Garrett showed up last. Although outwardly he looked the same – white dress shirt, nice slacks and polished shoes – his eyes reflected the torture of the damned. She gripped the arms of the chair to stop herself from running to him and assuring him that everything would be okay.
Tony introduced her and Garrett’s jaw tightened. “We’ve met.”
Okay, good. That sounded sufficiently unpleasant. “Yes, we certainly have, Mr. Upton.” Her tone was icy. “I believe we share a few clients.”
“Unfortunately.”
“Hey, Garrett,” Tony said. “I’ll have to ask you to apologize to Jocelyn for that last remark.”
Garrett turned to him. “Sorry, Tony, but no can do. I wish you’d consulted me before you hired her. Since you didn’t, I’ll keep my distance. I don’t think you need me at this meeting, all things considered.” He started out of the room.
“Garrett!” Charlotte went after him and caught his arm. “I won’t have you being rude to my sorority sister!”
“So that’s the connection.” He sent a scathing glance Jocelyn’s way. “Way to work the angles, lady. Can’t say I’m surprised.”
“That’s enough!” She bolted out of her chair and stalked over to him. “I’ve had it with you, Upton. You’ve been smearing my reputation since day one and I’m sick of it!”
He faced her, his expression rigid. “Maybe if you’d clean up your act I wouldn’t have so much to say.”
“Maybe if you weren’t such an anal-retentive jerk you wouldn’t find so much to complain about! People have to live, you know? They have to pay the mortgage and feed the kids! I guess in your holier-than-thou worldview, those things aren’t important!”
Garrett’s lip curled. “You’re a two-bit shyster. Always were, always will be. Don’t think for one second that because my friend Tony unwittingly hired you that I’ll change my opinion. Ever.” And he stalked out of the office.
“Wow.” Pearson walked over and laid a hand on her shoulder. “I’m so sorry. That was uncalled for.”
“Thanks.” She took a shaky breath. Having Garrett talk to her that way, even though he was pretending, was awful. But he’d done a great job.
“Yeah, I’m really sorry, too.” Tony came over looking shamefaced. “I had no idea there was bad blood between you two.”
She forced the next words out. “I hate him. I’d forgotten until he walked in that he works for you. If someone I employed talked like that to a new person, I’d fire his ass.”
“Not a bad idea,” Charlotte said. “That was terrible, Jocelyn.”
“You should definitely fire him,” Pearson said. “I’m sure there are a dozen people out there who could do his job as well or better. I’d be glad to help you find someone. I have contacts.”
Tony rubbed the back of his neck. “Thanks, Blake, but I’m not going to fire him.”
“Why not?”
“We go back a long way. If Garrett and Jocelyn can’t work together, then I’m afraid Jocelyn will be the casualty of the situation.”
“What?” She whirled toward him. “You’d let him act like that and then make me take the hit? Where’s the justice in that?”
He shrugged. “It’s about loyalty to an old friend.”
“In that case, you can take your job and shove it.” She retrieved her briefcase. “I’m outta here.”
“Jocelyn, no.” Charlotte touched her arm. “We can work this out. Give us some time. Garrett might come around.”
“No, he won’t. He’s been gunning for me ever since the incident with . . . well, never mind. It’s been one thing after another. We don’t see eye-to-eye and never will. Good luck to all of you. You’ll need it.” She stormed out of the office.
Pearson ran after her. “Wait.”
She turned. “What?”
“That was so unfair. I’m almost ready to quit in protest.”
“No, don’t do that, Mr. Pearson. They need a quality guy like you around here.”
“Blake. Call me Blake. Are you free for dinner?”
“Unfortunately, no. Maybe another time.”
“Here’s my card.” He handed it to her. “Call me when you get a chance. I sense that you and I might have a lot in common.”
She looked into his eyes and smiled. “I think you’re right. I’ll be in touch.” As she sashayed down the hall and into the elevator, she congratulated herself on a job well done. She couldn’t have asked for a better response from Pearson.
