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‘I think I have a decent cocktail dress, but it’s slightly low–cut, and I don’t want to be–inappropriate.‘
I chuckle to myself as I replay Jayne’s words from yesterday morning in my head. I thought I would have to have Lucas sedated after her exquisite admission. The poor guy didn’t come out of his office again until after lunch, when he announced he was leaving for the day.
My finger traces along the mouse as I read an email from our father. It looks like the cat will be out of the bag soon–Howard and Evelyn are inviting their kids over to meet each other during lunch on Saturday.
My only thoughts are of Jayne. What will her reaction be? Howard didn’t want us to mention our family when we hired her, so she wouldn’t feel like she was getting special treatment, but I have no idea if he has spoken to her since or if he knows we still haven’t said anything. I can only assume he hasn’t, because Jayne would have mentioned something. So if he didn’t tell her, did he tell Evelyn? Or did it just slip his mind?
I confirm for both me and Lucas and make a mental note to arrive a little early. I want to get a good look at little Jayne’s face when she finds out about us.
Especially since we have plans for her the night before.
There is a tinge of guilt at what we are about to do without telling her who we are, but it fades quickly when I realize we could lose her if we do nothing, and I’m not willing to sit idly by and let Evelyn ruin this for us.
I’ve kept a close eye on Jayne since she started with us, and I don’t believe for a second she is her mother’s daughter. I don’t believe she has any of Evelyn’s greed or cruelty.
I have seen kindness pour out of Jayne. She laughs unabashedly, and she is trusting to a fault. She is respectful and unconsciously compliant. She is everything Lucas and I want, and on Friday, we’re going to find out if she could feel the same way about us.
I need her to feel secure about exploring herself with us before she sits in front of Howard and Evelyn on Saturday. I need her to at least know what we both want.
I walk out to Jayne’s desk to ask for one of our annual reports and pause. She’s is on the phone. Janice is at her own desk taking a call, so I sit in between them, looking nowhere in particular but attempting to eavesdrop on Jayne’s conversation since she looks annoyed.
“I’m not sure if I can make it–Well, no, but I was going to-” She sighs, and I assume she is cut off again. It sounds like she isn’t going to win whatever good fight she is fighting. As she listens, I notice her hand slowly reach across her desk and pick up the tiny shell by her photo frame.
She has closed her eyes and is focused on listening to the person on the other end while she caresses the shell, She takes one last deep breath, places the shell back, and audibly sighs. “Okay, fine–Yes. I’ll see you on Saturday–for lunch. Goodbye”
So she will be in attendance as well.
As she reaches across her desk to hang up, her eyes find me waiting near her, and she takes a soft breath as she pushes a smile onto her face. “Were you waiting for me?”
9:40 Mon, Sep 22
Chapter 13
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I stand and ask her about the reports. She shuffles papers on her desk with one hand while the other taps on her keyboard. Then she glances at the screen for a moment, biting her lower lip.
“Yes, I am just waiting on marketing’s final numbers. I can send the report through now, then send an updated version once it’s complete?”
Always such a good team player.
“No, that’s okay. I’m heading out for a lunch meeting. I’ll get it on the way back in.” I turn to leave, then remember one of our deadlines. “Actually, Jayne, can you organize lunch for you, Lucas, and myself for tomorrow? I forgot we need to walk you through the planning stages of a charity event we hold each fall. We would like you to coordinate it this year.” Her face lights up at the word “charity,” and I am even more convinced she isn’t Evelyn’s daughter.
“Can I recommend a place for lunch? A friend of mine owns a deli close by, and I think you’ll really like it. I can email you their menu this afternoon.” She waits for my approval.
My approval.
I like it when she asks my permission.
I like it a lot.
“Of course. Send it over. Copy Lucas as well,” I answer as I walk back into
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