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He crosses his legs and picks a tiny piece of lint off his pants. “How is Lily doing in your department? I’m wondering if it’s a good fit for her.”

I clear my throat. “I think it’s a pretty great fit, actually. She’s the one who put together most of that report on the office park. She’s a surprisingly good assistant and a very fast learner.”

“I appreciate that. But I was thinking it might be more beneficial for her if she went to Brokerage. If she gets her license, it’s really the best way for her to learn the business. Assuming that’s her intent.”

My ears are hot. I don’t feel any relief at not hearing the words “you’re fired.” He has to be joking. I’m not even mad that she wouldn’t be on my desk. “If she trains to be a broker, she wouldn’t be able to do any theater work. She’d have to be available for clients all the time.”

“Yes.”

“She’s working on a play at the school.”

“Yes. But that’s not a real job.”

“She treats it as a real job, in the same way that she treats this as a real job. But that one makes her happy. She has a gift for that sort of thing.”

He furrows her brow. “Is that what’s important?”

“It’s notnotimportant.”You know what—fuck this guy.“Yes. It is important. I think she’s fully capable of doing a good job in my department, learning the business,anddoing theater work on her off hours. If you ask me, she’s thriving.”

He covers his mouth with his hand, looking away, completely silent for what feels like a year. “I’ve always admired your father, you know? Your relationship with him. It appears so…effortless.”

I lean forward. “It is. For the most part.”

“I’m not a good father, Wes. I wish I were. I’ve always wanted what’s best for Lily. I’ve just never known how to give it to her.”

I’m about to tell him I know exactly how to give her what’s best for her if he’d just let me, but he says, “I am, however, a pretty good CEO, and I do believe I know what’s best for her as an employee and potential future executive in the Barnes family business. One thing I can give her is professional guidance.” He stands up and buttons his suit jacket. “I appreciate your input in this matter. Let’s get a move on with that office park, yeah?”

I stand up to go. “I’m on it.” Even with that little personal admission, I still have no clue how to read Jasper Barnes, and that knot in my stomach is even tighter.

All the way back to my office, I’m trying to figure out what to tell Lily, but she’s on her way out the door just as I get there. “Hey. Where you going?”

“Tina just called. My dad wants to see me real quick.” She shrugs. “I’ll be right back!” She skips down the hall before I can find the voice to tell her to wait.

I know she’ll be back, as always. I just don’t know which Lily will be returning to my office—sarcastic standoffish Lily, damp eyes and quivering lower lip Lily, angry and defiant Lily? Doesn’t make much sense that it would be either happy child-like Lily or deviant seductress Lily, but a man can dream.

Whoever she is, I’ll be here for her.