“Even more humble than you think.” Nicholas laughed. “We had nothing, and a whole lotta college debt. We couldn’t even afford to buy groceries when we started. We were living off of Ramen noodles and care packages from our parents.”
At least you got care packages. Jamie brushed the bitter thought away. She was done with negativity in her life. What was the point of moving forward when you couldn’t let go of the past? She might be a story like Nicholas one day. You never knew. “I’d love to hear more.” She watched Alex from the corner of her eye as he chatted with the wife of another investor. Her husband had gone to get some more food and Jamie recognized him from the meeting she’d taken over for Alex. He saw her and waved her over. “Sorry, Nicholas. Do you mind if I grab something to eat?”
“Of course! I didn’t mean to chat your ear off.” He smiled apologetically. “You’re here to work, not listen to my rags to riches story.”
“I like your story.” She smiled genuinely. “But you are right, I probably should mingle with the other people here. Mr. Reid would probably appreciate that.”
Nicholas chuckled. “I’m sure Alex appreciates you. If he doesn’t, be sure and let me know. I can find you a job in my company like that.” He snapped his fingers and winked at her.
Jamie laughed with him. It was nice enjoying attention from a man who wasn’t complicated, or her boss, for once. “Don’t hold your breath. I’ve got a great set up with Mr. Reid.” She watched Alex order another drink from the bar. “I’ll find you again shortly, I’d like to hear the rest of your story.”
“I’ll hold you to that.” Nicholas smiled warmly and raised his glass as he walked off to join another group of men chatting.
Jamie moved to the buffet and put a few small things on her plate. She wasn’t hungry after the omelet a few hours ago but it was the easiest way to make conversation with the gentleman from the meeting on Friday. Alex was standing awkwardly close to the man’s wife and she didn’t want the investor to get the wrong idea with Alex. Not that she knew it herself, she just assumed he wasn’t the kind of businessman that dabbled in that part of the business. However, did she really know? “Hello, Mr. Watkins?” She hated that she made his name sound like a question. She just wasn’t a hundred percent sure she had the man’s correct last name.
“Hello, Miss Connors!” He slipped his plate into his left hand and held out his right.
Jamie shook it and smiled. “It’s good to see you here.”
“It’s lovely to see you as well. Great job on Friday, by the way. I think you could sell a submarine to a camel herder.”
She laughed politely. “Thanks. I was a little frazzled at the meeting, but I’m glad it went smoothly.”
He filled his plate some more. “You did a great job. Mr. Reid is a smart man to have hired you.” He looked up and frowned when he noticed Alex’s hand resting above his wife’s elbow as he leaned in close to whisper into her ear.
“Is that your wife? I’d love to meet her.” Jamie set her plate down and linked her arm through Mr. Watkins’. She carried her mimosa in the other hand and cleared her throat as she approached Alex. “Mr. Reid! Mr. Watkins was just talking about the meeting the other day.” She watched Alex move abruptly back and glance at her, and then the man on her arm. “Did you have any questions, Mr. Watkins?” Not one that has to do with Alex apparently hitting on your wife, and your wife enjoying the attention.
“Nope. You did a great job, Miss Connors. I’m still not a hundred percent sure on investing.” Mr. Watkins stared at Alex and then darted his eyes to his wife.
“You must be Mrs. Watkins!” Jamie held out her hand and smiled at the dark-haired, petite and yet well-busted woman beside her boss. “I’m Jamie, Mr. Reid’s assistant.”
“Hello.” The woman’s eyes ran down Jamie’s figure and then back up. She smiled smugly, obviously assured Jamie wasn’t Alex’s type. “I’m Tara Watkins.”
It annoyed Jamie, but she kept her mouth shut. She was here to do a job. That was it.
Alex stepped around her and put his arm on Mr. Watkins’ shoulder. “Let’s go grab the ladies a drink and let me see if I can answer any concerns you might have about the venture.” He didn’t say a word to Jamie as he walked away.
Jamie chatted politely with Tara before excusing herself to talk to Nicholas, who was standing on his own staring out the large cathedral windows that overlooked the pool and forest in the back.
“Miss Connors!
Nice of you to join me again.” He smiled at her. “It’s quite the view, eh?”
She smiled. “It is.”
“How was Mrs. Watkins?”
Jamie continued to look out the window and admire the scenery. “She’s well.”
“I believe she still has her claws out.”
“Pardon?” Jamie turned her head and then smiled. “Oh, yes. She seems nice.”
Nicholas chuckled. “She’s been after your boss for several years now. Doesn’t seem to know quite how to catch the mouse, if you know what I mean.” He waved his hand. “No matter. Alex has always been polite around, and manages to hold off, her advances. Mr. Watkins, on the other hand, hasn’t been as lucky in keeping his pet off other people’s property.”
Jamie pressed her lips together, not quite sure on how to respond to his comments. She had assumed it was Alex hitting on Tara, but it seemed apparent now that it was Tara who was the trouble starter. It kind of made sense. However, it wasn’t her job to gossip with the investors.
“I apologize,” Nicholas said. “I didn’t mean to offend you. It’s a common joke about Tara. I assumed you knew, or had been warned.” He shrugged his shoulders. “I’m not the gossip or talking type. I can assure you on that. I had thought you knew because you handled Mr. Watkins perfectly.”