“Thank you so much, Zack.” We all rise from the conference table and walk over to the door as Rob and Zack say their goodbyes.
Once he disappears through the glass doors and out into the lobby, Rob says an octave louder, “Twins? You think you could have mentioned that prior to a meeting with the most important client we’ll ever have, Emery?”
I shrink back slightly. “I’m so sorry. It seemed like a good time to throw it in there when he was raving about his family.”
Rob stalks back to his desk and throws himself in his desk chair and rubs his forehead. “Engaged? Did I miss something?”
Now I see what Graham meant by panicking. My throat feels tight, like it’s constricting by the second. God, I feel like I stuffed my foot right in my mouth and now I’m creating an even bigger mess for the both of us.
“Uh, yeah, Graham is the right wing for my brother’s hockey team.”
Rob’s eyes go so wide, they might pop out of his head. “Wait, as in Graham Adams? Number fourteen? TheBESTrookie player the NHL had ever seen?”
Here we go.
“Yep, that’s the one. He’s my…fiancé.”
“Wow. Well, congratulations. Tell your fiancé I’m a big fan, and I look forward to meeting him at dinner.”
I guess it’s now or never, swallowing thickly, I ask, “So, I actually wanted to ask you if it would be okay if I take some time off. Graham planned a trip home to his family to tell them the news and asked if I could come along to meet his family. I’ll have my computer and access to phone calls and email at all times.”
Rob looks down at the desk calendar in front of him then lifts the page. “I don’t see why that would be a problem. I think HR could accommodate that if you’ve got the leave time.”
I nod. “I do. Thank you, Rob. I appreciate you letting me do it so last minute.”
“It’s not a problem. When you get back, hopefully, we will have sealed the deal with Zack and can start working on his case. Did you look over those old case files I sent you?”
“Yes, they’re on my desk. I’ll go get my notes and come straight back here.”
“Thanks.”
I give him a slight wave, and turn on my heel to leave, before something happens, and he changes his mind.
God, we’re in such deep shit. Graham’s lying to his family, and I’m lying to my boss and the biggest client our firm hopes to land, and I’m terrified it’s all going to blow up in our faces.
This could end so badly.
I convinced myself that I might actually tell Graham no and that coming clean to his mother was the right thing to do, but now… I’ve dug us into an even deeper hole.
My hand rubs my stomach absentmindedly as I whisper to the twins, “Well girls, looks like we’re in some deep s-h-i-t.”
I probably shouldn’t assume they’re girls, but one can hope. My hands shake as I pull out my phone and pull up Graham’s text thread.
Me: May or may not have told my boss that we’re engaged and would love to come to dinner with him and a huge potential client on Friday. Pls tell me you’re free?
I wait a few seconds as his response bubble pops up.
Graham: Welcome to the dark side, Davidson. I’d be happy to do you this favor, but as you know, favors come at a price.
Rolling my eyes, I respond.
Me: Are you forgetting the fact that you asked me to lie for you first? Or shall we go tit for tat. Be serious Graham, please clear your schedule. I panicked and told him we were free, and of course, he’s your biggest fan. You have to come.
Graham: Done. I’ll come dressed in my Sunday best… ;) But, we have to figure out how we’re going to pull this off. Can I come over tonight?
Me: Yes, but can you stop and get me a pint of chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream? I’m craving something sweet.
Graham: All you had to do was ask, babe, and I’ve got something sweet to give you.
Me: I hate you.
Graham: See you at seven ;)
Once I make it back to my cubicle, I cross my arms on my desk and drop my head onto them. For what seems like the millionth time this week, I ask myself,What in the hell have I gotten myself into?