Fullepub 
32. Carter
Chapter 32
Carter
From: clawrence@ jlsons.com
Subject: Devereux Meeting Notes
Lara,
Please send through.
- C
From: [email protected]
Subject: RE: Devereux Meeting Notes
Carter,
Notes attached.
It seems quite unprofessional for the CEO to sign off as ‘C’. Where’s your signature?
Kind Regards,
Lara Matthews
Executive Assistant | J. L. confidential content and all.
Does mentioning the boardroom have you reminiscing on how wet you were sitting on this table?
Missing Your Taste,
Carter Lawrence
CEO | J. L. I had a lapse in judgement.
Kind Regards,
Lara Matthews
Executive Assistant | J. L. I need to deconstruct the walls one brick at a time until I know her better than I know myself.?
The more time I spend with Lara, the more I find myself becoming completely enchanted by her. Her presence in my life is unlike that of any woman before her. She’s become the person I look forward to seeing each day. Regardless of whether she’s giving me a small smile from across the room, moaning my name as she comes apart beneath me, or refusing to give me a lick of attention because she’s working, I am in constant awe of her.
This is why, on a nondescript Tuesday evening, I’m sitting on my couch with my phone in hand, typing out a text message to my EA—something I have no business doing right now.
Me
So I’ve come up with an idea.
Lara
I never would’ve pegged you as an ideas guy.
Let’s hear it then.
Me
Have you ever heard of the game Two Truths and a Lie?
Lara
Only every time I’ve opened a dating app. Are you fifteen? Why are you bringing this game up?
The muscle in my jaw ticks as I read over the words dating app . Truthfully, it’s got nothing to do with me. Yet I can’t help but feel an irrational annoyance at the thought of Lara having to endure the nightmare that is dating apps, and subsequently, the nightmarish men that would come with them.
Me
I think we should try it.
Lara
You have my number for work purposes Carter. Correct me if I’m wrong, but this doesn’t seem very work related.
Me
You’re wrong; hear me out.
We work in far too close proximity to not know more about each other.
Lara
I’m waiting to hear how this relates to a little game.
Man, she doesn’t like to make things easy for me.
Me
Every Tuesday, we send each. other two truths and a lie. That way, we learn at least two new things about each other.
Those tortuous three dots appear, disappearing and reappearing several times. As the minutes go by, I fear I might’ve gone too far. I can’t help it; I have this deep desire to know everything; her fears, her wants, the things keeping her up at night, everything.?
Only when I place my phone down does a small vibration comes through.
Lara
I’m not convinced this is entirely innocent and it’s an interesting way to go about it, but sure.
I didn’t really believe she’d agree as suddenly as she has, so I haven’t prepared anything. Racking my brain, I start with three innocent things.
Me
I’m the middle child of three children, I broke my leg falling off a horse when I was 8, and my parents are grossly in love.
Lara
Second one is the lie.
Me
What makes you so sure?
Lara
You’re far too sure of yourself to have done something like that, even as a kid.
A grin breaks out across my lips. I love it when she’s fiery.
Me
Correct. But I did break my wrist as a child; I fell over my brother when we were racing. I’ve even got a neat little scar to prove it. You’re up.
Lara
I have an older brother, I’ve never broken a bone, and my parents are divorced.
She’s purposely gone with three similar to my own, but I won’t comment on that. I don’t want to spook her when she’s finally opening up, even if I did coerce her through a game.
Me
Second is the lie; surely everyone has broken a bone at some point.
Lara
Wrong. I have a younger brother.
Me
How old were you when your parents separated?
Lara
That’s not part of the game.
I guess that marks the end of my coercion. One way or another, she’ll open up to me in due course.
Me
See you tomorrow.
One Week Later
To: lmatthews @jlsons.com
From: clawrence @jlsons.com
Subject: Edwards Catch Up
L,
Please schedule time on Friday for a catch up with Edwards. I’ll be in the office from 8:00am.
P.S. I hope you’ve got your truths and a lie ready.
Carter Lawrence
CEO | J. L. the second is the lie.
Kind Regards,
Lara Matthews
Executive Assistant | J. L. & Sons
From: [email protected]
Subject: RE: Edwards Catch Up
Keep telling yourself that Matthews, and I’ll keep proving you wrong.
Regards,
Carter Lawrence
Knower of All Things | J. L. & Sons
