Page 64 of Getting Down to Business

She stood next to Grayson away from everyone else and gave him her phone as he handed her, his.

“Pull up the contacts list. Ask your team member about a few random people in their contacts list. Listen to how they describe those people. Can you tell by the other person’s body language and expressions how they truly feel about their contacts? We’re going to take ten minutes, and then we’ll move on to the next thing.”

Grayson was already frowning at her screen.

“What is this? You hardly have anyone in your phone,” he complained.

“You’re in there. Ask me what I think about you.” She wiggled her eyebrows and he moved on.

“Kenley? Didn’t she used to work here?”

“Yes. She’s my best friend.”

“Tell me something personal about her.”

“We complement each other well because she gets too attached to people, and I don’t. When we have an issue, the other person can easily step into the role of devil’s advocate.”

“Did you talk to her about me?”

Alyssa shrugged, and then nodded.

“Is she the reason you’re still living with me?” Another shrug and nod. “I like her. What about Mia?”

“She knows what I’ll say before I say it. It’s creepy.”

“And your mom?”

“I think it’s my turn.”

She scrolled through tons of names. Four passes and she was still only at the letter D.

“What about your dad?” She gave up and took the easy route.

“My dad is great. Very encouraging. He has a wonderful sense of humor and I hope you’ll get to meet him next month at my family’s annual get together.”

She choked on air.

“You’re kidding. You’re inviting me to a family event where I would meet your parents? What part of ‘roommates only’ are you not getting?”

“Trent has met my parents.” He brushed it off. “My dad has taken up cooking since he retired and he thinks he’s good at it. He isn’t, but my mother praises him as if he’s a gourmet chef.” He shook his head and she could see how much he loved his parents.

“My mom is a great cook. Though when I come to visit, she thinks she needs to make all my favorite foods in one meal,” Alyssa shared without knowing why.

“How often do you visit?”

“Not often. I usually send her a ticket to come here.”

“I’m using my skills to see that you do not like to go home. Why not?”

“Bad feelings.” That was all she was willing to say. “But not about my mom. She’s a hard worker and so strong. I know she would be there for me no matter what. She’s already proven that.” Grayson tilted his head and opened his mouth to ask something else when Randy saved her.

“Okay everyone. Give the phones back. Next thing. Scroll through your photos and pick one to show your partner. Tell them about it. Partners, listen and watch that body language. See if you can see what the other person is feeling.”

“For the love of God, please make it stop.” Alyssa hung her head as Grayson scrolled through his pictures.

“This one.” He held out a selfie of the two of them in bed together. She was sleeping on his chest.

“Is that drool?” She gasped, and reached for his phone, but he snatched it away.