“We’re not forcing them to do that.” Tyler leaned into his desk. “We’re offering the limo as an option. It’ll save them the hassle of driving downtown and the expense of parking at the center.”
Foster hesitated. “I don’t want anyone to feel pressured into coming to the office first.”
“We’ll make it clear that they have a choice.”
“Good, then.” Foster started to push himself to his feet. “I’ll let you get back to work.”
“Dad, wait. There’s something I’ve been meaning to ask you.”
“What is it?” Foster resumed his seat.
Tyler recalled Iris’s theory on Foster’s possible motivation for second-guessing him. Her opinion was a good place to start. “I realize that as CEO, it’s hard for you to step back and let someone else take the lead on a project. Being my father, as well, must make it even harder. But, Dad, I need to do this on my own without being second-guessed.”
“I’m just trying to help, Ty.”
“I know and although I appreciate your input, I want to succeed or fail without your shadow looming over me.”
Foster was silent for a moment, watching Tyler from the other side of the desk. The silence seemed to go on for an hour but probably was only a few seconds. “You’re right, son. I’ll back off.”
“Thanks for understanding.” That was easier than he’d imagined it would be. He was glad he’d told his father how he felt—and grateful that Iris had suggested it.
“I wouldn’t have imagined us having this conversation a month ago. I’m pleased and proud that you proved me wrong.”
“Thanks, Dad.”
“By the way, how’s your speech coming along?”
Tyler swallowed a sigh. His father was still checking up on him.
“It’s getting there.” That was an overstatement. He hadn’t even started it. But, according to Iris’s production schedule, the executive team was supposed to get Foster’s and Tyler’s speeches on Monday to review and provide. Panic.
“I’m looking forward to reading it.” Foster stood. “Don’t stay too late.”
“I won’t.” Tyler held his smile until his father disappeared down the hall.
I’m doomed.
He had two days to put together a fifteen-minute presentation but he didn’t even know where to start. Communication had never been his strength. He needed help.
* * *
Forty minutes later, Tyler hesitated in front of Iris’s door. It was early April but the weather refused to show even a promise of spring. A cool breeze tugged at his steel-gray overcoat as though nudging him away from Iris’s townhome. Mother Nature had a point. The last time Tyler had shown up uninvited and unannounced, Iris had been irritated. Actually, that was an understatement.
He shoved his hands deep into his pockets and took a step back. Maybe he should call Donovan. Words came easily to the vice president of sales. No. His shoulders rose and fell in frustration. His presentation for the internal launch was about more than words. Iris was the only one who understood that. She could get from him what he needed to express. Tyler gathered his courage, stepped forward and pressed her doorbell—quickly before doubts grabbed him again.
Less than a minute later, Iris appeared in the doorway. Irritation rose like steam in her coffee-colored eyes. “You’re making a huge assumption about my personal life.”
“Excuse me?” He hadn’t expected that greeting. Did I miss something?
“What makes you think I’m alone? I could have company.”
He felt sick. “Do you?”
“No, but I could have.” She crossed her arms, drawing Tyler’s attention to her loose-fitting dark purple jersey. Her normally sleek sable hair was tousled. Her elegant honey features were washed clean of cosmetics, making her look even younger. Her skimpy, pale gray shorts revealed long, well-shaped legs. Her toenails were painted a pale shade of pink that reminded him of cotton candy. The polished professional he’d been working with for the past two weeks had vanished. In her place was a woman who aroused his interest in things other than Anderson Adventures.
Tyler lifted both hands, palms out. “I know you don’t hold client meetings in your home but I really need your help.”
With those words, the irritation cleared from Iris’s eyes. She stepped back, pulling the door wider. “Come in.”