Page 17 of Fair Trade

ME:

Walking there now. And that’s so nice of him. Must be a great guy!

I’m rounding the corner, my heels the only noise on this floor, since opening day is Friday and we have no scheduled meetings, just this surprise one.

As I approach the office, I catch Daisy’s laugh. For some reason it settles me hearing her be so carefree. I really like Daisy, and if her brother is half as decent as she is, this might turn out to be an amazing working relationship for me.

I’m already smiling as I reach for the office door, not bothering to knock since she knows I’m rushing in and they seem to be at ease.

My phone vibrates once more as I push the door open.

I quickly read Daisy’s text before entering.

DAISY:

Yeah, he’s a real saint!

I chuckle softly as I walk in and catch Daisy waving enthusiastically at me with her phone in hand.

Her brother has his back to me, so I give her a little wave as I stride toward them.

I barely have a chance to glance his way before Daisy starts introducing us.

“And this, my dear brother, is your new secret weapon. Álvarez here has procured the best team the MLB has ever seen, and I wouldn’t be surprised if she takes us all the way to the World Series during our very first season.”

I drop my head slightly, blushing at Daisy’s glowing remarks.

“That’s exactly what I want to hear.”

Time slows, and for a moment I wonder if I’m still in my bed dreaming.

This can’t be real.

I must be imagining things.

That voice. I’ve heard it before.

Last Friday, while he was buried deep inside me.

My head whips up as he turns toward me, and we both freeze the moment our eyes meet.

“Angel,” he mouths to himself.

It’s… it’s him. He’s here. He’s…Oh God.

He’s my new boss!

Daisy is looking between the two of us, her smile morphing into confusion.

I don’t need her asking any questions, and I don’t know what else to say as his eyes search mine for answers I don’t have.

So I stick my hand out and force the words out of my mouth. “Hi. Um, it’s nice to meet you. I’m—”

“Álvarez.” He pauses. “LuisaÁlvarez.”

Nope. I can’t do this.

I can’t hear my name on his lips as his eyes bore into mine.