Page 85 of A Bossy Roommate
Once everything is signed and the meeting concluded, Eden bids our guests farewell, subtly hinting that she has tasks to complete before her boss grows displeased. Adam and Joe chuckle, clearly charmed by her. They regretfully decline my lunch invitation due to pressing work obligations that require them to return to Phoenix, and I personally walk them down to the lobby myself. I don’t want to risk Huxley or anyone else throwing a curveball on the way out.
“You know, one of the things that really sealed the deal was your assistant,” Joe says as we ride the elevator down.
“How so?” I ask, my curiosity piqued.
“During our interactions in the last few days, she couldn’t stop praising you or the company,” Adam explains. “The way she went out of her way to answer all the questions with a genuine interest in offering us the best possible solution, I would have sworn she had worked here for years. We were surprised when she said she’d been around for a fraction of that.”
“Our father always said, if your assistant thinks the world of you,” Joe adds, “you must be doing something right as a boss.”
“Exactly,” Adam agrees. “So, congrats on hiring her!”
A pleasant sensation spreads through my chest. It’s the second time I’ve felt genuine pride at having Eden as part of my staff. By the sound of things, she weaseled around telling them that she started here less than two weeks ago. It’s comforting to know I have such a savvy assistant on my team.
When I partways with Joe and Adam, I enjoy feeling confident at the outcome of the meeting.
As I walk back into the building, Gwen gets my attention. “Mr. Bancroft?”
“Yes?”
“Your aunt just went up about ten minutes ago.”
My heart stops. “What do you mean my aunt just went up?”
Her smile falters at my tone, and she quickly adjusts her glasses. “Mrs. Toussaint stopped by to see you. I’m sorry, was I not supposed to send her up? In the past, you’ve given your permission.”
Shit. I have to get back to my office fast.
“No, it’s fine, thanks, Gwen.” I make a beeline for the elevator.
Why? Why is my aunt in the office? Is she okay? And why in the world is the damn elevator taking forever today? When I finally arrive, there’s Aunt Eleanor, chatting with Eden at her desk like she hasn’t a care in the world. When she sees me, she smiles brightly.
“Cartie! Sweetheart! How was your meeting?”
I relax.
“Auntie, what are you doing here?”
“I came to take you two to lunch,” she says as though it’s completely obvious, and I should have expected it. “Surprise! I know it is a little early, but you both work so hard, and I was feeling much better, so I thought it would be the perfect time to stretch my legs.”
“You shouldn’t be making the trip all the way here. You know you need to rest.”
“Oh, please, it is not like I walked. Hattie dropped me off after our pedicure. Honestly, Carter, stop worrying so much. You worry way too much, am I right, Eden?”
“Eleanor, why don’t you and I head out to lunch and Carter can join us in a few minutes,” Eden gently suggests, putting her arm around my aunt. “He has a few things he needs to wrap up before he’s ready for his break.”
Just like earlier, Eden has my back. She’s trying her hardest to get my aunt out of the office without everyone seeing the three of us leave together as the “happy family” that we’ve apparently become.
“Oh, excellent idea,” my aunt says to my relief. “But Eden, dearie, didn’t we agree that you call me ‘Auntie’? Did you already forget? Cartie,mon chéri, we’ll meet you at the restaurant. What’s that place you like to go to with your clients?”
“Actually, I saw a wonderful new little bistro on one of my walks,” Eden recommends. “The Sweet Spot. I’ve wanted to try it for days now. How about we go there instead?”
“Love it!”
“I’ll walk you two to the elevator,” I say, holding the door open for them. I’m not about to let my aunt wander out of my sight without at least some form of support—and without making sure that she doesn’t run into anybody and “accidentally” spill the beans about our secret marriage. The last thing I want is to give Huxley any kind of ammunition.
After making a call to Gwen to arrange for a driver, Eden grabs her purse and the two walk arm in arm out of the office lobby. I don’t think anything of it since my aunt is slow-moving, and I know people will assume Eden is being polite. We’re almost home free until we turn the corner, and I notice a small group hanging by the elevators. I recognize Huxley’s assistant Gretchen, and the two other administrative assistants, Lexi and Jaylin.
“Oh, Gretchen!” My aunt beams, dragging Eden to Huxley’s assistant. “Bon jour! How nice to see you again!”