“That’s exactly what I noticed!” Mitch said with a roar of laughter that shook the room. “I noticed how smart and perceptive she is too!” I couldn’t see what he was doing, but it sounded like he was slapping his leg as he continued to laugh.
“Is it that hard for you to notice anything but a woman’s body, Mitch?” Emmet scolded.
“Hey man, if the good Lord wanted us to hear what they had to say first, he would have stuck our ears right above our noses and our eyes on the sides of our head.” Mitch continued to laugh and push Emmet’s buttons. “So when you’re not admiring her efficiency, do you spend the rest of your time admiring the rest of her?” It was obvious that Mitch enjoyed his comical comments much more than anyone else in the room, but I did hear two beer bottles clank together—likely he and Chase.
“Of course not. She’s my employee, that’s hardly appropriate.”
“Emmet,” Mitch said, “the only women you ever go out with are horribly boring. And, no offense, but most of them aren’t even good looking…like that one with the mustache and the big head. Some of them are barely women. Think about it…hairy big face woman or Annie...hot with a nice—”
“That’s enough, Mitch. You’ve made your point. Right now I’m just looking for company without all the complications. I don’t want any complications. I’m just starting to feel whole again.”
“I hope you aren’t expecting her to make a move, she’s more guarded than you are. She’s hiding something. Did you run her prints?” Chase asked.
Run my prints? What am I some sort of criminal?
“No, but I ran an extensive background check on her. She claimed to be from Michigan, but I couldn’t find any Ann Logan matching her description from Michigan. She barely has a credit history and her work history is sketchy. The last three companies she worked for were out of business. I’m sure that’s why she picked them. Difficult to confirm employment and references. You’re right. She’s hiding something or running, I’m sure of that. She’s been increasingly anxious today. I’m not sure what triggered it. Maybe something I did.”
“So who’s looking into her background further?” Chase asked.
“Nobody,” Emmet said.
“Aren’t you worried…you’ve had some bad luck with help?” Chase continued to inquire.
“Or curious?” Mitch asked.
“Curious, yes, worried, no. She definitely has a story, but she’s not a criminal. I’d rather learn about her from her—not from reading more reports. She’s respecting my privacy and I’ll respect hers. As for crossing professional boundaries…I’d rather not ruin a good thing. She’s comfortable around here. Nothing seems to rattle her; not the reptiles, not Romulus…not even you, Mitch.”
“I bet the hairy women you bring over don’t bother her either,” Mitch said. Mitch made a noise. I couldn’t tell if Emmet elbowed him or threw something at him, but whatever he did Emmet just talked right through it.
“She’s great with the boys, she and Susan get along well, she’s tolerant of Elizabeth, and she’s the first normal personal assistant I’ve had in, well, too long. I’m not blind. I realize she’s beautiful. That’s why I keep my distance. We do spend time alone every evening outside…just the two of us with Romulus…for thirty minutes.”
“You, Annie, and Romulus. How does she resist you?” Chase asked. “And a whole thirty minutes; wow, lucky her.”
“It’s not like that,” he argued. “I’m just trying not to complicate things.”
“Yeah, you keep telling yourself that story…privacy…normal…not complicate things.”
“Guys, I’m not going to date someone who works for me.”
“Well, if you’re sure.”
“I’m more than sure, Mitch.”
“Good. Then you won’t mind if Chase runs her prints off that beer bottle and I ask her out. I think she likes me.”
“Nobody’s running her prints, she doesn’t like you, and of course I’d mind.”
“That’s what I thought. You’re pretty protective over someone who is just an employee…”
I needed to retrieve the empty beer bottles. Even if Emmet insisted, I didn’t trust the others not to run my prints. Quickly I went into the kitchen for the last tray of finger sandwiches before heading back downstairs. Food always distracted men.
“…and that’s really the most important thing about Annie—to me,” Emmet said.
“Did I hear my name?” I said loudly to announce my presence as I walked down the stairs.
“Thought you were going to bed,” Emmet said, a little embarrassed.
“I was, but remembered there was one more tray of food for your guests,” I said with a slight curtsy. “I didn’t want it to go to waste. So what is it you find important about me?” I asked, not sure where my sudden confidence came from. “I’m sure it isn’t my cooking.” I laughed.
“No, it’s your timing,” he mused as he gave a glare to his friends.
Do you play euchre?” Chase asked.
“The card game…yes,” I answered tentatively, amused that he changed the topic of conversation so quickly.
“Have you ever played Around-the-World Mexican Euchre?” Mitch asked.
“No, can‘t say I have.”
“Then let’s play,” Chase said as he took the tray of sandwiches.
“I really just came down to make sure you cavemen were fed…I’m still tired and…” I reached for the empty beer bottles.
Head caveman Mitch suddenly pulled me into his lap and put me in a strong hold. “Come on Nancy, why don’t you stay here and hang with the Neanderthals?” He was completely un-phased with my prehistoric reference. The others just laughed as they set up the game ignoring my initial response. I guess I didn’t have a vote that night. We all took our seats at the table and Mitch reviewed the rules.
“Nancy…I mean Annie, is in the stationary chair. After each hand, we all rotate seats except you. That way we can change partners. If any team is euchred they have to do a shot of tequila. The first person to ten points wins. Any questions?” He asked.
“Um…shot of tequila, huh. I’m not really a drinker and since I’m working tomorrow—”
“Oh, come on Nancy. Are you really that bad of a euchre player?” Mitch asked. I now understood his Nancy reference was his way of calling me a coward. Even though I was keenly aware of what he was doing, I couldn’t back down from the challenge. Besides, it wasn’t like someone was euchred every hand. I could handle one or two shots of tequila if I had to. “You’re on caveman,” I said.
I must have been completely
