Page 7 of Desk & Deception
“Sorry I’m late.”
Ryder waved off my apology. “You’re right on time, man. The rest of us only beat you up here by a few minutes, that’s all.”
Kaylee lit up when he turned toward the table again. “Ryder, you have to tell us the story about the stunt gone wrong on your last set. I’ve been dying to hear what actually happened.”
Ryder launched into the tale with dramatic flair that had helped the actor make a name for himself in Hollywood, along with his good looks. Kaylee hung on every word, laughing at all the right moments. I watched the interaction as I took my seat and ordered a drink. She was sociable, quick-witted, and unafraid to engage. Exactly the kind of energy clients responded to.
Ryder tilted his chin toward me. “This guy right here made the whole deal painless. I owe you big time, man.”
“Only because the studio wanted you badly enough to concede on just about every important point.” I smiled, quickly settling into the rhythm of the lunch.
This was my world. Closing massive contracts, keeping high-maintenance clients happy, and steering conversations exactly where they needed to go.
Kaylee caught my eye across the table and gave me a quick, conspiratorial wink before returning her attention to Ryder.
The conversation flowed easily around an expensive family-style meal and even more expensive wine.
Ahi tuna tartare, caviar bites, and mushroom truffle appetizers followed by branzino and wagyu steak for the mains, and the best brussels sprouts I’d ever eaten. All served alongside bottles of excellent wine that Ryder kept ordering. The conversation flowed easily between deal talk and Hollywood war stories. Ryder had us all laughing with tales from his last film set, where the stunt coordinator nearly quit after Ryder kept improvising dangerous jumps.
Marcus was quiet, but Kaylee laughed at all the right moments, asked intelligent questions, and charmed everyone at the table. Her energy kept things lively, and I had to admit she was excellent at this part of the job.
We were waiting for dessert when Kaylee leaned forward. “Ryder, would you mind taking a quick selfie? I normallywouldn’t ask, but my friends will absolutely die if I get a picture with you. They’re huge fans.”
He tilted his head with a quirked brow. “Only them?”
“Oh, me too. Obviously.” Her cheeks turned pink. “But I’ll understand if I’m overstepping.”
“Not at all.” Ryder flashed her a smile and stood. “Let’s do it.”
They stepped a few feet away from the table, posing near the shelves of books lining one wall. Kaylee held her phone up, angling it perfectly while Ryder threw an arm around her shoulders. They took a couple of shots, laughing the whole time.
When they finished, Kaylee came back around the table toward her seat between Marcus and me. As she pulled her chair out, one of the legs tangled with mine. The chair scraped loudly against the stone floor.
I stood quickly. “Here, let me fix that.”
I adjusted both chairs, making sure they were properly spaced again. Kaylee smiled up at me. “Thanks, boss.”
“No problem.”
“Hey, as long as you’re already standing and I’m taking pictures”—she wiggled her phone—“can I get one with you too? I never would’ve been invited to this incredible lunch if I wasn’t on your team.”
I hesitated as Lila’s face flashed through my mind. Then I pushed the thought away. It was a team lunch, not a big deal. “Sure.”
She positioned herself beside me, and I placed one hand on the back of her chair to steady myself, being careful to make sure I wasn’t actually touching her. She held the phone up high, angling it downward for the most flattering shot, just like she’d done for her selfie with Ryder.
“Smile!”
I gave a professional smile as the camera clicked a few times. She checked the screen, nodded happily, and slipped back into her seat. “Perfect.”
After we indulged in chocolate bread pudding, lunch wrapped up on a high note. Ryder was clearly thrilled with how everything had come together, clapping me on the back again and telling the whole table that this deal felt like the start of something big.
The final terms we’d negotiated were even stronger than the original draft, and the energy in the room was electric.
I said my goodbyes to Ryder’s team and then turned to Marcus and Kaylee. “Great work, both of you.”
Kaylee’s smile widened. “Thanks, this was so much fun.”
Marcus nodded. “I can’t believe Ryder included us in the invitation.”
