Chasing Glory (5 page)

“I beg your pardon?”

He winced. “A side effect of working long hours alone. I have a tendency to talk to myself. I was observing that we fit together nicely. It wasn’t a line or anything.”

She nodded, but leaned back slightly. Maybe she was getting too relaxed with Tal Kingston. He was easy to talk to, smart, very easy on the eyes … Whoa! He was also paying her to help him get close to another woman. Back off, girl. This is not a date.

• •

Glory’s chair had been inserted between Pryce and his father. Tal was sitting across from them, looking hopeful. If she had any diplomatic skills, now was the time to drag them out. She tried to listen and respond to Pryce and tune in to Alyssia’s conversation with Philip Welker at the same time. Right now, they were talking business.

She had barely begun the spinach and pine nut salad with Kingston’s raspberry blueberry vinaigrette, when Pryce leaned in and spoke quietly.

“I’ve only been to Seattle for short visits. It looks like I’ll be setting up new offices here. Can you suggest a good real estate broker? One who handles commercial and residential? I’d value your opinion.”

Where was Catherine when you needed her? Glory thought. She would have been able to answer that in a heartbeat. “I’m afraid I don’t. But I know someone who might. Let me check into it for you.”

Pryce shifted his gaze forward to Alyssia and back to her. “I suppose I could ask Ms. Hartford. To be honest, though, I don’t find her company very stimulating. She’s pleasant, but too businesslike.”

Glory was surprised. “How do you expect the vice president of marketing to act at a business-sponsored function?”

He smiled boyishly. “I’m afraid that sounded rude. Frankness is a habit I’ve picked up living in Europe. I forget it’s not quite as acceptable here. What I meant is, she seems to be business through and through, you know?

“On the other hand, could you arrange for the real estate broker to be beautiful, with a passion for life? Someone who has more color, and flesh on her bones than Ms. Hartford?”

“Absolutely,” Glory said.

When the server brought the next course, she leaned back in time to hear Alyssia tell Philip Welker that she loved to dance and thought the navy and cream Welker logo was very stylish. Those were her favorite colors.

Glory wavered on whether to give Tal this snippet. Alyssia no doubt used flattery as part of her campaign to get prospects to sign contracts. So it was anybody’s guess as to whether either of her assertions was true.

Philip Welker engaged Glory in a conversation about Seattle, then asked how she liked working for Kingston Limited. He was charming and knowledgeable and Glory liked him.

Her attention returned to the pumpkin soup with a dollop of whipped mint sauce. It was one of Kingston’s best sellers.

Yes, indeed. Alyssia knew her business.

Chapter Seven

Junior was annoying. Tal had
no idea he’d be here, much less that he’d monopolize Glory’s time. He couldn’t blame the guy. She was beautiful and intelligent. Plus, as he’d told her, a good sport. Nevertheless, Tal hoped Junior would go back to wherever he came from as soon as the evening ended.

Mrs. Welker asked Tal a question about pineapples, and after answering, he ate his soup and looked at Alyssia. He’d never seen her in anything but a suit. Tonight she was wearing a pretty black dress with shiny beading across the top. Her earrings and matching necklace were ice blue gemstones and complemented her eyes. Still, she seemed too thin and he wondered if her fragile appearance was the result of an eating disorder.

She wasn’t touching her food but seemed animated in her conversation with Philip Welker. Tal smiled. As soon as they were a couple, he’d cook for her and bring out the soft roundness and coloring Glory had.

He slumped. He was doing it again. Letting his thoughts slide from Alyssia, who was his perfect companion, to Glory, who messed with his emotions
and
libido. Maybe choosing her to help him had been a mistake. No, he just had to get back in control of his plan. He would
not
end up like his father.

As he focused on Alyssia, he realized she looked more agitated as the meal progressed. And she was still not eating. When dinner was over, some guests stood and headed for the dance floor, while others chatted in groups. Alyssia excused herself. Glory followed her, starting a conversation.

The VP stopped and spoke, her face a mask of annoyance. Glory stiffened, pressing her lips together, spots of red high on her cheeks.

Curious, Tal approached the two women. Alyssia glanced at him, then stopped speaking to brush past Glory and enter the ladies room.

Glory turned toward him, her gaze not connecting. “I’m sorry Tal, but I’m very tired and I’ve developed a headache. Would it spoil your evening too much if we left now?” She clutched her bag and walked away, not waiting for an answer.

What the heck was going
on?

He followed her, clueless. Glory stopped to ask the attendant for her wrap, her spine stiff. Tal’s experience with comforting women was nil, but he wasn’t stupid. Something unpleasant had transpired. “Hey, what happened?”

She brought up her chin, a weak smile in place. “Just a misunderstanding.”

“Can I help?”

Her smile turned brittle and she shook her head. “It’ll be fine.”

The attendant brought her wrap and Tal glanced back at the party, his aim to spend time with Alyssia unfulfilled. He also wanted to know why Glory was upset.

She put her hand out, palm up. “Oh. You didn’t get your dance. I can wait at least that long.”