But her stomach knotted with anxiety whenever she thought of Garrett. She knew he’d hated that interchange as much as she had. More, really, because he thought she’d intended to be mean in order to punish him for what he’d done. She’d invite him over tonight and let him know that being mean to him was the last thing on her mind.
But when she texted him and asked him to call her, he didn’t respond. Her follow up phone call went to his voicemail, so she hung up. What she had to say couldn’t be left in a message. She needed to see him face-to-face. Unfortunately, she couldn’t even drive to his place because she had no idea where he lived. That seemed incredible, but she’d never bothered to find out.
In the meantime, she’d baited the trap to catch Pearson, so at least that was in place. She’d called Yuki who’d contacted Pearson. Yuki must have played his part brilliantly because he’d said Pearson was eager for the meeting the following morning.
She’d notified Tony, who’d made an appointment with Pearson’s father at the same time as the meeting. She’d call Tony’s cell and leave her phone on speaker. With Yuki dazzling Pearson with talk of riches beyond compare, the setup should work long enough to incriminate the guy.
Lack of response from Garrett had begun to worry her, though. By eight when she still hadn’t received any word, she decided to call Charlotte on the pretense of wanting to congratulate Garrett on his acting.
“He did a fabulous job,” Charlotte said. “You both were great. But if he’s not answering his phone, it’s probably because the guys got together after work tonight. Tony said not to expect him at any certain time.”
“But Tony will be at Blake’s dad’s office at eleven, right?”
“I can guarantee he will. Whatever he’s up to now won’t interfere with that, so don’t worry. But I think you’ll have to wait and congratulate Garrett tomorrow.”
“Okay. No worries.” She did her best to sound nonchalant.
“Good luck with the meeting.”
“Thanks, Charlotte. Fingers crossed that Pearson’s as gullible as we all assume he is.”
Yuki’s plane was on time the next morning. Jocelyn had dressed in her typical conservative outfit because she didn’t want to startle Yuki, who knew her well. He’d been in prelaw, too, until he’d decided that acting was what he really wanted to do.
“This will be fun.” Yuki had his usual broad smile going on. “You look very professional.”
“That’s because I am.” She concentrated on freeway traffic. “Did you have to rent that snazzy suit?”
“Nope, I own it. The acting business has been a little more lucrative this year.”
“I’m glad. So you’re happy with your choice?”
“Yep. How about you?”
“Very much so.” And if she could straighten things out with Garrett, life would be almost perfect.
The office space Tony had rented for the day was in an older building. It had an elevator, but the stairs were so elegant that Jocelyn suggested taking them to the second floor.
“Good idea.” Yuki followed her up the stairs. “I’m up for a part in an action/adventure film so every little bit of exercise helps.”
She glanced back at him. “I thought you hated exercise.”
“I do, but this part is primo.”
“Then I hope you get it.” She reached the second floor and led him to the office Tony had described. A reception area with comfy chairs opened onto a large space with an impressive looking desk and two chairs positioned in front of it.
“You sit behind the desk,” Jocelyn said. “You’re the big guy.”
“I always wanted to be the big guy.”
Exactly on the hour she called Tony, who answered immediately. “We’re all set,” she told him. “Just waiting for – whoops, there he is.” She tucked the phone in the foliage of a silk plant and walked into the reception area.
Pearson eyed her gray suit and glasses. “Sexy schoolteacher. I like it.”
She lowered her voice. “Mr. Yamamoto prefers women to look more traditional. I didn’t want to offend him.”
“Absolutely not. Whatever Mr. Yamamoto wants, he gets.” He took a flash drive from the pocket of his slacks. “This is nearly all of it. I’ll get the rest.”
“You don’t have the complete app?”
“Upton’s set up a few security measures that I haven’t cracked yet, but I will.”
She gave a mental fist pump in honor of Garrett and his expertise. “This should be enough to make Mr. Yamamoto’s mouth water.”
“That’s my thought. I want to give him what I can when he’s eager to close the deal and deliver the rest later. We can work out the payment in two parts if that’s what he prefers.”
