95- He goes on

He goes on, “And you know, there’s no way I’m going to say no to that.” “Alright then, I’ll get Blair to set it up.”


’m a tad bit nervous as I return to my desk.
It’s now lunch time and I’m not certain if Grady has returned from his emergency call from
this morning. I want to ask him how things went and if his father is doing much better but as expected, I’m considering this might again, be too personal given the nature of our current relationship.
Still, I want to know if he has returned, so I head to his door and give a little knock. There is no response and it makes my heart sink just a little.
Just when I’m about to turn around however, I hear his call. “Come in.”
My heart lurches. He’s back? I brush at the creases in my blouse from running around all morning, and let out a deep breath pushing the door open and walking in confidently.
There’s a pen in his hand as he seems to be pondering over some files on his desk, but his gaze is solidly fixed on me.
“Hello,” I greet. “I just wanted to check if you had returned.” “I have,” he answers.
I nod in acknowledgement. “And how are things? How’s your father?”
His gaze on me seems to narrow and it’s only after a few moments of silence that his response comes, “He’s okay. Things are under control.” His tone is cold, his gaze is cold, and so are his words.
It hurts because I can remember the warmth that he basked me in the previous night and earlier this morning. “Alright,” I turn around.
I’m almost at the door, when he calls me, “Blair.”
I immediately turn back to face him, hopeful, but for what exactly I’m uncertain. “Yeah?”

“Allen is going to be taking some time off after tomorrow, so I offered to treat him to an outing tomorrow night. Perhaps dinner and some drinks? It’s preferable if they are both in the same place, so the hassle of moving around is eliminated.”
“Of course,” I reply. “I’ll handle it.”
“Thank you,” he says and there is a bit of relief in his tone.
With that, I take my leave and get on with my task. Knowing both of their personalities to a certain degree, I select a restaurant downtown that isn’t too formal. The moment the reservations are booked, I send the itinerary to both men and focus on my meeting with my new clients the next morning.
On the evening of the following day however, I’m alerted by the restaurant that neither of them have shown up and that their table is about to be given away if any more time is wasted.
My report is immediately dropped as I jump to my feet.
Grady is out of the office for the inspection of a video production company that he has an interest in acquiring. While Allen, well I have no idea what he is up to. Slipping into my loafers, I grab my purse and hurry from my desk. A quick visit to Allen’s office shows that he too is not in his seat, so I resort to immediately driving over to the restaurant myself to hold the reservation for them.
Allen is the first to arrive and he quickly apologizes for the inconvenience. “That’s okay,” I respond, and rise to my feet to leave.
He stops me. “Hey! Stay. Why don’t you join us?”
I’m a bit perplexed as to the invitation. And also how I wish that Grady would be this open and as cheery as Allen. “I don’t think that’s appropriate,” I say. “My boss wants to spend the time with you.”
“You’re making it seem like we’re lovers or something,” he replies with a shudder and a corresponding dramatic shake of his shoulders.
It makes me laugh.
“Relax,” he insists. “At least until he arrives. I’ll get you something to drink for all your trouble.”
Before I can reject the offer, he signals to the waiter and the uniformed older man comes over. “Just a Moscato will do,” I go for the least expensive option as I plan to shoulder the expense myself instead of leeching off both my bosses.
“You have a sweet tooth?” he asks. “Somewhat,” I reply with a smile.

“Okay, and how’s your project with ABAX coming along?”
“Great. We’re sending out the first round of phishing tests to their employees tomorrow.” “Nice,” he replies and heartily lifts his glass to me.
I do the same and they both connect with a clink.
All of the agitation that I’ve been nursing all day almost seems to wash away with his presence, and I just can’t help but to thank him once again for all his help.
With a wave of his hand, he brushes my praises away. “It’s nothing,” he says.
Then my mind goes to my moody boss. Ever since his return from bailing his father out from the Sheriff, his mood has somewhat reverted back to the initial, withdrawn state it had been when I first met him. He is courteous to me but beyond that, one would never be able to guess how intimate we’ve been with each other. I consider that this might be inappropriate to bring up to Allen but since they will be spending the evening together, I decide to give him a nudge so he can find out if all is well.
“Getting along better with your boss?” Allen proceeds to ask.
I’m grateful for the timely segue into my agenda. “We are, but lately I’ve sensed an unusual withdrawal from him.”
“Do you know why?”
“I most definitely do not,” I say with a laugh in order to make things seem as light as possible. “It might not be related to work and if this is the case, then I’d love to be able to help him out with it but I’ve not yet found the courage to ask.”
Allen smiles. “Don’t bother,” he says. “I’ve known your boss for almost seven years now and I know very little to nothing about his personal life. I’ve never heard him speak about his father or mother and most definitely who he’s dating. For all I know, he could be married and I wouldn’t have a clue.”
“Oh,” is my only response to the disheartening report.
“Yeah, he’s an incredibly private man but I will extend my hand to him if it’s something that he truly needs help with.”
“Thank you,” I reply just as I sense someone approaching us. I lift my gaze and lo and behold it’s my aloof boss. I immediately rise to my feet but Allen doesn’t.
“Sir,” I say.
Grady greets me with a quiet nod.

I however do not miss the way that his gaze lingers on my body.
First of all he stares into my eyes, and then moves his attention down along the fitted jumpsuit that is molded to my body.
I feel naked and exposed and it causes an excited shiver to shoot through my body. He takes his seat.
I turn to face both men. “I’ll be leaving now,” I say, but Allen stops me. “Blair, c’mon just join us.” “Oh no, I don’t want to intrude.”
“We’re not on a date. Grady, do you mind?”
I glare at Allen and for once, I do not appreciate his carefree personality. With every single word out of his mouth, he is unknowingly digging me into a hole.
Grady lifts his gaze from his phone. After a quick glance at me and Allen, his lips part to respond.
I quickly cut him off. “I need to get going,” I insist. “My sister needs my help tonight and I have a very early day tomorrow. Goodnight, sirs.” Without waiting for a response from either of them, I hurry away from their presence, my cheeks flushed and knees wobbly.