by Nina Lindsey
“One of my coworkers told me they’re looking for someone to lead a new AI cloud project,” she told him during their call that night. She rested her head back on the pillows and looked at Bob the Fish, who was hanging on the opposite wall. “He said I was in the running, but I’m not so sure.”
“Why wouldn’t you be?”
“They’re not going to assign the new kid as the lead.”
“The new kid in question is Rory Prescott. No one deserves to lead a team more than you.”
Rory let out her breath slowly. Did he miss her as much as she missed him?
She’d gotten accustomed to her solitary, work-centric lifestyle over the past couple of years, but in Bliss Cove she’d had her mother, her sisters, her friends. She’d had the bakery, the boardwalk, the crash and roll of the ocean, the achingly familiar sea air. She’d had Grant, as dependable as the tides.
“So what else is going on in town?” she asked.
“At the town meeting last night, Mayor Bowers announced that we need a pie shop either downtown or on Mariposa Street. She’s planning to try and convince your mother to open a branch of Sugar Joy called Sugar Pie.”
Rory laughed. “Mom didn’t tell me that.”
“She might not know yet. She was over at the high school last night helping with the bake sale fundraiser for the orchestra.”
“Well, she might be convinced. Even though we don’t sell pie at Sugar Joy, everyone knows that my mom makes the best apple pie in town.”
“Those are fighting words.” A frown entered his voice. “You haven’t tried my apple pie yet.”
“You know how to make apple pie?”
“Sure. Three varieties of apples. It’s amazing.”
“Why isn’t it on the menu at the Mousehole?”
“It’s on a special seasonal menu only in the fall.”
“Really? Why didn’t I know that?”
“Because you just order cheese curds and fried onions. Speaking of which, what’d you have for dinner?”
“Huh. No wonder I’m hungry.”
“Listen.” The word held a stern note of command. “There’s an Indian restaurant called Maharaja three blocks from your apartment building. Walk down there and order vegetable pakora, chicken curry, and palak paneer. They’ll bring you rice and a basket of naan. Get a beer or a glass of wine while you’re at it. The food is excellent.”
“How do you know?”
“I’ve been there, but I’ve also researched all the restaurants in your neighborhood so you don’t end up at Fast-Food Heaven every night. Go. And text me a picture of the curry so I know you’re actually there.”
“That does sound…text you a picture?”
“Don’t tell anyone.” He sounded as if he were scowling. “I got a cell phone intended only for you. It’s top secret, like the Bat Phone.”
“Grant Taylor. I think that’s the most romantic thing anyone has ever done for me.”
“Baby, if a cell phone is your definition of romantic, then I have serious work to do. I’ll text you my number.” He sighed. “I can’t believe I just said that.”
“Neither can I. Say it again.”
“I’ll text you my number.”
“I’m getting so turned on right now.”
He laughed. “Hold that thought for later. Go eat.”
Rory was still smiling after they’d said goodbye. She pushed up from the bed and searched for her shoes. On the “romantic gesture” scale of hold open a door to sell his soul to the devil, she knew that buy a cell phone was pretty low on the list.
But still. Grant’s rejection of technology went deeper than a mere dislike of chargers and blinking apps. And if he’d specifically gotten a phone just because she’d moved away, there was no telling what else he would do for her.
Chapter 20
Rory got through the rest of her second week of work fortified by care packages from her mother, video chats with Aria, emails from friends, and a visit from Callie, who was on her way to a symposium at Cal Berkeley. None of it was the same as being immersed in Bliss Cove life again, but it all strengthened both her spine and her positive outlook.
Throughout the day, she exchanged multiple texts and quick calls with Grant, who was struggling to find a solid window of time to visit her around his employees’ vacations, sick leave, and two unexpected departures.
She also received a phone message from Joanna Taylor, who said to please let her know when Rory might be free for lunch or dinner. “I know you’re terribly busy, but I want to take you to this extraordinary Japanese restaurant in Los Gatos, and I would love to catch up. Text me as soon as you have a minute!”
Rory texted immediately, and they set up a lunch date for the week after next. She hadn’t yet gotten together with anyone socially, and she was already looking forward to a couple of hours with chatty Joanna.
Though Rory spent most of her time at the office, she knew Grant wouldn’t like the idea of her sitting at her desk for fifteen hours straight, so she made an effort to take breaks and eat lunch. Also remembering her promise that she’d take care of herself, she bought spinach salad or a fruit cup along with whatever main course looked good in the company cafeteria—usually lasagna or pizza.
In the middle of her third week with Digicore, she was seated at a table by the window, eating her salad and leafing through the Jacques and Julia cookbook that Grant had insisted she take with her.
Her phone buzzed with an email from Hunter, providing a link to an article about 3D digital scanning technology. Thought you’d be interested in this—great tool for historic buildings.
Rory skimmed the article, which detailed the creation of 3D models both for design purposes and to enhance the visitor experience. She hit the reply button. Very interesting—would be even more so if they were 4D. I’ll look into it.
“May I?”
Rory looked up at Brenda, the supervisor of her team, and set her phone down. “Sure.”
