“How big is it, exactly?”
“Well, there’s Skye and me, obviously. My brother Ryker and my other brother Cole. Our cousin Hunter also lives in the city.”
“Big family.”
She nodded. “Oh yeah. And it just keeps growing with everyone getting married and giving me nieces and nephews.”
She lit up completely. I didn’t think I’d ever seen her smile like this.
“Speaking of your family...I did some digging because I kept thinking your last name sounded familiar. Your family organizes the Ballroom Galas.”
“Yes.”
Even though the events were raising funds for charities, the family was known to have a lot of money.
“I know we said we don’t want to talk shop, but your cousin Hunter runs one of the biggest real estate companies. Why don’t you ask your family for funding?”
She shook her head. “I don’t want to mix family and money.”
“Fair enough. I respect that.”
“How about you?” she asked. “Just you and your grandmother?”
“My parents too, but they’re never here. They’re wildlife photographers and travel constantly. I think they’re in New York about ten days per year. I grew up with my grandparents, but my grandpa passed away a few years ago. Since then, I’m keeping a closer eye on Gran. She’s a strong woman, but since Grandpa passed, she’s having a hard time.”
“She was used to sharing her life with someone for decades. Perhaps she’s feeling a bit lost since it’s just her. If they were two peas in a pod, then I think her life is a bit out of balance. It can take time to find a new purpose.”
“That’s exactly it. She’s feeling unbalanced. It takes time to reacclimate yourself after you lose someone.”
Her remark was surprising. Not only because she was spot-on, but because she’d understood Gran’s situation so quickly. Tess was like me in many ways.
“Gran’s been trying out new things that she wouldn’t before. She still loves some of her old favorite pastimes, like playing chess. I’ve been letting her beat me too often. Thought it might improve her mood.”
We both chuckled at that, and then Tess said, “Wouldn’t have thought you had it in you, with all your rules and everything.”
“I always have clear lines for everything. I don’t cross boundaries. But you have no idea how many times I’ve thought about breaking my own rules since meeting you.”
Tess laughed but immediately brought her cup to her lips. When the cheese platter arrived, she dug right into it.
“Someone was hungry,” I teased.
“I only had time for a quick coffee this morning.”
“So you came to my office hungry and semi-sleepy?”
“Hangry, more likely. And not too sleepy. I was full of adrenaline. I got up very early this morning and worked on a few bra designs we’re testing now. Trying all of them on was a bit too much for my sensitive skin. It’s red all around—” She groaned. “Too much information. Why do I always make a fool of myself around you?”
I chuckled at her dismay, because honestly, I was thrilled she was so comfortable around me. “It’s part of your charm.”
She was so open and unrestrained when we weren’t talking shop. But when we talked seriously about business, she put up a wall. I wanted to get past it, but for now, I was enjoying our breakfast. So much, in fact, that I was starting to think it would be better if we didn’t strike a deal. Then I could just ask her out without worrying how it might impact our collaboration.
Tess was a fun conversationalist, easy to talk with, and I enjoyed that about her. We were talking about our favorite restaurants, and I loved finding out how similar our tastes were. Tess had ordered a pancake with maple syrup too, and I liked watching the syrup escape her mouth as
she brought out her tongue to capture the sticky droplets.
After she finished, I asked, “Are you in a hurry?” We asked for the bill, but the server hadn’t returned yet. We both rose to our feet, allowing someone else to take the table while we waited.
“Yes, I am actually. I have an appointment with a supplier.”