Page 78 of The October Arrangement

“My point is, I’m not asking you to walk in there and tell my architects how to build an apartment. I’m asking you to show my people how you’d make someone want to live in one.”

“I’ve never presented something like this to a room full of people before, especially executives.”

“I know.”

“What if I freeze or fumble my words and sound like an idiot?”

“You won’t,” he said.

“I will. I can already feel it.”

“Then you’ll look at me.”

“And what will you do?” I asked.

“Nothing.” He smiled. “Just seeing me sitting there will calm you down.”

“You are so full of yourself.” I cocked my head.

“What? It will. Look at me.” He held out his arms. “Everything about me screams relax.”

I laughed and playfully smacked his chest. “You’re an idiot.”

“Maybe. But I can tell you’re a little calmer.”

I walked over and grabbed my purse. “If we’re doing this, let’s go before I change my mind. But I have one condition first.”

“And what’s that?” he asked.

“I need Starbucks first.”

“We have coffee at the office,” he said.

“I don’t need coffee.”

“What do you need?” His brows furrowed.

“A pumpkin spice latte.”

“You’re seriously going to make us late for a pumpkin drink?”

“Latte,” I said.

“Whatever,” he sighed.

“And we’re not going to be late. There’s a Starbucks two blocks from your office.”

“There are probably twelve Starbucks two blocks from my office,” he said as we stepped into the elevator.

“Exactly. Problem solved.” I grinned. “I need it.”

“You don’t need it,” he said.

“Excuse me. It’s my emotional support beverage.”

“Jesus Christ.” The elevator doors opened, and we stepped into the lobby.

“Don’t judge me. You’re about to put me in front of your father and a room full of Montclair employees and ask me to tell them their marketing sucks.”