Brenda pulled out a chair and sat across from her. In her mid-forties with a sleek, geometric haircut and no-nonsense business suits, she’d been with Digicore for several years. Rory had heard a lot of buzz about the other woman, as Brenda was known for her sharp business sense and strategic initiatives.
“How do you like it here so far?” Brenda leaned forward, eyeing Rory from behind her glasses.
“It’s been great. The work is challenging, and I’m looking forward to learning more about what’s coming up in the future.”
“That’s what I want to talk to you about.” Brenda tapped her finger on the table, slanting her gaze toward the other employees seated around the cafeteria. “I’m aware that there have been rumors about the AI project we’re planning to launch. I’ve just been asked to form and manage the new team. Nothing is official yet, but I want you to know I’m pushing for you to be named the Principal Engineer.”
Rory’s heart jumped. “Really?”
“On paper, you’re the most qualified. Some of the others have more recent practical experience, but I’ve been impressed with your tech writing. Between that, all the courses you’ve taken in the last two years, and your contract work, you’re up to date on all new developments. From what I’ve seen these past few weeks, you’re committed, hard-working, and persistent about getting things right and fixing problems. I like that about you.”
“Thank you.”
“Considering the number of hours you’ve already put in here, you also appear to have no life whatsoever.” Brenda’s mouth twisted with a little smirk. “That might be the number one quality we’re looking for in a lead.”
Rory attempted to smile, even as a rock fell into the pit of her stomach. Brenda’s remark didn’t really bother her—truth was truth, after all—but Bliss Cove had proven that she didn’t want to have “no life.” She didn’t just want any old life, either. She wanted to do the work she loved while living a full, happy life like the brief one she’d had with Grant back at home.
“Thanks fo
r considering me for the position,” she told Brenda. “I’m honored.”
Brenda studied her for a moment. A flinty hardness appeared in her eyes.
“I know you can go head-to-head with any male engineer, Rory. I also know you’d probably win. You’re very good, and you’re very smart. On a technical level, at least. Unfortunately, that’s not enough. You need to be smart on an emotional level, and you need to have a dragon-thick skin. Keep that in mind.”
She stood and gave a short nod before walking away. Rory watched her leave, not quite sure what to make of that remark. She’d grown that thick skin over her ten years of working in tech, and she knew how to deal with uncomfortable situations.
Yes, she still experienced pangs of vulnerability and unease, but she was keeping her guard firmly in place while going above and beyond her duties.
Later that night, she flopped down on her bed for her usual eleven-thirty p.m. call with Grant. They’d gotten into the habit of talking just after he finished the closing shift at the Mousehole.
When he didn’t answer her call, she texted.
RORY: You home yet?
GRANT: Almost.
RORY: Call me when you are.
GRANT: Did you eat dinner?
RORY: I had a gummy worm casserole with a side of Twizzlers.
GRANT: I have a jerk chicken platter, rice and beans, fried plantains, and Jamaican cornmeal bread.
RORY: Can I have some?
GRANT: Sure. Open the door.
Rory caught her breath. Her heart cartwheeled. Tossing her phone down, she leapt off the bed and ran to unlock the door.
Oh my god. Everything inside her lit up like a thousand Christmas trees.
Grant smiled, his green eyes crinkling in the way that she loved so much. He looked wonderful, his hair rumpled and his strong, handsome features vibrant with anticipation. He set down several paper bags and extended his arms. With a laugh of sheer happiness, she flung herself at him, hugging him tightly and wrapping her legs around his waist.
“I can’t believe it.” She buried her face in his shoulder and inhaled his familiar scent, feeling as if it had been years rather than a few weeks since she’d seen him. “I missed you.”
“I missed you.” He kissed her forehead, his arms tight around her. “Can I come in?”
She laughed again. “Yes, sorry. Don’t forget the food.”
“Never.”
He brought the food inside and set it on the kitchen counter before pulling her close and giving her a hot, greedy kiss that weakened her knees and fired up her lust. Within seconds, they were tugging at each other’s clothes, their hands seeking naked skin, their lips locked.
Already the hard evidence of Grant’s arousal pushed against the fly of his jeans, and a throbbing ache expanded through Rory’s lower body. Urgency swept over them both like a wave, engulfing them in the dizzying reminder of what they were together.
He lowered her to the bed and took her in the way she both needed and desperately wanted—swift, fast, and hard. He gripped her wrists, pinning them to the mattress, his emerald gaze burning right to her soul. She clutched his shoulders, pleaded for more, and cried out his name when a pent-up orgasm shattered her into a million exquisite pieces.
He covered her mouth, drinking her moans as his self-control stretched tight and broke. He thrust deep inside her with a rough shout, and another flood of sensations suffused Rory.
When Grant stilled, his breathing raw, he started to roll off her.
Rory tightened her hold on him. “Don’t go.”
“I’m crushing you.”
“In the best possible way.” She kissed his shoulder and stroked her hands over his slick, muscular back. “How long can you stay?”
