Neanderthal Seeks Human(94)

I couldn’t read Quinn’s expression which may have been more due to my current unrest regarding all topics McHotpants rather than any surreptitious attempts on his side. I did comprehend that his stare was neither hostile nor warm; in fairness, I could only describe it as attentive.

The nephew moved from side to side in his seat as though he couldn’t get comfortable, “That’s absurd. Clearly you can’t read architectural schematics-”

“Actually…” Quinn paused, pulling his eyes from mine and addressing Mr. Northumberland, who, for the first time since the meeting began, hadn’t felt the need to interrupt. “Actually, Ms. Morris is very familiar with such schematics as she graduated summa cum laude from Iowa State University with a dual major in Architecture and mathematics. You see, Iowa State is one of the top schools in the nation for Architecture.”

I flinched, just a little, barely perceptible to anyone who may have been watching me, when Quinn recited my qualifications; I was not aware that he was so acquainted with my academic credentials. It made me wonder what else he knew about me and how he came to be such an expert.

Mr. Northumberland’s expression of surprise boiled into sudden impatience; to my relief this thunderous glare was directed at his nephew; “Allen, this is entirely unacceptable- if this causes another delay in-”

Quinn smoothly interrupted, “Mr. Northumberland, we can modify our implementation strategy and meet the deadline if time is the issue here. However, the cost…” Quinn sighed, closed the packet of papers in front of him and leaned back in his chair, “I cannot guarantee that the cost of the project will not be impacted.”

Without any overtures or pretense, the client leaned forward and pointed a finger at Quinn, “If you can meet the deadline you can have triple your original budget.” Then his black glare moved to his nephew, “I can’t have any further delays.”

Quinn nodded once then abruptly stood; I watched his long fingers button the top button of his suit jacket, “In that case, we’re finished for today. I see no further need for pretense and discussion; what’s important now is getting started.”

Northumberland stood as well, almost eagerly. His entourage also stood; they reminded me of synchronized swimmers, only in business suits. Their boss said, “Good man. I couldn’t agree more.” he reached across the table and shook Quinn’s hand. “You have an impressive team.”

I caught Steven giving me a meaningful look and I returned it with a raised eyebrow and a shrug of nonchalance even though inwardly I was breathing a ragged, yet guarded, sigh of relief.

I’d taken a chance. I only hoped it would be enough to prove that I was worthy of keeping my job.



~*~



Carlos and Quinn disappeared together directly after the meeting adjourned and I begged off dinner with Steven, claiming a headache. Of course, Steven still threatened to keep his promise of a sleepover. I was non-committal and laughed at his good natured teasing but I didn’t feel like company, I felt like stewing in my room, alone, with a bottle of wine and a hamburger and HBO.

Before I ran off Steven reminded me that our meetings for the following day had been canceled and that the plane would now be departing at 3:00 pm. He suggested we meet up during the day and try to see a little of Vegas before leaving. I was, again, noncommittal. I kind of felt like a jerk.

I did have a headache. I had a cornucopia of confusion to sort through. I needed to figure out what I needed, what I wanted, and what was right and where they all intersected.

What I needed was to keep my distance from male humans- i.e. Jon and Quinn- keep my job, and reorganize my life so that calm and order were restored.

What I wanted was to throw myself at Quinn and continue behaving like an infatuated teenager.

And I didn’t know what was right.

When room service arrived I took the bottle of wine into the bathroom and had a bubble bath. The hotel tub was nowhere near the awe-inspiring spectacularness of the apartment tub Quinn showed me last Sunday, when we toured the company’s new apartment space in the high-rise by the park, but it was perfectly adequate for my current needs.

Nevertheless, after an hour in the tub drinking alone, I felt no closer to solving my dilemma. Instead I was left with an empty bottle of wine, pruney fingers, and more questions.

I was getting dressed when I heard a confident knock on my door; it was just past 9:30pm. Naturally I assumed it was Steven making good on his sleepover threat. Due to this perilous assumption I didn’t check the peephole, I just opened the door.

It was a crucial, if not monumental, mistake.

If I’d seen Quinn first through the fish-eye opening I might’ve had time to compose myself, I might have decided to pretend I was asleep, I might have trapped myself under a heavy immovable object or jumped out the thirty-story window.