(CHASE)
"Tell me about yourself."
The question makes me wince. "I think you already know a lot about me, Mr Liam. At least, you know me."
He nods and takes a sip of his brew. "Your reputation does precede you."
I bend forward, hoping that I appear earnest. "People do change."
"And you have?" he asks.
"Whatever I want in life and how I get it has. Yes. Therefore, the man I used to be no longer exists."
"Falling in love does that to someone."
"So, I'm discovering."
"Fay Inc. has a strict policy on interpersonal relationships."
I snort. "Ruzek hates it when his staff have personal relationships, whether in or out of office. It detracts from business. He thinks."
"And you disagree?" he asks.
"I think that with the right person, you can work out both just fine."
"And you found that person?"
"Yes."
"Your personal assistant?"
I swallow thickly, just able to nod.
"Tell me a little about her."
Shit. I can talk forever when it comes to business. Strategies, angles, concepts. I could go on and on for hours. But I barely speak about myself on a personal level. So, what can I say about a woman I barely know or like? I have no idea. So, I swallow hard and glance at the table, running my fingers on its smooth surface.
"She is the clumsiest person that I've ever met." I blurt out. At least, that much is true.
He frowns at my tone and when I notice the mistake, I try to cover it as quickly as possible.
"I hate it when she hurts herself." I explain in a softer tone.
"Ah, of course." He nods."
"She's uhm…perfect. She's perfect."
He laughs. "We all think the same about the women we love."
I rack my brain, trying to make a mental list of all the things that I know about her. "Her name is Riley. Most people call her Miss Ry, but I prefer to use her real name."
That bit isn't really a lie. I call her Miss Le Fay all the time.
He nods. "That's such a lovely name. I'm sure that she likes to hear you call her that."
His words make me remember her reaction earlier when I called her Riley, and I smirk. "I think she likes it."
He waits as I mull over my next words. "She is lithe and modest. Her eyes are so beautiful, like the ocean, so blue and fathomless. Everyone at the office likes her. She bakes cookies for everyone, and they like them." I waver as I try to think of all the other nice things to say about her. "She hates being woken up earlier than necessary. She gets all growl and angry, which makes me laugh."
He smiles at me encouragingly.
"She keeps me in line. She's such an amazing assistant, I'd be lot without her." I sigh, unsure of what to add to the list of things that make her appealing. "she's undoubtedly too good for me." I admit, knowing deep down that it is true. I'm sure that in this scenario, I am the bad person. Especially because of how I've been treating her lately, and even what I'm doing at the moment.
"Do you intend to bring her on board with you?"
"No!" I explain. This is the first chance to get rid of her.
"I'm not following."
"She… uh, we want to start a family, so I prefer that she stays at home. I want to have somebody else at work. I want her to have the chance to relax and enjoy life. Fir a while, you know… without working."
"She isn't enjoying it now?"
"It's difficult, you know. Given the situation. She works extra hard." I add, hoping that it makes me sound right. "I've noticed that she looks tired lately. I want her to get as much sleep and rest as possible."
"Oh, you want to look after her?"
We are treading a dangerous territory. I have no idea what to say because I don't want to end up giving him the wrong answer. Never once have I ever dreamed of taking care of anyone. Just myself. I nod in agreement.
"You live together, I assume? I imagine that's the only time that you two get to relax as a couple."
Shit. I hadn't thought of that.
"Uhm…yeah. We really do value our private time."
"You don't like to discuss your personal life, yeah?"
I force a smile. "No, I'm kind of used to keeping it all in."
At least, that bit isn't a lie.
"Here at Ashley Inc. we are a unique operation. On so many levels."
"That's something that I look forward to."
He motions to the board. "Here we believe in teamwork. And here, we also believe in our personal lives. We work on the campaigns as a team and feed off each just like you did a few minutes ago. We share our victories and disasters as one." He winks. "Not that we have had many of those, but I value every employee of mine."
"Well, that's an interesting way of doing things."
"It does work for us."
"Obviously. Astley Inc. is a respected name."
Our gazes meet and I keep my expression open. I hope it looks sincere.
He rests in his chair. "So, tell me more about your idea."
I make myself comfortable too. That is easy. Far easier than talking about Riley Le Fay.
About an hour later, Liam gets up. "I will be away until Friday. So, I'd like to extend an invitation to attend a barbecue. My wife and I are preparing something on Saturday. I would like her, and a few other people."
Whatever that means is obvious. "I'd love that, Sir. Thank you."
"With Riley, of course."
I keep my face impassive as I shake his extended hand. "She'll love it."