That would give him a chance to find out what had gone on. “Great. Thanks.”

She linked her arm with his and maneuvered them toward the others. “Good luck.”

Glory excused herself and headed to the ladies room. Tal saw Alyssia standing with Kingston’s CFO, Jeff Lassiter. He approached. “May I have this dance?”

Her gaze rounded the room, then she shrugged. “Of course.”

Tal’s heartbeat picked up as he took her into his arms. “The Welker account looks like a lock. You did a great job.”

Pale blue eyes regarded him coolly. “They’re giving me their decision tomorrow.” She looked over his shoulder. “Are you here to defend Glory?”

He struggled to give context to her words. “Why would Glory need defending?”

Alyssia brought her gaze back to his. “Didn’t she tell you about our conversation?”

“No,” he said. “She didn’t.”

“This evening was critical to round out Kingston Limited’s index of top accounts. There’s been a lot of pressure. Glory’s presence and interactions were … unexpected.”

Tal considered Alyssia’s answer. It sounded like doublespeak and made him uncomfortable. “By interactions, you mean being professional and courteous?”

Alyssia’s posture tensed. “This event was planned with a certain number of people. People who were chosen to create the right mix to entertain a well-researched future client.”

He blinked at the vitriol in her answer. She acted like he and Glory showed up to undermine the function. “Is that why I wasn’t on the guest list, even though I said I planned to attend?” he asked.

Her face was a blank mask. “An oversight. It was Glory’s
entrance
…”

Tal interrupted her. “You need to understand something. Glory came as my guest. If you have an issue with that, talk to me, not her.”

The mask hardened. “Then I’ll leave understanding the importance of the company organization and where she stands in it, to you. I might also point out the money, time, and energy that went into tonight. As a Kingston, I’m sure you can appreciate the hope that the effort wasn’t spoiled by an unexpected ‘famous’ person. The contract was nearly signed before she arrived.”

Alyssia’s attitude that the other guests were better than Glory, whose arrival had somehow affected the expected closure of the deal, irked Tal. “If Glory’s presence upset the tone of the party, I could see your point,” he said. “But she was gracious and polite, and all three Welkers enjoyed her company. I’m sure they’ll decide in our favor tomorrow.”

Alyssia said nothing, her body language now so ramrod straight Tal felt like he was holding a mannequin. This was definitely not working toward getting her to notice him in a good way. He didn’t know what possessed him to choose Glory’s side over Alyssia’s. Probably because letting her views on Glory stand didn’t feel right.

Tal sighed. His longing for a romantic dance had ended, along with his hope that Alyssia might concede another point of view. “Well, I just wanted to say congratulations.”

The music started to slow, and Alyssia didn’t wait to be escorted off the floor. She murmured “Thank you,” and walked toward Jeff Lassiter.

Tal felt dismissed and let down. Glory had been right about the timing. Unfortunately, neither of them could have guessed that the evening would end with her being blamed for the fact that the contract was still unsigned. Something Tal had no intention of telling Glory since the whole evening was his idea.

He cheered when he saw her waiting for him. She’d read his thoughts about wanting to dance with Alyssia, putting him before her headache. And now he knew why she had that headache.

She smiled. “How’d it go?”

Tal shrugged. “She’s very focused on getting the account.”

“We can stay longer if you like.”

“Yes, please do. I’d like another dance.”

Tal didn’t have to turn around. It was Pryce Welker.

“I’ll leave the decision up to the lady,” Tal said, wanting to return Glory’s favor.

She shook her head. “That’s very nice of you, Pryce. But I asked Tal to take me home because I have a headache. Maybe some other time.”

When Junior squeezed Glory’s hand, Tal’s irritation rose again. “Ready to go?”

Glory smiled at Pryce. “See you soon.”

“Count on it,” he said, nodding at Tal and turning to rejoin the party.

Tal waited until they were out of earshot, then stopped Glory. “What did Welker mean by that?”

She seemed lost in thought. “Hmmm? By what?”

“He said ‘See you soon.’ I thought he was here visiting his parents.”

Glory’s glance went back to the partygoers. “It’s complicated.”

Tal couldn’t explain why it upset him to see the smile that played around her mouth when she talked about Junior. He supposed it had to do with the annoyance he still felt toward Alyssia. He also hadn’t known Glory long, but didn’t want to see her conned by some Romeo. “You’re not falling for that guy’s line, are you?”

She blinked in surprise. “What are you talking about?”

“Will you have a glass of wine with me, downstairs?” he countered.

• •

Glory accepted Tal’s offer. Her headache had been receding since they made plans to leave. Imagine that. They went to the bar and got comfortable. She waited.

“Look,” he said after a few minutes, “Junior seems like a nice guy, and it’s my fault for bringing you, but …”

It dawned on Glory that Tal was trying to protect her. She thought it was sweet. “You mean all that sophistication, good looks and money isn’t mine for the taking?” She put the back of her hand to her forehead, ala
Camille
. “I feel so used.”

