Page 56 of Mr. Perfect
“I’d appreciate it.”
Spencer had called him a few hours later. “I’d be delighted to discuss our Second Chance Program with you, Felix. How does Thursday at three thirty work?”
“Perfect.” He’d replied without looking at his calendar. Getting a face-to-face meeting with Spencer would take precedence over everything else. “Would you like to see my interview questions in advance to prepare?” It was an offer he made to no one.
“That won’t be necessary, Felix.” Spencer had passed the test.
When he arrived at the dealership, Felix repeated the steps from his first meeting with Spencer—dodging overeager salesmen, getting buzzed back into the corporate office, and facing down a fire-breathing dragon.
“Mr. Franklin,” Veronica said. Her voice wasn’t quite sharp enough to cut glass, but it didn’t give him warm and fuzzy feelings either.
Spencer’s greeting was as cordial as Felix’s last visit but seemed less forced. Felix’s aversion to the king’s inner lair, however, was the same. Maybe more so after witnessing the man’s golly-gee-aw-shucks routine during the two interviews.
“I won’t keep you long,” Felix said as he took his seat in front of the sprawling desk. “I know you’re busy.”
“No busier than you are, I’m guessing.” Spencer leaned back in his leather chair and steepled his hands in front of his chest. “I talked to Bill a little while ago and confirmed your Fusion should be ready tomorrow. If so, he’ll give you a call.”
“That’s great news,” Felix said.
“How’s the Lincoln been working out for you?”
Felix smiled. “Really nice. I could get used to driving a vehicle like that.”
Spencer smiled happily. “I know several salesmen who’d love to help put you in the SUV. I can promise you a top-notch value for your trade-in.”
“Yes, I believe I just met a few of the eager gentlemen on my way in,” Felix teased. “I’m thinking the payments exceed a reporter’s salary.”
“You’re going places. That podcast of yours is turning a lot of heads.” Spencer tilted his head and studied Felix. “You remind me of myself when I was much younger. I was ambitious and determined. The word no wasn’t in my vocabulary, and I didn’t mind stepping on toes to get my way.”
“It does sound quite familiar,” Felix agreed. He doubted time had softened Spencer’s edges. “But I can’t claim all the credit for the success of the podcast. I have two skilled partners.”
They were more than partners; Jonah and Rocky were his brothers. Letting Spencer know their significance would be the same as baring his throat to the older man. Not in this fucking lifetime.
Felix locked eyes with Spencer. “We’re only as good as the company we keep, wouldn’t you say?”
If Felix hadn’t been watching closely, he would’ve missed the slight frown and narrowing of eyes. Felix had struck a nerve.
“I would,” Spencer said, recovering quickly. “What would you like to know about our Second Chance Program?”
“I stumbled upon an interview you did with Jude Arrow a few years back, so I already have a lot of background information. I’d like to focus on the things he didn’t ask you and maybe update some of the details.”
Just speaking Jude’s name reminded Felix of their shared orgasm in his kitchen two days prior, as well as the messages from Jude he’d ignored. He wasn’t trying to be intentionally cruel, but what they’d shared had sent him into a tailspin of fear, doubt, and second-guessing himself.
Felix wanted to believe, but who would he be putting his faith in? While Felix didn’t think Jude had outright lied to him about Spencer and Mercy, he suspected Jude was only telling half-truths. Why? Who was he protecting?
He’d expected Jude to get angry about Felix’s avoidance, but he’d sent a text the previous night that nearly made Felix cave in.I understand you need time, and I’ll wait. You’re worth it.
“Sounds like a good plan,” Spencer said, yanking Felix from his reverie. “Why don’t you start with the missing information.”
“Yes.” Felix nodded as he pretended to scan over his notes. “Do you mind if I record the interview?”
“Of course not.”
Felix turned on the recording device on his phone. “The most pressing question I have is how the enrollees are chosen for the program.”
Spencer nodded. “Jude did ask me about it during the interview. The station must’ve edited it out due to time constraints.”
“You weren’t aware?” Felix asked.