“Sounds good. Let’s go meet the man who’s going to make you rich.”
“And make Upton one unhappy dude.”
“You’ve got it!” She ushered him back to the office where Yuki sat looking like a prosperous businessman with the fake contract spread out before him.
He stood and smiled. “Ah, Mr. Pearson! I’m honored to meet you.”
“I’m the one who’s honored.” Blake dropped into one of the two chairs in front of the desk.
Jocelyn glanced at the silk plant to make sure the phone was positioned to catch the conversation. “Let’s get down to business, shall we? Mr. Pearson has something to sell and Mr. Yamamoto has the means to buy it. Let’s work out the details.” Then she sat back while Yuki did his job and Pearson implicated himself as a liar and a thief. She would ask Tony to add a bonus to Yuki’s fee because the guy was phenomenal.
They’d talked for about ten minutes when a stern voice came out of the silk plant. “Blake Edward Pearson! What in God’s name are you doing?”
Blake looked as if he’d been hit by a stun gun. “Dad?”
“Bingo! Thanks to Tony Bainbridge’s phone, I’ve heard every damned word. I expect you in my office within the next twenty minutes, boy. Then you can explain why you’re sabotaging the company I’m financing! The company you’re working for!” The man’s voice shook with rage.
Blake’s face was white with shock. “Yeah, Dad. I’ll be right there.” But when he turned to Jocelyn, his eyes burned with an unholy fire. “You set me up, bitch. I’ll get you for this.” He lunged out of his chair.
“I don’t think so, creep.” And there, big as life, stood Spiderman, straight-arming Blake so he never reached her.
Blake gasped. “What the hell?”
Spiderman grabbed his shirtfront and drew him closer. “She’s off limits. Got that?”
Wrenching free, Blake scuttled backward. “Get away from me you freak!”
Spiderman chuckled, as only Spiderman could do. “I wouldn’t dirty my hands with you unless I’m forced to, Blake Pearson. But if you ever threaten this woman again, watch your back. I’ll be there.”
“You’re one of those insane guys who thinks he’s some sort of superhero.” Blake edged out of the office. “People like you should be locked up.”
“You’re the one who should be locked up.” Spiderman pointed a gloved finger at him. “Let me say it again. Leave this woman alone or you’ll regret it for the rest of your days.”
“Yeah, okay. I’m not going to argue with crazy people.” And he bolted out the door.
When he was gone, Yuki leaped up and started applauding. “I loved it! You’re awesome, man!”
“Thanks.”
Jocelyn had known all along it was Garrett, but the fantasy had been compelling, anyway. “It was awesome.”
“Glad it worked.” His tone was cautious.
Now that they were face-to-face, she could finally say everything that was in her heart. She turned to Yuki. “I promised you a ride to the airport, but I need to talk with Garrett. Would you be okay with taking a cab?”
“Absolutely.” He came around the desk carrying the briefcase he’d used as a prop.
“Add it to your bill.”
“No worries there.” Yuki laughed. “I’m a struggling actor.”
Garrett offered his hand. “We couldn’t have nailed him without you. Thanks for doing such a terrific job.”
“I wouldn’t have missed it.” Yuki smiled. “It’s not every day I get to work with Spiderman.” He gave Jocelyn a hug and left the office.
She waited until the outer door closed before she walked over to Garrett. “You were wonderful.” She laid a hand on his Spandex-covered chest. “But I can’t believe this is the suit you wore to the Halloween party.”
“No, different suit.”
“Mind if I unmask you?”
“If that’s what you want.” His voice remained neutral, as if he didn’t know what to expect.
“It’s what I want, Garrett.” She peeled the mask up over his chin and past his lips. Standing on tiptoe, she feathered a kiss over his sculpted mouth. “I loved having Spiderman come to my rescue.”
His breath caught. “But I know it doesn’t make up for everything.”
