Page 84 of A Barista's Guide to Love & Larceny
She didn’t have a chance to decline. His hand was already planted like a flag on the small of her back, steering her away from Silva and McKenna and toward the closest bar.
“I know it seems strange that no one is paying attention yet,”he said as they moved through the crowd, “but this is the accepted order of things. Those people you see watching are angel investors—people with lots of money to burn who want a pet project that might make them lots more money to burn. I was one of those mid-list presenters, once, and thanks to my angels, I am now presenting only third to last.”
“That’s impressive,” she said as they joined the line for the bar.
“And yet you have never heard of me.”
“No,” she admitted. “Not before tonight.”
“Then how impressed can you really be? Come, I am only teasing,” he said at her stricken look. She had the distinct impression he was flirting with her, and she had no idea how to react. “I know how this seems to outsiders. And I am only here because I believe so strongly in my institute.” Her presence was bringing out his insecurities, apparently—they were the color of clover. “You have to play the game to win the game, no?”
“That’s what they say,” she agreed, because she figured she was supposed to. They were at the bar now, the bartender asking them for their order—but before she could request another soda, Dr. Virtanen had already ordered himself a whiskey on the rocks and her a glass of Chardonnay. She took it, not wanting to be rude, but she planned to abandon it as soon as she could; it tasted like corn.
“What is it that you study, Dani?” Dr. Virtanen asked, sipping his whiskey and puckering his lips. “Beatrice mentioned you were in her introductory class.”
“Oh, um,” Dani said. It took her a second to realize that Beatrice must be Silva’s first name—she’d never actually known that until just now. “I’m an oracular studies major. Or hoping to be.”
“Such a fascinating course of study. I’m useless at divination myself.” He waved at someone across the hall, suddenly distractedfrom his current line of inquiry. “Your professor said you are interested in the OneiroLabs presentation, yes?”
“I mean, yes, for my article—”
“Then you’re in luck,” he said, “because I’m about to get you an exclusive from the CEO himself.”
Before Dani could fully understand what was happening, Dr. Virtanen’s hand was on her back again, and he was leading her farther away from McKenna and Silva, from safety.
Babe, McKenna thought to her.Want me to come rescue you? I need to step out soon, but I can make a stop on the way.
Dani couldn’t seem to formulate a thought back. She was too overwhelmed by how quickly they were moving, the lights and colors and noises barraging her from all sides as Dr. Virtanen navigated them toward the entrance, which had become congested with the fashionably late.
“It may take us a minute to get to him,” Dr. Virtanen said. “Mr. Gianakos is always highly in demand at these sorts of things. But we are quite good friends, and I’m sure he’ll be happy to give you a quote for your article.”
“Oh, but I don’t—”
Her protest died on her lips as he pushed her through the crowd, people gliding apart as they recognized him. Then there Dr. Rodriguez was, gorgeous in an orchid-colored sheath, and beside her the man who could only be Mr. Gianakos, CEO of OneiroLabs. He was laughing and shaking hands like a gracious descendant of royalty. The two bodyguards looming behind him confirmed his VIP status, while his dark hair, hooked nose, and slightly bucktoothed smile were proof enough that he was Kass’s father.
“Luke,” Dr. Virtanen called, mercifully removing his hand from Dani’s back to offer it to Mr. Gianakos for a congenial, manly clasp.
“Aaron,” said Kass’s dad. “Good to see you, as always—especially in my neck of the woods.” The two men shared a laugh.
Dani used the moment to get her bearings and to say through the shell:OneiroLabs is here. I’m talking to the CEO and Dr. Rodriguez.
She was painfully aware of the latter’s eyes trained on her, and forced herself to give Dr. Rodriguez a polite smile, which was not returned.
Are they going on soon?Oliver asked.
We’re on the third of twelve presenters, Silva answered.We have about thirty more minutes before their turn.
Understood, Katya said.
Dani, so far, was not doing a good job of reporting the timing to her teammates. She didn’t have a chance to fret about this, though, because right then Mr. Gianakos was saying, “And who is this lovely young lady?”
“Dani,” Dr. Virtanen and Dr. Rodriguez said at the same time.
“Oh, then you are already acquainted?” Dr. Virtanen said. He sounded a bit petulant about it.
“Of course,” Dr. Rodriguez said. “She’s writing an article about the gala and our company. She came for a tour of our facility a few weeks ago. She’s a tenacious little journalist,” she added, and Dani didn’t miss the razor’s edge to her tone. “This is my father and the head of OneiroLabs, Lukas Gianakos.”
“It’s very nice to meet you,” Dani said, feeling small. Gods, he looked like Kass. So did Dr. Rodriguez, now that she’d put it all together—it was incredible that she hadn’t placed the resemblance from the very start.
