Page 53 of The Attercop

“Depends on what they’re asking for on the day,” Charlie replied. “Python and JavaScript. C+ for the boring corporate jobs. This week it’s been a combination of Swift and Scala. What do you prefer?”

Jules stared at them open-mouthed.

“R and MATLAB. I work mainly on data analytics,” Abela responded.

“Cool,” was all he said before turning to Jules. “We should be heading out if we’re going to get there on time.”

“Sure.” Jules grabbed her bag. “See ya,” she said to her friend.

Abela winked. “Don’t misbehave too badly. And if Jules proves to be really boring, give me a call.”

Charlie felt his cheeks get hot. “Sure.” The attention made him feel awkward.

Once Charlie and Jules reached the parking lot, she asked, “How did you know all that computer stuff?”

“Because that’s what I studied at university.”

Jules got a sly grin on her face. “I think Abela likes you.”

“Obviously, she doesn’t know I’m your security detail.”

“I didn’t breathe a word. At least now we know you can pass as one of my boyfriends.”

Charlie wasn’t sure this was a compliment. “Here we are,” he said pointing to his bright red Dodge Challenger.

Her eyes bugged out. “Thisisyourcar?”

“Yeah.”

“I figured you’d drive an old Ford Tempo or something.”

“Oh,please,” was all he said before opening the door for her, then walking over to the driver’s side and getting in.

Jules looked at him. “You are way cooler than I thought you’d be. I can’t imagine what that hot boss of yours drives.”

“You’d be surprised,” he said. “Now, where are we going?”

“The Den & Black at the university. You know it?”

“Yup, I know it.”

Charlie peeled out of the parking lot.

“So…about your boss,” Jules said. “I’m a pretty good judge of people—”

“That’s not the impression your dad’s emails gave me.”

Jules frowned. “Oh, I know all about the people I hang out with. Daddy just doesn’t like the same type of people I like. Now, getting back to Declan Hunt…and you. There’s more there than a business partnership, isn’t there?”

“Thatis none of your business.”

“So, I’m right, aren’t I?”

“Let’s talk about something else,” Charlie said.

“Sure.” Jules continued talking nonstop about her friend Abela, who it turned out was from Iceland. “Right about now, she’ll be talking to all of our friends about my date for the night. I’ll get bonus points if I hook up with you later.”

“Did you tell her that you’re paying for me?” Charlie asked.