“There’s nothing to make up for.” She tugged off the rest of his mask and looked into his eyes. “We were both young and didn’t know how to handle something so amazing. I wanted to explain that yesterday, but you never responded to my text.”
“But I saw your expression when I told you. You were upset.”
“Only because I didn’t want you torturing yourself.” She outlined the spider on his chest with her finger. “Your confession wasn’t news to me. I realized who you were when I saw your tattoo in the conference room yesterday morning.”
“You remembered that? I didn’t think you’d seen anything!”
She smiled. “When a girl’s had a couple of fabulous orgasms, she tends to look for clues as to who’s providing them. You undressed in the glow of the security light outside my window.”
He stared at her as he absorbed that information. “So when I picked you up at your apartment, you already –”
“That’s right. At first I was angry, but then at Tony and Charlotte’s you confessed that the role-playing was tough because you respected me so much. I melted. And forgave you.”
He stared at her as if he couldn’t quite believe that the issue was resolved. “You’re not angry because I didn’t tell you right away?”
“Not anymore.” She cupped his cheek. “I’m hoping we might be able to pick up where we left off last night.”
He groaned and pulled her tight against his Spandex-clad body. “I’d like nothing better.” The uncertainty was gone from his gray eyes and only joy remained.
“Then it’s a deal.” She held his gaze, her heart overflowing. “What did those words mean?” she murmured. “The ones you said last night?”
He swallowed. “It’s Klingon for I love you.”
“Would you please repeat them?”
“Qam SHa.”
In her entire life, no one had ever said something so romantic to her. Someday soon she’d learn Klingon and be able to respond in kind. In the meantime, she’d wrap him in her arms and communicate her love with a million kisses on his Spiderman lips. “Ditto.”
Epilogue
Garrett always enjoyed beer and pizza with the BMUS crew, but never more than tonight. The app had launched that morning and sales were phenomenal, better than any of them had dreamed, except maybe Tony. Giddy with success, they’d gathered at Picasso’s and had pushed two tables together to accommodate everyone.
Jocelyn sat next to Garrett, her knee pressed against his and a sparkle in her blue eyes every time she glanced his way
. She loved him. Every morning he woke to that amazing fact and marveled that he’d had a second chance to win her heart. He was the luckiest guy in the world, although his three buddies would likely argue that point.
Tony and Charlotte had recently announced their engagement and Charlotte wore an heirloom ring that had been in Tony’s family for generations. With the app’s triumphant beginning and the woman he loved by his side, Tony looked happier than if he’d been given a bit part in the next Star Trek movie.
Rylan had a similar blissed-out expression on his bearded face whenever he looked at Miranda, the dark-haired nutritionist who’d supplied fresh produce data for the app. Before meeting her, Rylan had been a confirmed junk food addict, claiming it fueled his ability to design software. Miranda had challenged that assumption and must have converted him because they were happily sharing a veggie pizza.
But Rylan’s transformation was minor compared to the change in his brother Fraser. For the love of Dulcie, the company’s blond, free-spirited receptionist, Fraser had loosened the restraints on his straight-arrow persona. Instead of groaning in protest because the BMUS celebration happened to fall on karaoke night, he was on the stage rocking out with Dulcie.
When the song ended, everyone at the table applauded wildly as Dulcie and Fraser took their bows. Then she returned to the table but Fraser stayed to discuss something with the guy running the karaoke machine.
“Men of BMUS!” Fraser called out a moment later. “You’re up!”
Garrett couldn’t remember ever doing karaoke, but Tony and Rylan were on their feet so he went along with it. Apparently they’d all had enough beer to make singing in public seem like a reasonable idea. If Fraser could manage it, why not the rest of them?
Tony stepped up on the stage. “What’s the tune?”
“‘YMCA’,” Fraser said. “But instead we’ll sing B-M-U-S.”
Rylan laughed. “Nice.”
“We have a structural problem.” Tony scratched his chin. “The M and the U are easy, but I have no idea how we create the B and the S.”
A Nerd to Remember (Nerds & Geeks Book 4) Page 6
