Clint’s priorities are frivolous at the best of times. “I’ve been single forever. Quit judging me.”
“I’ll quit judging you when you stop looking at my dress.”
“Yeah, I’m not sure olive is your color…”
I fold my arms beneath my chest, pursing my lips trying to cue the frustration.
“Listen, Haden is managing that team for now. I’m not heavily involved because I have more important matters to handle. I trust him, and considering he is also your boss, you should trust he is making the right decisions for this company…” I pause, patting the skirt of my dress. “And I quite like this dress. Maybe your salmon-colored shirt isn’t exactly the best choice for you, either.”
“It’s Winterberry, thank you very much.” Clint’s expression shifts to shock, covering his mouth as if he’s unraveled some secret. “Trouble in paradise? You know, I haven’t seen him much. The last time I saw him, you guys were arguing over the Fleishman project, and you threw the word divorce around.”
I laugh his nonsense off, packing my papers in front of me.
“You haven’t seen him much because he’s been traveling back and forth to San Fran. It’s easier for him to do that so I can take care of Masen at night.” With my papers and laptop in hand, I push in the chair. “And no trouble in paradise. In fact, Haden and I are in a good place. I had my periods at the time, you know, PMS dragon unleashing.”
“So, he’s getting blown and you’re getting sleep again.”
I shrug my shoulders, followed with a lopsided grin. “Never underestimate the power of a good blow job.”
Clint places his hand flatly on his throat, faking a gasp in his ever-so-dramatic fashion.
“Mrs. Cooper. What has that man done to you?”
I wink, making my way toward the door. “More than you can ever imagine.”
Leaving the boardroom with Clint
walking the opposite way singing Shania Twain’s “I Feel Like a Woman,” I head toward my office where Mr. Yukon and Mr. Griffith are sitting quietly. They are here to discuss market trends on our online platforms.
Noah strolls into the room, shaking their hands before taking a seat. I haven’t seen him for a few weeks given he is transitioning out of this role.
About a year or so ago, I had dinner with his then wife, Morgan. Things between them were tense. At that time, they postponed their divorce while Noah sorted out the mess with this other woman.
And somewhere along the line, Noah had rekindled his friendship with Kate which led to a romantic ending. Kate moved to Paris a few years ago, and though we kept in contact, both of us were so busy that we barely spoke much. I’m glad they found each other, and she moved here to LA.
Noah is finally settled and happy, shedding his playboy ways.
At least, that’s what I’m led to believe.
You never know with men.
Of late, Noah has asked Haden to join him for drinks. At first, it didn’t bother me, especially when they went out with my best friend Charlie’s husband, Lex. He is the most mature of them all and will rein them in if they ever decided to misbehave. But the last few times, it has been only Noah and Haden.
I don’t want to be that wife. Yet sometimes, I wish he would spend the time at home rather than hang with his friend drinking bourbon and God knows what at the bars they frequent.
Greeting everyone hello, I offer the three of them a beverage before taking a seat. Our receptionist, Maria, brings in a tray with coffees prompting us to start our meeting.
It was just after five when they left, and luckily, Gemma’s taking Masen to watch some kite competition at the park, so I can get a few more hours in.
“Those two are always intense,” Noah says, rubbing his face.
“I barely understand Mr. Yukon with his accent let alone Mr. Griffith and his constant rambling. I’m exhausted.”
“You’re telling me. I flew in this morning after going to bed at three in the morning. Haden would be just as tired.”
“Wh… why?” I stutter, his words catching my attention. “What were you guys doing?”
“Oh, just this new club opened, and we ran into these guys we knew from the gym.”