* * *
The next day, I took Toni to the office. In the car, I complimented her on her outfit. Anne Russell had been a good choice, and Toni looked classy and impeccable. I’d had a hard time keeping my hands off her at breakfast, but time was pressing.
She looked nervous. “How do I make sure this guy doesn’t steal my idea?” Her hands twisted. “I’ve spent so long planning how it’ll work.”
I smiled. Everyone felt that. But everyone wasn’t Toni. I leaned forward. “Toni, don’t worry. The confidentiality clauses written into all the work that’s done here are as legally tight as anyone can make them. What you work on today will be made up into notes and copies sealed and date-stamped. If anyone who has any contact at all with your idea comes up with anything similar outside the company, our notes will prove the theft in a court of law without a doubt.” I took her hand. “This is the safest way to develop your app. I promise.” I leaned back, trying to get the tension out of my body. “Besides, Paul is a really nice guy.”
She nodded, her expression clearing slightly, and I relaxed a bit.
“Just relax around him. He’s okay, and he’ll work just on your project. Anyway, the office isn’t formal. It might be a very big business, but this building is where the development stuff is done and we’re all young.” I grinned. “Except me. I think I’m the oldest one.”
She smiled back. “I don’t think of you as old.”
“I’m not!” I felt indignant. “I’m only thirty-four. But I’m older — and been in this business longer — than all of them.” I made a mock-fierce face at her. “And, before you say it, thirty-four is not old!”
She laughed, opened her mouth to answer, then suddenly her expression changed. She shook her head and looked out of the window.
“What did you suddenly think of then, Toni? You can tell me.” I was puzzled. We’d seemed to be getting on all right and now, this.
She shrugged. “Oh, nothing really. I can’t imagine being thirty-four. And then I thought that if you hadn’t found me, I might still be at the diner and in that room when I was thirty-four and not been able to make the changes that I’ve been dreaming of being able to do.” The words all came out in a rush, and she kept her face turned away from me.
“Toni.” I waited until she turned her face back towards me as the silence drew out. “Toni, I’m glad I found you too.” I squeezed her hand. “You know, it’s really hard to do things, achieve things when you’re doing it alone. Nearly everyone needs other people’s help.” I leaned closer, and whispered. “I’m glad I can help you.”
She looked down. “Thanks.”
Then the moment passed as the car turned into the office complex. The security chap leapt forward and opened the door for me, and then was covered in confusion when he realized I wasn’t alone. He apologized profusely before hurrying around to open the door for Toni.
“No worries, mate.” I nodded at him before smiling at Toni and leading her into the main reception. Nobody leapt forward inside the building, although there were enough people already there. I made a point of not wanting people to interrupt their work with greeting me. I took her around the large planting in the middle of the atrium and to the elevators. Once we were ascending, she relaxed a bit. “That entrance is amazing.” She shook her head. “It’s like a mini forest.”
I smiled over at her. “I like it.” Then we reached my office. The elevator opened right into it, and I stepped out already speaking to my PA.
“Good morning, Stephanie, can you tell me which suite’s been reserved for Ms. Chapman’s project?”
She jumped to her feet. She was young, they had to be in this environment, but she was calm and serene and not given to dramas about boyfriends or any such nonsense.
“Good morning, Mr. Sandiford. Good morning Ms. Chapman. Yes, I’ve reserved the number five suite for the duration of the project, so things can be left if need be.”
“Thank you. I’m expecting Paul Harrell shortly.”
“Yes, sir. I’ll page you and send him down when he arrives.” I nodded to her and took Toni down one flight of stairs by the elevator.
“Okay, so let’s have a look. You’re on the 32nd floor, and it’s suite five.” I opened the door, and stood back for her to enter first. She hung back a little, and I grinned. “Ladies first.”
I looked around as she gaped at it. “Yes, I’m sorry it’s a bit big really for just the two of you. But all the suites are the same size and sometimes we have big teams. Later on, you’ll feel it’s too small, once we’re into the branding and marketing stuff.”