“You seem stressed, dear.” Nolan’s expression wrinkled into something akin to concern.
Now that it had been pointed out to her, she could see the trappings he hid behind, like a mask that was beginning to fray at the edges, revealing the truth beneath. “Well, it’s a big deal. It’s all coming so fast, you know.”
It felt like it. It felt like life was coming at her in a blinding wave, and she wasn’t sure where she’d be on the other side. Conversely, it was going too slow, and she felt like she was caught in a weird limbo. Even if they got what they needed on Saturday night, it wasn’t like the world would stop. They would take the data, analyze it, decide what to do about it. No one would be arresting Nolan Byrne on Saturday night.
Deke said he would stay as long as she needed him, but how long could she keep him? How long before she had to make the decision to let him go?
Nolan reached out and put a hand on her arm, an affectionate gesture she wouldn’t have given two thoughts about before. Now it felt like a cage. “Don’t worry about anything but getting Clarke ready for his big debut. You let me handle everything else. And maybe you’re right about staying behind the scenes. It’s better that way. I can handle that part, too.”
She was going to agree with him on everything. “I would appreciate it. The idea of being in front of a bunch of cameras makes me nervous. I’m a behind-the-scenes kind of woman.”
“I’ll make sure of it.” Nolan stepped back.
“Hey.” Deke was suddenly striding down the hall, slowing from what seemed like a jog. “Sorry. I know I’m a little early, but I was hoping I could convince you to come to dinner with me. Nolan, it’s good to see you again.”
Nolan turned, holding out a hand. “Deke, it’s good to see you as well. I was just telling Madeline here that she should relax more. Everything is going to work out exactly the way it should.”
Why did that feel like a threat? She moved to Deke’s side, slipping her hand into his and feeling better than she had in hours. “Of course it will. We’ve been working for this for years.”
“We’re ahead of schedule,” Nolan boasted. “I know other companies would burn the candle at both ends and panic, but with the exception of a few bells-and-whistles kind of problems, we’re in excellent shape. So we can relax and enjoy this time because we’re making history, baby.”
He was right back to the man who showed up in interviews, a bright smile on his face—the happy captain of American industry.
“Good, then I’ll take her out of here. We’re going to do some prep work for tonight,” Deke explained.
Nolan nodded. “Excellent. I’m going to do the same. Jane is excited about tonight. We’ll see you in a couple of hours then. And Deke?”
“Yes?” Deke asked.
“Thanks for making all of this possible. I can’t tell you how much tonight is going to change my life,” Nolan said, his tone hushed and fervent.
“I’m glad to help. Everything is ready. We’ll be waiting for you.” Deke squeezed her hand as though he knew she needed some comfort. “Let’s go. I want to spend some time with you before we start our evening with the group.”
Nolan nodded her way and stepped back. “Have a good time. I’ll see you tonight at ten.”
She watched as he walked away.
Deke pulled her into his arms, whispering in her ear. “Are you okay?”
She nodded. “I’m good. But you were right. He knows I was looking into the absences. He asked about them.”
Deke’s arms tightened around her. “Okay. We’ll deal with it. Let’s get through tomorrow and we’ll discuss how to handle it. You’re not working this weekend, so we have some time. Come on. I want to get you to The Reef. I have some other things I want to talk about.”
She stepped back and moved into her office, grabbing her purse and then following him out.
No matter what he said, it felt like time was running out.
* * * *
Nolan nodded at the driver. Normally he preferred to drive himself, to be the man of the people he wanted the world to see. But today he needed to ensure privacy for Jane, and that meant her not walking into the office.
Or at least that was what she’d demanded. Normally she met him in his office, walking through the building with the confidence of a woman who didn’t care who saw her. This afternoon she’d called and set up this meeting for after work. He rather thought she understood something was off.
He slid into the back of the big black SUV and the door closed behind him.
“Is everything on for tonight?” Jane sat beside him, her hair up in a prim twist. She wore her usual chic skirt and blouse, expensive heels on her feet and a Prada bag nestled at her hip. He’d bought her the Van Cleef and Arpels Alhambra pendant she wore around her neck. She’d been very specific about the one she’d wanted. It had to be the onyx and yellow gold.