“This auction tomorrow night is a big one.”
“Why is that?” I frown.
“Elliot is obsessed with this artist, has all her paintings that have gone up for auction.”
“Who is she?”
“We have no idea; her name is Harriet Boucher. She’s an older recluse, apparently. We have searched and searched for this woman. She’s been the topic of many a drinking session.”
I smile as I imagine them stalking a reclusive artist. “And you think I’m a weird person.”
He chuckles and sips his wine. “I suppose it does seem weird from the outside.”
“So how . . .” I pause because I don’t know how to articulate what I want to say.
“How what?”
“How was it decided what each of you boys would do in the company?” I shrug. “Like how were the positions given to each of you?”
He frowns and sips his drink, contemplating his answer. “I guess it was based on what we are individually good at.”
I listen.
“Jameson is good at control. He is very . . .” His voice trails off. “You will meet him next weekend.”
“When?” I frown. Oh God. I’m already dreading meeting that man.
“We have an industry cocktail party. I want you to come and meet my family.”
I smile “Great,” I lie.
Fuck, what will I wear? I sip my drink as I internally begin to go through my wardrobe. Nope, I have nothing . . . I’ll have to buy something new.
God, I hate shopping.
“Elliot is into the graphics of the company. He oversees the visual representation of all things Miles.”
I frown.
“Christopher manages human resources. He likes people. Managing staff is his thing.”
“And you?” I ask.
“What about me?”
“How did you get to do the acquisitions?”
He smiles into his wineglass. “I’m good at numbers and taking calculated risks.”
I listen, fascinated. “Meaning what?”
“Well, I can look at a company and its figures and do a due diligence report, and from that I know whether the company is worth anything moving forward.”
“You know, now that I know you, I can’t imagine you—and don’t take this the wrong way—destroying companies.”
He gives me a sad smile; his eyes hold mine, and understanding dawns on me.
On our first night together, he told me that he has insecurities, but just because I can’t see them doesn’t mean they aren’t there.