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“Was too,” Lucas and Zoe say in unison.
“The point,” Harper continues, cheeks flushed, “is that things developed naturally.”
“And your work has stayed objective?” Zoe asks. “Even with this... close collaboration?”
“Completely,” I answer before Harper can. “In fact, she’s been harder on Cole Tech because of our personal connection.”
“It’s true,” Harper confirms. “My publisher wanted more scandal, I have not gone easy on them.”
“And when it publishes next week? When people go a little nut, make accusations? Then what, are you two just going to breakup, ignore it, cause a media frenzy? If you do, I want the first interview. Best friend privilege.”
“We’ll deal with it if it happens,” I say. “I doubt we will just beak up. That is ridiculous.”
“Guys have broken up with me for less,” Harper says.
“Not billionaire playboys though,” Zoe points out.
“Technically, but I am nervous about it,” Harper replies.
“I like him,” Lucas announces, bringing a platter of appetizers to the coffee table. “He’s not afraid of you two lunatics.”
Dinner progresses from our tense beginning to being more relaxed as Lucas serves course after incredible course of seafoodand local vegetables. By the time we get to dessert—a remarkable chocolate creation with sea salt—Zoe’s interrogation has evolved into actual conversation.
I learn about her journalism background, her fiery dedication to exposing the bad guys, and how she and Harper became friends during a protest at a chemical plant in their college years. I share stories of Cole Tech’s evolution, my grandfather’s contradictory legacy, and my own efforts to redirect the company toward a different future.
“You care,” Zoe observes over after-dinner drinks, sounding surprised. “About the environment, not just the PR advantages of looking like you care.”
“I do,” I confirm. “Though I can understand your skepticism. Most corporate environmental initiatives are more for show than substance.”
“What made you change the way you do things?” Lucas asks. “Most CEOs see environmental regulations as obstacles, not opportunities.”
“Partially my grandfather’s influence—he loved the ocean despite building ships that killed it. A bit of my background in marine biology before business school. And honestly, critics like Harper and you, Zoe, who’ve pushed people like me to do better.”
“Critics you dismissed,” Harper reminds me.
“Until one threw champagne at me and forced me to pay attention,” I smile.
“God, you two are adorable together. It’s horrifying.”
“Told you,” Lucas says, collecting empty dessert plates. “The enemies-to-lovers thing always works.”
“This isn’t a romance novel, Lucas,” Harper protests.
“Could’ve fooled me,” he replies. “CEO and environmental scientist, forced proximity on luxury cruise, heated arguments transforming into passion... it writes itself.”
“Please stop,” Harper groans, but she’s smiling.
As the evening winds down, I am enjoying the company of Harper’s friends. Lucas’s unpretentious warmth and Zoe’s sharp wit complement each other, just the way I like to think Harper’s passion and my calmness do.
“Walk with me to get more wine?” Zoe asks me as Lucas prepares coffee. Harper gives me a panicked look but nods.
I follow Zoe into the small hallway that leads to their wine rack, aware that I’m about to receive the best friend’s warning.
“She’s happy,” Zoe says without preamble, her back to me as she selects a bottle. “Happier than I’ve ever seen her.”
“That’s... good?” I reply, uncertain where this is heading.
She turns, fixing me with a penetrating stare. “It’s unexpected. Harper doesn’t compromise her principles for anyone. The fact that she’s reconciled her beliefs with dating you...” She shakes her head slightly. “It means she sees something in you, beyond the billionaire playboy, sexy-pants, hot-guy.”