Page 37 of Billionaire's Desire
The bartender serves us our glasses of Merlot and I sip on it as I listen to Max enthusiastically explain the ins and outs of the meeting. It is the first time I have seen him uninhibited and so passionate.
I can see the pride and satisfaction that he takes in his accomplishments.
He talked uninterrupted for about fifteen minutes when he abruptly stopped talking.
“I hope I am not boring you with this.”
What gave him that idea?
I wish he knew the amount of pleasure I get watching him talk about something he is clearly invested in.
“Of course not. No. I want to hear all the details, Max. Tell me everything.”
“Are you sure?” His face flushes scarlet.
“Positive.”
He is tentative as he begins talking again, but a few minutes later, he is back in the world of ROIs and cash back.
When he is done, I beam at him.
“That sounds amazing.”
“You really think so?”
Of course I do.
“Yes Max, I really think so.”
“Good. Good. Some days, I feel like I don’t like what I do, especially when I get overwhelmed, but on days like this, I am so happy that I get to follow my passion.”
“And what is your passion?”
“Making money, Maggie. I like knowing that I am helping turn a profit.”
“I get that.”
“Yeah. And you? What is your passion?”
I take another sip of my Merlot.
He is patiently sipping on his own drink, giving me the time to verbalize my thoughts.
“I do enjoy my job, but my true passion is actually baking. I’ve been saving up to reopen my family bakery that closed a few years ago.”
“Baking? Wow! Maggie, that is fantastic.”
I feel my face flush with excitement. This is also the first time I have voiced my passion in a long time.
“Yeah. It really is. I used to make these fantastic chocolate chip cookies. Poppy would devour them one after the other, not even giving them a minute to cool.”
He smiles at me. “Poppy? Who is Poppy? Your mom’s name?”
I feel all the blood drain from my face.
Since the night began, I have been so caught up with the dancing, and the man, and Max. I almost forgot that Poppy was gone, and his question was a harsh reminder.
My breath becomes rugged.
