I try to hide my smile by stuffing my mouth. Gunner inhales his food, then turns to Valerie. “You don’t come across like some nerd who evaluates people.”
“There’s a professional life and a fun life. If I spent all day evaluating people, I’d never have a conversation that would go anywhere.” She sets her fork down thoughtfully. “It’s hard to fully separate though when you can recognize what you’re studying in others.”
“Yeah?” I ask.
“Tell me about me.” Gunner encourages.
She holds his gaze for a long time. “I can’t.”
“Why!” He demands.
“It’s no fun if I tell you. I’d rather watch you chase your tail.” She continues eating. “Plus, I already gave you Sophie hacks.”
“Fair.” He slumps a little.
She watches him a moment longer, then sighs. “You’re a people pleaser. Making jokes, being the life of the party, it makes others happy and you know it. You run around to make everyone else happy, then crash before you know what to do with yourself.”
He considers that for a moment and lights up. “As long as it’s working!”
She laughs and shakes her head.
“So, what would you say if someone complained on social media about having to do something mundane, then posted about this charity and how meaningful it is and how they want to protect a legacy.”
“That’s obvious, even to someone who’s not a psych major. Next.” She dismisses.
My eyes go to Lief. He needs to pull some weight with this and if he and Valerie can talk about the weather, the most mundane and cliché topic in the world, he can get her to talk about this.
“He’d like to validate his thought with a professional,” Lief comments.
Valerie takes a slow breath. “The first post, which if they’re a public figure will probably be removed soon by a P.R. team says it all. This event is an obligation that they don’t have an interest in. They’re keeping up appearances and protecting a legacy is different than building one, so if they’re just protecting it, they don’t have a personal stake in the matter, just the … need to make others believe they care.”
Well, that second part wasn’t fucking obvious. She waves her hands like glitter should fall from her fingers. “What do you three do?”
“We work for the same company.” I hedge.
“I do security and investigations.” Lief volunteers, a steep simplification that borders on a lie.
“I manage online accounts.” Another close lie from me.
“Oh, Valerie, are you curious?” Hunter gives her his shit-eating grin. “I’d be happy to tell you as post-sex pillow talk.”
“Your job must be boring then.” She says before finishing her plate. “Good talk guys, almost nice to see you again. Gun, let’s get you to your hotel and some much needed sleep.”
“Oh come on, the life of the party can’t leave,” I say loud enough that I’m sure Stefan hears.
“Don’t make me pull the mom voice.” Valerie threatens, one hand on her hip. “You have a flight early in the morning, Gunner.”
“Yeah.” He nods. “Responsible Reba here is calling the shots.”
“How are you this pussy whipped to Val without getting pussy?” Hunter snorts.
The glare Gunner shoots him should work like a bullet, dropping Hunter to the ground into an unconscious daze. Valerie takes care of that quickly. “The same way you’re a dick when yours gets no attention.”
“Oh, it gets plenty.”
“Not the right kind if you’re still coming on to me.” She snaps. “Come on, Gun.”
VALERIE