To Catch A Man(12)

He smiled and leaned forward. “What? The makeup?”

“Yes,” she said, giving him a crooked grin. “And the high heels. I was trying to make a good first impression…or second…but my face felt like some kid had plastered watercolor paints all over it. And not to mention these darned high heels.” She chuckled. “Not exactly everyday wear for me. Let’s just say it’s been a while since I had to fit myself out in this kind of get-up.” She gave him a rueful smile. “Sorry.”

That made him laugh. “I’m not. I’m glad the old Indie is back. She’s the one I want to talk to. As beautiful as she maybe, I don’t think a fashion pot can do the job I have in mind.”

Then it was her turn to laugh and her eyes sparkled with amusement. “Fashion pot? Who the hell says ‘fashion pot’?” Then she put her hands to her lips. “Oops, sorry,” she said, but she didn’t look sorry at all. “I meant ‘who the heck’.”

Serious as a judge, he replied, “Yes, of course you did.”

Then they both ended up laughing and with that the tension was broken and they relaxed.

“Indie,” Stone said, “as I mentioned to you, I would love it if you could join my team in South Africa. I’ve adopted an orphanage there. It has nothing to do with Hudson Broadcasting Corporation. This is a personal project of mine.”

“I love the idea already,” she said, her face eager. “When can I start?”

Stone sat back, surprised. “When can you start? That sounds like you’re available right away.”

“I am.” She spoke without hesitation.

Wow, could he be so lucky? She hadn’t required any convincing at all.

“My only question is…”

Stone held his breath, knowing an objection was coming next. It had been too easy, of course. There had to be an issue somewhere.

“…will you be there, too, at the orphanage? Or will I be heading out there on my own?” She looked him straight in the eyes. “Because the only way I’ll take the job is if you come to South Africa with me. At least, for the start.”

“Well, I did plan to go with you and get you established,” he said, rubbing his chin, “probably stay a couple of weeks until you're comfortable. But then I’d have to head back-”

“Deal. That sounds like a plan to me.” She sat back in her chair, a look of satisfaction on her face.

Well, that was easy. They hadn’t even discussed remuneration or benefits but already she was accepting the offer, accepting a position she didn’t even have the full details on. Her only concern seemed to be whether he’d be there at the start or not. All his hiring should be this easy.

There was something about the whole thing that puzzled him, though. She didn’t strike him as the fearful, dependent type. In fact, it was her air of independence and decisiveness that had drawn him to her. Why, then, did she insist that he go with her? It just did not add up.

And then there was the fact that she’d been so available. Immediately. Not that he minded. Like Jenna had said, he needed her like yesterday. But didn’t she have a family or obligations? He hadn't seen a ring so he guessed she wasn’t married and probably didn’t have kids but she had to have parents. She would certainly want to see them before leaving for a country so far away. And what about…a boyfriend?

“Now it’s my turn to ask you a question,” he said, and although he was dreading the answer he plunged right in. “Aren’t there people you need to say goodbye to? Your parents or…anyone else?”

“Nope,” she said, her voice firm in its finality. "Don’t have any parents, don’t have any pets, and don’t have a boyfriend.”

Well, that answered that. The boyfriend part at least. But no parents? "Forgive me for asking but...did your parents pass away?"

“My mom died,” she said, her face gone thoughtful and her voice quiet. “And my dad, well, let’s just say he’s been missing in action since I was three. That’s when my parents got divorced. I haven’t seen or heard from him since the day he moved out.”

Stone frowned. A deadbeat dad. No wonder Indie seemed so strong and self-sufficient. She’d had to be, surviving without a father. She’d probably had to fight her own battles all her life.

“Sorry to hear that.” What he was saying was inadequate but he couldn’t think of anything else that would show her that, to the extent that he could understand her life, he felt her pain.

She shrugged. “That’s okay. It was the best thing he ever did for us, walking out like that. At least I didn’t have to watch my mom crouching by the wall with blows raining down on her. Damned alcoholics.” She spat the words out in disgust.