Princely Passions

"I just mean that if you had mentioned something, we wouldn't be in this awkward predicament."

"Is it really all that awkward?" I ask. But she isn't listening.

"And honestly, what kind of billionaire takes the subway anyways?"

"The kind of billionaire who goes by the name of Derek Lowell," I smile. I don't feel like going into any details about the broken down limo, so I change the subject.

"Can I take you to dinner tonight?" I ask.

"No," she says, shaking her head. "I don't date clients. I don't want us to cross into inappropriate territory here."

"Isn't it a little too late for that?"

"That was a mistake," she says, looking down at her watch uncomfortably. "Our time is up. We need to jump back into our meeting."

"After you," I say, extending my arm and indicating that I'll follow her lead.

We enter the conference room and I notice that Nadia, the firm's Managing Director has joined us.

I look over at Alicia and give her a smile. I'm trying to keep things as casual as they can possibly be after what happened in the subway this morning. She glances back at me momentarily, a half-smile on her face, and resumes the meeting.

"Let's discuss how to allocate your investments portfolio," Alicia suggests.

"First, I have a question for you," I say to both Alicia and Nadia. "What happens to my account if something happens to both of you?"

"That's a good question," Alicia answers. "I—uh—I think I need to consult—"

Nadia steps in and cuts her off. "What Alicia means to say is that un

derstanding who your next point of contact is at Carter Jeffries, and how liquid your assets are is paramount. We will provide you with all of this information."

Is it my imagination or does Nadia seem to suspect that something is going on—or was going on—between Alicia and I?

"Pardon me for interrupting, but I believe that's what Alicia was about to say."

Nadia seems slightly annoyed that I jumped in and protected Alicia, but she continues on and we discuss my portfolio. We spend a few hours going through a series of back and forth questions and answers until Nadia says, "Let's adjourn for lunch. We can take a quick 30 minute break, and then finish for the day."

We all agree. As the lawyers file out, Nadia turns to me. She is standing close enough for me to smell her perfume. She has one hand on the conference table and she is leaning toward me. "Care to join me for a drink tonight?" she asks. She poses it as a question, but by the tone of her voice, it comes out more like a command.

I notice that Alicia is listening because she pauses for a moment in the doorway. She's pretending not to notice, but it's obvious to me that she can hear every word.

"I'm not sure," I say. "I think I may already have plans."

"Oh come on," Nadia nudges. "Just one drink. I promise I don't bite."

"I suppose I can manage one drink," I say reluctantly.

With that she pats her hand on mine, smiles, and leaves the room.

What have I gotten myself into?

165

Alicia

"Girl, you wouldn't believe the day I've had," I say to Ashley.

We're leaving the Equinox gym after a particularly intense Pilates session. The instructor—Honey—always seems to take us right to our breaking point.