Page 41 of Keep Paris

I flop back into my chair and sip a very cold cup of coffee. Seriously, who the hell let Monica go away? The devil has a point, though.

She asks, “Are you there?”

“Here. Sorry, struggling with cold coffee because my admin had to go to the theater.”

“Culture never hurt anyone.”

“It’s hurting me in this war.”

“I’ll send some air support.”

I ask, “Are you always this quick?”

“Yes, I make sure to speak like I’m in a Billy Wilder movie at all times. It’s exhausting, but in the end, it’s worth it,” she quips.

I pace around my office and stare at Dax. He cocks an eyebrow and I point to the targets with the harpy’s name and back to the phone.

I say, “I’ll brush up on my snappy comebacks and screwball comedy banter.”

“No need, you won’t be around long enough.” Again, ruining our vibe with digging at me.

“Christ, woman.” She laughs and I scrub a hand over my stubbly face.

“No, just Bette.”

She’s so fucking quick.

“What’s the reason for this maddening phone call that’s accomplished next to nothing?” I say, ready to throw my phone across the room.

“Next to nothing?” She quips.

“I’m now aware you talk in circles.” I’m exasperated trying to keep up with her.

“Also, your intern mentioned her name is Leslie, and she goes by Lee.”

I grunt into the phone. “She told you about my date? What the fuck is with this one?”

“No clue. I think she thought I was your assistant.”

“Aren’t you?”

She growls and I like it.

“Was it your next pitch you needed an assist on? Sorry, I’m booked.” Too fucking quick. No one is this smart.

I fire back, “Do you go home and practice patter at night?”

She doesn’t hesitate. “When I’m not busy creating work superior to yours.”

“Now, we’re getting personal. You know as well as I do your work is good, but ours is great.”

The banter stops cold. There’s too much silence. I overstepped.

“This was a stupid idea to call you. Never mind. This was hopeless. Have a lovely evening with Lee.” The phone goes dead.

I yell as the interns enter Dax’s office. “She fucking hung up on me! What the fuck was that? She called to taunt me, mock my dating life, and then she hung up.”

Dax enters and leans against the doorframe. “Sounds as if she’s accomplished her goal.”