There wasn’t anything. Her freaking thoughts were consumed with Seth and it was pissing her off. So she changed the topic. “Connor doesn’t work for you?”
“No.”
“But you had him watching over me. I would’ve liked to think he wasn’t some guy you hired off the street,” she teased.
“He’s not. I went undercover a few years back and I worked with him then. He’s someone I knew I could trust, that would not be on anyone’s payroll. You should know by now that you’re like family to me. I would never let anything happen to you,” Sal stated.
“I know that. I guess you’re right.”
“About what?” he asked.
“I’m grumpy.” Frustrated was more like it, but not the word she was about to use with Sal or anyone else.
“You’re not the only one,” he said.
“You too?” she asked.
“No. Seth. I just came from his office and he was barking orders at one of his staff. Not like him. Want to talk about it?”
“About what?”
“Your date. I take it that it didn’t go well.”
She shrugged. “It was good. Just…ended too quickly.”
Sal looked at her and said, “Maybe I don’t want to know after all.” He got up and headed for the door but turned back to her. “Charlene, I’m glad you’re here.”
“At Lawson Steel?”
“In Manhattan. It’s good for Sofia and I actually think it’s going to be good for you too.”
When he was gone, she smiled. I think you’re right.
Charlene felt her cell phone vibrate. At least she still had a form of communication. When she saw who was calling, her heart skipped a beat.
“Good morning Seth. How can I help you?” Charlene didn’t know if he was calling on business or pleasure.
“Do you remember that cooking lesson I spoke about?”
“I thought it wasn’t a lesson,” she teased.
He laughed. “I stand corrected.”
“Yes I do remember it,” she fought back her giggle.
“How about tonight?”
If it meant seeing him, she was for it. “What do I need to pick up?” she asked.
“I’ll have everything at my home. If you want, we can go directly after work.”
“Sounds great. Call my cell when you want me to meet you in the lobby.” She wasn’t going to assume he was leaving at five with the others.
“Perfect. Have a wonderful day Charlene,” he said.
“You too,” she replied and ended the call.
This at least gave her something to look forward to. And something to think about all day.