“Trust me, you have a job.” Hopefully one you will want. “In the meantime, what do you say about adding a little more to this project?”
“You mean who they are?” Gia asked. He nodded. “That’s not going to be as easy.”
“So you don’t think you can do it?” Roger asked.
She looked shocked. “I never said that. I don’t want you to think I’ll be calling you tomorrow with their names.”
“You’re the one who set the bar so high,” he teased. “But do what you can. I’ll be working on some things myself. But I need you to understand something. Even when you get the job with the Hendersons, this can never be divulged. Understood?”
“I’m well aware of confidentiality. It falls under compliance. You have my word. And if that doesn’t suffice, I suggest you find someone else.”
He loved how feisty and defensive she was about her work ethics. He raised his hands. “I’ll never question that again.”
“Good. So if you’ll excuse me, I have work to do.”
“You don’t have to start immediately. Why don’t you have breakfast . . . I mean lunch with me instead?”
Gia grinned. “I meant to clean up this mess and return the books to the library. But if you’re free, I should be done by dinner.”
Had she just asked him out? No. It was clear they rubbed each other the wrong way. But then again, they had seen each other with some sort of regularity lately. “What are you in the mood for?” That was a loaded question, one he was glad she wasn’t asking him.
“Anything but Thai.”
“How do you feel about lobster?” The smile on her face said enough. “Good. I’ll pick you up at four. Dress casual. I know a place by the beach that is nice at night. If you’d like, we can take a walk afterward.”
“With how much everyone is feeding me lately, it will be required whether I want to or not.”
She walked him to the door and stood with one arm on it, looking at him with those damn sweet green eyes of hers. It took every ounce of control for him not to lean down and kiss her. He inhaled her scent, sweet like honey, then stepped away.
“See you at four.” He walked out the door before he changed his mind.
When he got in the car he called Brice.
“If you’re calling to ask about Gia, yes, we will find a job for her.”
“Good, because you’d be a fool not to hire her. She’s . . . good.”
Brice laughed. “I’m not going to ask what you meant by that. Brittney told me her résumé was impressive. What does concern us is why she was let go. Any clue on that?”
“Yes, but I’m not sharing.” And she most likely won’t either. Whatever had transpired, Roger knew Gia was in the right. And if I find out that piece of shit touched her, he’s done.
“Okay. I’ll trust you on this one.”
“That’s not why I called. I have a question. What does New York mean to you?”
“Personally?” Brice asked.
“No. The photo was taken in New York City in 1918. Anything?”
“Like I told you before, we don’t know much about our family. And even Bennett’s digging didn’t turn up anything. Just keep me posted on what you find.”
“I’ll let you know if I have any questions,” Roger said and ended the call. He knew Brice was going to ask what or if Gia knew anything. He had no issue with lying to Brice, but would prefer to avoid it if possible.
The less anyone knows the better.