“When we held the focus group with fifteen of your associates, most of them said they didn’t know how they played a part in ‘Osiris’s Journey.’”
“I remember.” Tyler brought the meeting to mind. “The only ones who felt they’d contributed were the ones who’d directly worked on it.”
“Use your speech to explain to the entire company how they’ve all contributed. Hearing that from you would mean a lot to them.”
Tyler leaned back onto his chair. He was more at ease than he’d been for the past two weeks. He hadn’t even realized how much stress he’d been feeling over this speech. He’d just kept pushing it to the back of his mind. That’s how he’d run out of time, though he’d never admit that to Iris.
Relief brought forth a smile. “I can do that.”
They spent the next hour drafting the presentation and eating dinner. Tyler set the tone. Iris’s encouragement came in the form of comments like “good idea” or “be more specific” or “seriously?” She made him laugh. He had almost as much fun writing this speech as he’d had designing the game—and it was all because of Iris.
She stood from the table. “Do you want more water?”
“I’ll get it.” Tyler filled their glasses from the filtered water section on her refrigerator, then brought them back.
“Thank you.” Iris accepted her glass from him.
“Thank you.” Tyler sat. “I couldn’t have written this presentation without you.”
“They’re your words.”
“But you helped me find them.” Tyler watched a blush rise in Iris’s cheeks. Lovely. “Just like you helped me find a way to talk to my father.”
“As I said, I’ve been there myself.”
“I’ve worked with you for two weeks but I don’t know much about you.” Tyler leaned into the table to get closer to her. “Who wants to be in charge of your family? Is it your father?”
“My parents are dead.”
“I’m sorry.”
“So am I.” Iris’s voice was soft. “My oldest sister is the bossy one. She thinks she’s my mother. She always has.”
“That must be difficult.”
“I think it’s hardest on my other sister.” Iris sounded pensive. “She’s in the middle, literally. She’s always been the peacekeeper.”
“So you have two sisters, no brothers?”
“That’s right.”
“Xavier and I are only children, but we grew up like brothers.”
“When I first met your executive team, I could tell your family is very close. Even Van seems like an Anderson.”
“Xavier and I met Van in college. He fit right in.”
“I can tell.” Iris reached for his dishes.
Tyler caught her wrist to stop her. He felt her pulse jump against his fingertips. “Let me clean up. It’ll be my way of thanking you for dinner and for the overtime.”
“Thanks aren’t necessary.” She arched a brow. “As for the overtime, I charge a lot more than a few washed dishes.”
“You can send me your bill.” Tyler collected her setting, as well, and carried everything to her sink.
“I’ll load the dishwasher later.” Iris trailed him to the kitchen and leaned against the wall.
“I should get going so you can start your weekend.” Tyler turned and was struck by those beautiful big eyes gazing at him.