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"I'm fine," I tell Graham. "Just wishing TechGuard was located on the West Coast, but other than that, I'm A-okay."
Graham frowns. "This might be fine for a fling, some fun at the show, but a long-term relationship, Sera? Surely it would be better to find somebody your own age?"
"No, it wouldn't," I snap. "But we'll have to agree to disagree there."
"Are you thinking of having a relationship with him, then?" Graham asks.
"You've never taken this much of an interest in my love life before."
He looks at me strangely. There's no need for me to guess why. Of course, he's never taken this much interest. Before, there was nothing to be interested in. Even if I told Luke that long distance would never work, dooming us to failure before we even try feels wrong somehow. Especially behind his back.
"I don't know," I say. "But that's my decision to make."
"I'm just looking out for you," he says. "I can't help that."
"I know," I reply in a softer voice. "I just don't like the thought of something as trivial as his age getting in the way. It's not like I'm some naïve kid. We've got a lot in common. He'snota playboy."
"He lives on the other side of the country."
"Well, there is that."
"We value you at TechGuard. You're helping the AI department to become something special. I truly believe in the next few years, we could secure a bigger place in the company: better pay, better benefits, more recognition."
This is one of Graham's most cherished hopes. He's often talked about it. Our department is like the ignored stepchild of TechGuard, fighting for our chance in the sun, desperate for an opportunity to be noticed and respected.
"I'm not leaving," I say. "Don't worry."
"Then enjoy the time you have left."
That's what Luke said, and it stings. The clock is ticking. This fling is almost over. But do I really believe that when this is done, I'll be able to resist texting my silver-fox billionaire, the man who brought my bookish dreams to life? Do I seriously believe that?
Chapter Twelve
Luke
I stand backstage, tapping my foot on the floor, waiting for my chance to go onto the stage. When my phone buzzes and I take it from my pocket, I realize my hand is trembling slightly.
Sera: You've got this, Luke. You're doing the right thing.
Luke: Thanks. For the first time in a long time, I'm nervous.
Sera: I don't blame you, but you're going to do great.
Luke: And I've got a reward in the shape of a curvy genius AI guru waiting for me after to console me.
Sera: There is that.
Steve approaches me, his typical grimace shaping his lips. I almost tell him he should get it copyrighted. "You good?"
"I'm great," I tell him. "We've got to do this, so there's no point umming and ahhing over it."
"Other companies would hide something like this."
"Yep... and when it leaked, they'd appear even more foolish."
"Do you believe we have a mole?"
"I don't know," I say. "But that crap with Damien watching us has got me on-edge."