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“I get that. I still have to remind myself to drive to my new office every morning instead of my old one.”
“How’s Isaac doing with his new role?” Greg asks.
“Great. We had a meeting last week, and he’s handling his promotion like a pro. I’m pleased with how smoothly everything is running.”
“Are you missing your old company?” I ask.
“Sure, in some ways. But I have a fantastic assistant now who makes my new job more enjoyable.” He winks.
Aware that everyone suddenly looks my way, I roll my eyes and play off his compliment. “If it weren’t for your dad, I’d probably be out of a job right now.”
Trey laughs. “I wasn’t planning to fire you or anyone else. At least not until I had a chance to evaluate everyone’s performance.”
“Maeve, I bet you’ve already proved how invaluable you are to Trey,” Greg says.
“Oh, for sure,” Trey says, nudging his thigh into mine once more. Except this time, he leaves it. The warm, steady pressure reminds me of how solid his muscles are under his skin. “There are dozens of tasks Maeve simplifies for me daily.”
“That’s nice of you to say, but I think that’s a gross exaggeration,” I counter.
“What’s my dad like as a boss?” Gwen pipes in.
I let out a quick laugh.
Trey pretends to loosen the collar on his shirt and rolls his neck from one side to the other.
“He’s a good boss. He can be demanding at times, but he says please and thank you for the most part. And he hasn’t yelled at me yet.”
“Sounds like you’ve got some room for improvement, son,” Greg teases.
Trey throws up his hands. “I guess I’m still a work in progress.”
“You’ve been doing great,” I say, smiling. I don’t want him to think otherwise. No one realizes all he’s been dealing with behind the scenes.
I know how difficult it’s been for me, and I’m not holding the future of an entire professional sports franchise in my hands.
His eyes are filled with warmth as he looks over at me and gently bows his head. “Thank you.”
After we’re finished with dinner, I help Lillith load the dishwasher.
“My son seems taken with you,” she says, catching me off guard.
“I don’t think that’s the case at all. He probably wishes he had a meek assistant who isn’t so free with her opinions.”
“I mean, he’s personally taken with you,” she clarifies with a smile.
“Oh.”
What should I say?
“You don’t seem surprised,” she continues.
“It’s not one sided, but we’re keeping things professional between us.”
For the most part.
“I see.” Though her reply is calm, she looks worried, and I feel compelled to elaborate.
“We met before he became my boss. The first day he was in the office, I realized who he was, and it was extremely shocking. But now I’m used to it.”