind stepping in here, please? Thank you. Please shut the door.”

I give Dave a stern look. “Dave, it has come to my attention that you were discussing certain aspects of the project with an outside party. Someone not on our team. As you know, this is not acceptable, and it’s a violation of your non-disclosure agreement.”

“What? I never discuss the project outside of work.”

“Really? Then perhaps you wouldn’t mind telling us how Cristina found out about the issue you and I were working on. She’s the one who informed my uncle.”

At the mention of Cristina, Dave loses all color on his face, and he’s suddenly looking unsure of himself.

“I never discussed details with her. She’s a Carlucci, for heaven’s sake.”

“Yes, but she is not on our team, and therefore, you were out of line discussing the project with her.”

“Everybody in the office has been talking about it. I’m not the only one.”

“Yes, Dave. You’re right. The entire office is buzzing about the project, but that is only after I handed out pamphlets at the board meeting.”

“No, there were rumors prior to the meeting. I heard people whispering about how successful it would be.”

“Rumors about the success of the software is one thing. Knowing details about a problem with the software is something else entirely. I trust you can see the distinctions.”

“I guess, Val.”

“Good, then please have your office cleared out by the end of the day today, and we’ll consider this matter closed. Understood?”

“Yes, er... thank you.”

After the door shuts behind Dave, Ellen looks over at me.

“You know Val, I almost feel sorry for him. Cristina played him like a violin.”

“I know, Ellen. There was a time when I was younger that I thought my cousin and I could be close friends.”

“Really? What happened?”

“I, um... told her about a crush I had on a boy in high school.”

“What did she do? Go after him?”

“Yep, and got him, too. Then she dropped him as soon as she was done with him.”

“Damn, that’s harsh. You know, I appreciate that you told me about Tony, but I’m glad you never let anyone else know you were thinking of marrying him. You did so much better with Chase.”

“Yeah, Chase is a great guy.”

“And you guys have been BFFs for years. It would be nice if I could find someone who liked me just for me. You don’t know how lucky you have it.”

“Thanks, Ellen.”

My desk phone buzzes. I hit the speaker button. “Yes?”

“Val, it’s Sue. There’s a man here claiming to be your husband, said he’s here to take you to lunch,” then in a lower voice, “Would you like me to describe him, Val? He’s standing over by the elevators.”

I laugh at my incorrigible friend.

“Sure, Sue, go ahead.”

“Tall, dark, handsome as hell, blue eyes that you could get lost in, and a sexy smile that could melt any girl’s panties. Would you like me to describe his body next?”

“Um... no.”

“Darn, I thought you’d say that. You are one lucky gal.”

“Sue! You have your own boyfriend.”

“Val, you know I don’t do relationships.”

“I know. Just wait till I meet your, um— flavor of the month.”

I hear her tinkle of laughter through the phone.

“Should I send him up?”

“No, I’ll be right down to get him.”

“Are you going to show him around first?” Ellen asks.

“Yes, I’d like him to see Carlucci’s.”

When the elevator doors open, I see Chase waiting for me as I walk out to greet him.

“Hey, Beautiful.” He leans down and gives me a kiss, “Damn, you look nice. I thought we could have lunch together since we missed each other this morning.”

“I’d like that. Would you like a tour of Carlucci Software before we go?”

“Of course. I bet you had something to do with the beautiful plants and fountain.”

“I did. Thanks. You’ve already met Sue, our receptionist.”

“Yeah, I was beginning to wonder about her when she kept eyeing me and whispering into the phone.”

“Sue’s a good friend. She was, um… giving me her opinion of you.”

“Ah. That explains a lot. Girl talk; I hope you told her about finding your hot pink bra.”

I feel my face blush a bright pink as I smile and confess, “I didn’t share all the details, but I did tell her about room service seeing my bra.”

“So, you don’t kiss and tell?”

“Nope, not as much as Sue. She goes through men faster than some girls buy shoes.”

“I have a cousin like that. I don’t miss being his wingman.”

Chase gives me a smile and I feel his hand on the small of my back.

“We’re on the top floor.”

Right as the elevator doors shut, Sue gives me a cheery wave and a suggestive wink.

When we get to the top floor, I show Chase around the different departments and explain what each team handles.

“Now we’re back at my team.” Dave steps into the hall with papers in his hand. “Chase, you remember Dave?”

“I do. Nice to see you again, Dave.”

“The executive offices are in that corner—“

I stop talking as I see Cristina walking toward me with Tony Bernardi—my ex-fiancé.