“I have to be back by nine tomorrow morning. Ten, at the latest.” He shifted and pulled her into his arms. “I kept waiting for a time when I could stay longer, but finally I couldn’t take it anymore. If the only time I can see you is for a few hours on a Friday night, I’ll have to live with that.”
For how long?
Swallowing the question, Rory ignored a stab of unease. Two hours apart might be sustainable for some couples, but with their jobs and crazy hours…okay, stop. Grant was here now, and that was what mattered.
She stroked his chest and kissed his cheek before easing away to pull on a T-shirt. “That food smells amazing.”
“It’s from a Caribbean restaurant I read about a while ago.” He hitched on his jeans and joined her in the kitchen. “Much as I love cooking for you, I didn’t want to waste time doing that tonight.”
“Good call.” She nudged his hip with hers. “We have plenty of other ways to spend our time.”
Sitting at her kitchen table, they devoured the food straight from the containers, mostly using their hands and only a couple of napkins. Rory told him about her conversation with Brenda and the potential of the Principal Engineer position.
He gave her a smile of pride. “I’m not surprised they already want to give you a promotion.”
“It’ll be more work, but definitely an advancement.” She picked up the half-empty containers, sensing his questions about more work. “Hey, you should get some rest.”
“I’m rested.” He slipped his arms around her from behind and nibbled her ear.
“You need to sleep a little before driving back.” She set the leftovers in the fridge and led him back to bed. An enormous relief filled her as she nestled against his side, as if it were the place she was meant to be.
“Oh, did I tell you I contacted two women I met at a conference awhile back?” She rubbed her cheek on his shoulder. “We’re getting together for lunch next week. I realized that I’ve always spent so much time working that I never really tried to make friends with women who are also working in tech. And I miss my Bliss Cove friends, so I decided to try and make some up here.”
“That’s great.” He pressed his lips to her temple. “You need a tribe.”
“I’m also having lunch with your mother the week after next.”
“Joanna Taylor may have her faults, but she probably knows every tribe in the Bay Area. She’ll be thrilled to take charge of your social life.”
“I just might let her.”
Silence fell. Rory pulled up the comforter. She had a code review on Monday and needed to work as much as she could, but not for anything would she give up a few hours of sleep with Grant.
“You good here?” He stroked his hand over her arm, though a faint tension rippled through his body.
She nodded, understanding his unspoken question. “Brenda is my supervisor, but I’m the only woman on the development team. That’s always the case, though. I’m used to it.”
“Any problems?”
She hesitated, not wanting to lie but not wanting to give him reason to worry. “I’ve learned how to pick and choose my battles, so whatever problems I’ve had, I can deal with.”
“What does that mean?” He shifted to face her, his expression darkening.
“What I said.” She put her hand on his chest. “Grant, it’s okay. The fact is that I’m a woman in a male-dominated field not known for being inclusive, but I choose to stay because I love the industry, the potential for innovation, and the work. Do I love the culture? Not always. Will it change? Maybe one day. But until then, I can deal with it.”
“What exactly is it you’re dealing with?”
“Look.” She sat up, dropping her hand away from him. “It’s nothing that would or should surprise you or anyone else. And is this really how you want to spend your few hours here?”
“You mean finding out what you haven’t told me?” Irritation edged his voice.
“There’s nothing to tell.” Rory shoved off the bed. Frustration swelled in her chest. “No one’s put his hand on my ass or propositioned me for sex or asked me to go to a strip club. One guy did make a bumbling attempt to ask me out for a drink, but he was clueless rather than predatory, and believe me, I know the difference. I’m do
cumenting and broadcasting all my work because I know if anyone is going to be the victim of theft, it’ll be me. There’s the usual locker-room talk that I choose to ignore, and every day I challenge coworkers who try to ignore me, interrupt me, or talk over me. Can it be exhausting? Yes, but I refuse to be invisible.”
Grant’s mouth tightened. “You shouldn’t be treated as if you are.”
“I know, but it’s not going to change if women like me don’t challenge it.”
He dragged a hand down his face, and a heavy sigh rasped from his chest. “Why should you have to endure that crap to challenge the status quo? Why not shake it up another way, from another angle?”
“What angle, Grant?” Rory paced across the room, her throat tightening. “I already tried to start my own project, and look how that ended up.”
“You have way too much to offer to let one asshole venture capitalist stifle all your other ideas.”
“Did you come here to fight?” She whirled around and spread her arms out. “Is that what this visit is about?”
“No.” He pushed off the bed, his eyes dark. “I’m here because I miss you, and I fucking hate the idea of you being in any kind of environment where you feel even slightly unsafe or diminished.”
Rory smothered an intense, aching wave of emotion. “You’ve known from the beginning what my career is, Grant. You know far better than most what this industry can be like. As much as I appreciate your concern, you have no right to question my choice of work.”
“I’m just telling you that you deserve better.”
“Did you hear what I said?” Rory snapped. “I told you weeks ago that this is a great job with excellent benefits and potential for advancement. Even if I’m not offered the Principal Engineer position, I’m already on the radar.”
He held up his hands in a gesture of surrender. “I’m not questioning you. You’re right, I do know what this industry can be like, which is only one of the reasons I didn’t want to be part of it.”