I'm Barrett. The board lunch was over, and my hand was still on Lacey's back.
I should have moved it. I didn't.
A silver-haired board member stopped us by the elevator.
She asked how long a cake jar lasted. Lacey didn't look at me.
Lacey: Long enough for a bad week. Not long enough to forget it.
The woman laughed, surprised. Lacey stood taller.
Lacey: My grandmother said cake should survive a trip. I make sure it does.
Gavin stepped in with his coffee cup and that slick smile.
Gavin: Careful, Barrett. She gets ambitious when people clap.
Lacey: Better ambitious than expensive wallpaper. At least I make something.
Gavin's smile thinned. I wanted to break his perfect teeth.
Bianca: How charming. A wife who works with her hands.
Lacey: And a fiancée who works a room. We all have skills.
Barrett: My wife has a meeting. Gavin, don't you have a desk?
I put my hand on her back and turned her toward the elevator.
Gavin's ears went red. I kept my hand where it was.
Lacey: You didn't have to do that.
Barrett: Yes, I did.
Lacey: I had it. D(Barrett): I know. That's not why I did it.
Lacey: Did I ruin it? The board?
Barrett: You made them listen. That's harder.
She let out a breath and stood taller. I wanted to touch her face. I didn't.
Nadia was in my office with her tablet and her glasses low on her nose.
Nadia: The board lunch ran long. I heard your wife made Gavin look small.
Barrett: She didn't need me.
Nadia: That bothers you.
Barrett: It should. It doesn't.
Nadia: The contract is clear. One year. Public appearances. Separate rooms.
Barrett: The marriage contract stays.
Nadia: I didn't ask.
Nadia: The board liked her. That's good for the trust.
Barrett: It's not the board I'm thinking about.
I was thinking about Gavin's face when she said wallpaper.
Nadia: You're watching her like she's yours.
Barrett: She is my wife.
Nadia: That's not what I said.
Barrett: I won't let her go.
Nadia: That's not in the contract.
Barrett: Then add it.
Nadia looked at me over her glasses and wrote nothing.
Through the glass, Lacey was showing the board member something on her phone.
Lacey laughed. Not her nervous laugh. The real one.
Nadia: And if she wants out?
Barrett: She won't.
I said the contract stays. I meant she stays.
Through the glass, Lacey laughed again.