Page 113 of The Protection Agreement

Bruce, Ice, and I arrived in Vegas and checked into our rooms. Bruce wanted me to cancel the trip, and I had to convince him that I was better and could really use the time away. Plus, this is my birthday present. He then requested that I do not tell Jonah about the conference and the trip to Vegas because he is working on something. I agreed and kept that information to myself.

The last two weeks, I have been working from home. Bruce has refused to let me go to the office. Julian accepted it since I was still working and getting a lot done with all the analysis.

Ice dislikes that I work long hours. I take a break once in a while and go to the ice cream store or the bookstore. Smith stays with me sometimes so Ice can take a break.

Anne, MAK, and Dele visited with their husbands and children. It was amazing to have a full house. I loved every minute of the noise and chaos. They brought dishes, and Chef was happy to keep cooking. Growing up as an only child was always too quiet, and being surrounded by this many people, with laughter and joy, is just amazing.

The ladies and I got to talk more. They understand that I cannot go shopping or on any outings with them anytime soon, but they have promised to keep me updated in our chat about everything.

Now, in this beautiful suite in Vegas, I am pumped with excitement. Ice is worried, but he knows my excitement is about the four day conference. Bruce bought a ticket for Ice so he can sit with me throughout the conference. Ice knows he is going to be bored out of his mind with all the data science talk, but I think he is getting used to it, hanging around me all day when I am working. He has nicknamed me the coolest science nerd. He even ordered me a t shirt. He says I get all cool and nerdy when I drill down into data and data mining, which most times goes over his head. But he has learned to nod like he understands and keeps me talking.

On the first day of the conference, we arrived early to pick up our badges and folders on the talks, stands, and all the cool stuff. We were moving towards a stand when I heard someone calling out, “Jola.” I hear my name and make a slow turn. Not many people call me Jola. My eyes meet the familiar chocolate brown eyes of Jonathan, my ex boyfriend.

He tries to move toward me, and Ice blocks him fast, which shocks him.

“He’s fine, Ice,” I say.

“We used to date,” Jonathan offers dryly. That just makes Ice’s frown deepen.

“How are you doing, Jola? It’s so nice to see you,” he says, keeping a careful eye on Ice.

“It’s good to see you too. I didn’t know you would be here.”

“I decided last minute to come.” He shrugs. “I heard about your dad. I’m so sorry,” he says sincerely.

“Thank you.”

“I tried to call you, but your line was disconnected,” he continues.

“Yeah, I moved to London for a while. I just came for the conference,” I lie to him. He is not safe around me.

“What talks are you sitting in on?”

I quickly show him my checklist and ignore Ice’s frown and the way his eyes bore into me with a clear message that the boss will not like this.

“We will be at opposite ends. How about lunch tomorrow after the second talk?”

“Sounds good. I will meet you right here,” I say, and he smiles.

“See you tomorrow, Jola. It’s really great seeing you,” he says.

“Likewise,” I reply and turn to leave with Ice.

“Who is that guy?” Ice asks the moment we are out of earshot.

“My ex boyfriend. I broke up with him when my dad fell sick.” I state

He nods.

“Are you really planning to have lunch with him?” He queries

“Yes, I am,” I answer in a chirpy tone.

“Boss wouldn’t like it,” Ice says grumpily.

“It’s just lunch. Jonathan is very good at what he does, and I like him. He is a good guy.”

“Doubt boss cares about that.” He dryly states