Tal sat back and shook his head. “I deserved that. I’m not good at reading signals between men and women. When I’m in some so-called backward culture, everything hangs out there for the world to see. Here? Things are not so simple. Now you understand why I need your help.”

He had loosened his tie, looking more comfortable than he had at any point in the evening. He’d even managed to muss his hair a little. Too bad success with Alyssia would mean eliminating that comfortable look permanently.

Glory shook off her musings at his appearance. She liked his self-deprecating honesty. Alyssia was not only mean; she was stupid not to see that Tal was a great guy. “Alyssia doesn’t know what she’s missing.”

He smiled. “Thanks. I appreciate the pep talk.” He cocked his head. “Tell me about this blog of yours. It sounds great.”

She felt her face warming. “It was small potatoes until a year or so ago when it was mentioned in a German travel magazine. They’d liked the piece I wrote about the long-distance footpaths in the Black Forest. The hits started building from there and I developed a good-sized following in Europe.” Glory sighed. “Haven’t done much traveling lately. Can’t afford it. So, I take three-day weekends and explore the northwest.

She was glad he’d changed the subject. She’d been on the verge of telling him about Alyssia’s accusations that she, Glory, had spoiled the contract deal by “parading in and distracting the prospective clients.”

If they continued doing things Tal’s way, i.e., showing up at company marketing functions, Alyssia made it clear; Glory’s job was in jeopardy. The problem being, Glory not only needed the money, but wanted to help Tal. If only to see how wrong Alyssia was for him. That in itself would be worth taking a few more chances. They would just have to be more careful.

“We can still make this work,” she said, warming to her speech. “Maybe we need to be more subtle. Alyssia is the kind of woman who likes to think something is her idea. What if we changed the way she sees you? Break the pattern?”

The spark in Tal’s eyes came to life as he leaned across the table. “I like it. When do we start?”

For an instant, Glory wanted that spark for herself.
Nope. Take the money and run. Besides, you don’t need the rejection
. She eased back. “Let me work on a few plans. Now, change of subject. Are you busy for lunch tomorrow?”

Tal was perplexed. “Sort of. I usually have lunch with one or two of my staff on Fridays. Keeps me up on what’s happening in the department. Why?”

“Because I’m supposed to have lunch with Pryce, but I need an excuse not to go. Could you show up or call with a made-up emergency around noon? We don’t really have to eat together.”

He didn’t like what he was hearing. “See what I mean about games? Why didn’t you just tell Junior you didn’t want to go to lunch with him instead of saying you’d see him soon? Easier all around.”

Glory tapped the table with a nail, grinning. “I’m hatching a plot that’s going to make two people much happier at my not being available. Are you in or out?”

Tal surrendered. “I guess I’m in as long as everyone gets to be happy.” He grinned. “Including me being happy you’re on my side.”

She raised her glass. “Here’s to our team.”

They did make a good team, he thought. And he’d be sorry when their month was over. Heck, he’d be sorry when the evening was over. Tal sighed inwardly. Getting sidetracked by someone as pretty and fun as Glory was a mistake. He should stick to his original, safe plan. “Shall we go?”

• •

Glory was quiet on the drive back.

“I hope you’re plotting ways to further my chances with Alyssia,” he said as they stopped in front of her house.

Tal got out and opened her car door. “This is a nice neighborhood. Are you buying or renting?”

“Buying,” she said. “My parents bought it in 1970 and rented it out for years. They owned two others and were fixing them up one at a time. This was the last one. My mother was the driving force and decorator. When she was diagnosed with terminal cancer, my father lost heart in the project. Later, when she had passed away, he sold it to me for a very reasonable price. Now, it’s my project.”

She shrugged. “It’s ancient and a money pit. I love it, but it’s an uphill battle.”

“These older places are great,” he said, admiring her taking on a house in a hundred-year-old neighborhood. “I live in a restored brick apartment building on Queen Anne.”

As they walked up to the house, a couple of outside lights came on. Tal stood on the second step down as she opened the screen door. “Thanks again for this evening. Talk to you tomorrow.”

She’d started to open her front door when Tal reached to hold the screen door. “I almost forgot. I wanted to ask you if you think new clothes will help my case with Alyssia? My wardrobe doesn’t have anything in it like on the list of clothes she prefers on men.”

Glory took a step toward him. “That fits …” Her sentence ended abruptly when she caught her heel and fell forward.

Tal grabbed the wrought iron porch railing with one hand and grasped Glory firmly around the waist with the other. She threw out an arm for balance and now had part of her upper torso hard against him. Her ragged intake of breath changed from shock to something far more personal as blue eyes widened with surprise.

Wine. That was it. He’d had two glasses with dinner, then two more in the bar. That’s why his imagination went full tilt.

He set her down and she plastered herself against the house.

“Are you okay?” he asked.

Glory looked down. “Been meaning to get that patched,” she mumbled, pointing to the porch step with a large chip in it. “I’m so sorry.”

For the second time that night, she didn’t wait for his response, but rushed into the house.