Page 75 of Ricardo

He rises as we approach.

“Ricardo,” Valecourt says, extending a hand. “I wondered what would drag you out here in the middle of a workday.”

I take his hand. His grip is damp from the glass.

“Business.”

“So I assumed.” His gaze moves to Julia. “And you brought someone to carry the papers.”

Julia inclines her head.

“Julia O’Brien,” she says. “I work in Mr. Conti’s office.”

Valecourt’s gaze lingers for a moment longer than courtesy permits.

“Of course.”

She opens her bag, removes the file, and lays it neatly on the table. “This is the consent for the licensing transfer. Your office confirmed you were available to review and execute it today.”

“Of course,” he says. “You can just leave those with me, sweetheart. Why don't you take a seat? What's your poison?”

Julia’s smile does not move.

“Thank you, but I’m working.”

Valecourt’s smile widens as if she has said something charming.

“Everyone here is working in one way or another.”

Julia rests her fingertips on the edge of the file. “Then I’ll be brief. The signature page is marked.”

Valecourt blinks once, then laughs as if she has made a joke for his benefit.

He sits back down and picks up his drink, not bothering to look at the paperwork. “I think this can wait a few minutes, don't you?”

“Your office confirmed you were comfortable signing today,” Julia says.

“Are you in a hurry, Julia?” he asks.

I don't like the way he says her name.

“I have time to review the document before you sign,” she says pleasantly.

Valecourt’s eyes lower to the file, then return to her face with indulgent amusement. “Efficient one, aren’t you?”

Julia’s smile remains pleasant. “When the situation requires it.”

I manage to keep a straight face at that one.

Valecourt settles deeper into his chair instead of reaching for the file.

“And what situation is that?”

“One where Mr. Conti needs an executed consent returned today, and your counsel has already reviewed it and confirmed you were prepared to sign.”

“My office is very generous with my time.”

Julia’s expression stays smooth. “Then I’ll try not to abuse it.”