Glancing at the time I see that Debra Dillinger is due in another half hour, I've finished up the work I want done before we fly out, skipping lunch to do it. Bad weather has delayed some shipments at the New York Port, causing massive port confusion and customer complaints. Its an easy fix, but our operations supervisor, whom I kept employed after the buyout has decided to resign without giving his two week notice. No doubt from my consistent overseeing and mandatory daily reports.
I will have to find the right person to fill the position, someone I can trust to show up at work to do their job. Marcus Newman is not that man. With a string of excuses and for late reports and his inability to make it to work on time or at all, is growing tiresome. Working from home might've been acceptable to his former employer, however, I took exception. The only thing I'm angry about is that I didn't foresee this happening. The Port doesn't have a lot of turn over, it pays well, has good benefits and is a steady full-time job.
"Do we know anything about Mrs. Dillinger?" I ask, thumbing through the files that Samatha placed on my desk.
I sense her hesitation, "She called us. She wants to be involved. You still want me to look her up?" She questions, confused, but I know this isn't a done deal. Its always good to know what you're walking into. I hate surprises, much like with that slacker idiot, Ben Albertson.
"Yes, I don't want any surprises like with Albertson." I reply, careful to keep my voice calm.
I see her smirk. "You think you've flirted with her before?" She jokes and walks back to my desk to do a little research.
I watch her the whole time. I'm aware that I have feelings for her, even the thought of her flirting with another man has my blood pressure on the rise. She is mine, for now. However, it is still temporary and something I will have to remedy.
I watch as she brings me a piece of paper with a picture on it and I see from where I'm sitting a dark haired woman. She looks like a million other women that I've met. If we have been introduced before I wouldn't be able to remember.
"This is her." She states, distracting me as she leans over and places it on the desk in front of me.
"Anything else?" I question, holding myself back. I find that I require a steady stream of work to keep myself from taking her here at the office, something I know she has an issue with. Which is hard for me, because every time I look at her I want her just as badly as I did the first time.
"She's married to the chief of Police and her birthday is next week." She answers, not being very helpful. "I really don't think you need a full report on her, with the other members already backing us, she wants to do the same. It would make her look bad if she refused the city an influx of jobs. You already own the land, it's purely politics now." She assure's me. However, I'm not really listing nor do I care for more information on Mrs. Dillinger. I just want her to bend over the desk again.
Knowing I need to focus, I look back down to the file, continuing to read through the paperwork.
"Do you need me here when she comes?" I hear her ask.
I glance up. "Why?"
"I was thinking of borrowing Lindsay's car and going to get something to eat, want me to bring you anything?"
"Just order something and have it brought in." I reply, going back to work.
"Forget it." She grumbles, walking back to her desk. I watch her, knowing she wants to get out of the office...No, not without me.
Twenty minutes later there's a soft knock on the door and the new secretary opens it admitting Mrs. Dillinger, which annoys me. Samantha always answers the door. I don't like people walking into my office unless they are admitted. I'll have to tell Samantha to remind her that she is never to open the door. I stand up and watch as Samatha greets the tall brunette.
"Hello, Mrs. Dillinger. I'm Sam Rivers, Mr. Greco's assistant. Can I get you anything before your meeting?" She asks, politely.
"No, thank you." She replies, dismissively as she walks past Samantha, causing me to immediately dislike her. "Mr. Greco, I've heard a lot about you and your plans. I appreciate you taking the time to talk to me about them." She smiles, giving me a thorough appraisal.
I nod and gesture to the chairs in front of my desk, Mrs. Dillinger sits and I start to tell her about the expansion. I explain the impact and the cost of an operation this large. I tell her how the town will benefit and she is all smiles. Even moving her chair closer to the desk and leaning closer to look at the graphs and charts. I hand her the file so she doesn't have to work so hard to see it.
"You look familiar." She states, tilting her head. Obviously, trying to look cute while doing it. Failing miserably, she looks like one of those over fluffed dogs when you try to talk to them.
I raise my eyebrow. "I just have one of those faces I guess." I say, boredom in my voice.
I glance at Samantha, not liking the woman in front of me. Samantha throws up her hands and mouths. "Be nice." And turns back towards her desk. I decide to do as she asks and turn back to the woman in front of me.
"Where are you staying while you're here?" She asks, sounding as if she already knows.
"We're staying at the Westin." I reply.
I watch Samantha as she picks up her phone, quiet as possible and listen in. "Hey, mom. What day do you want us there?"
"I've seen you at the lobby bar." Mrs. Dillinger says, bringing my eyes back to her I see her smiling. She gives a throaty laugh. I nod, thinking it's not particularly funny. Nor do I recall seeing her there.
"Great. See you then. Love you." I hear, Samantha say and watch her end the call.
"Excuse, me." I apologize to Mrs. Dillinger, who is focused on our interaction. Not nearly as invested in the conversation I hold up one finger. "Was that, Sheri?" I call out to Samantha.
"Yes, dinner is tomorrow at 6." She informs me in business like tone.
"Hot date?" Mrs. Dillinger asks, teasing flirtatiously.
"Meeting my fiancé's parents for dinner." I explain, simply.
"Oh, lucky woman. I'm recently married myself." She replies, easily. Looking somewhat disappointed.
"Congratulations." I say, thinking she's lucky she found someone willing to put up with her. I know people and this woman is up to something. Mrs. Dillinger is a calculating person who is only looking out for herself and her best interests.
She laughs. "No need for that. Its been 2 months and I'm finding married life is not for me." She sighs, sadly. When she looks up from beneath her bought eyelashes, I see the invitation in her eyes.
She's trying to bait me. Unfortunately for her, this is not a tactic that will work on me. I don't care why its not working out and I won't ask. I'm not here to be her shoulder to cry on. No, I will not ask her out for a drink to talk about it. I certainly won't be taking her to bed. Judging by her demeanor she expects one, if not all of those things.
"That's why I made sure I was choosing the right one." I tell her, gesturing to Samantha who still has her back to us. I see her posture go ridged, knowing she hears the conversation.
"Would you like to know more about the expansion?" I ask, letting her see my distain for her behavior.
Mrs. Dillinger sits up in the chair, her smile more on the polite side. "No, I think I heard enough. Its a great project and will do the people of the city some good." She states, standing up looking a little uncomfortable.
"I'm happy to hear you think so." I reply, standing as well. I can't bring myself to say, It was nice to meet you.
Samantha walks over to hold the door for Mrs. Dillinger who looks at her with a fake smile, not happy that she didn't get what she came for. Samantha and her impeccable manners never cease to amaze me. She smiles as if nothing happened and shows her out thanking her for her time and interest in the project.
Ignoring Samantha's scowl as she turns to me before walking out with Mrs. Dillinger. I place an order for food, so that we can eat on the plane and put my phone in my jacket pocket. Then I grab my laptop bag and put the files I need in it. Samantha comes back into the office to pack up her things as well. I wait for her to say something about the wonderful Mrs. Dillinger. Knowing it will only be seconds, patience is a virtue...just not one of hers.
"What the heck was that?" She asks, looking lost.
I smirk, I really know this woman. "It seems Mrs. Dillinger is a regular at The Westin's hotel bar." I tell her, amused.
Her hand covers her delicious mouth and drops it again. "No. Was she one of the ones-"
I shrug, not knowing the answer.
"But she's married." She points out, sounding a little appalled on Mr. Dillingers behalf.
I huff. "Unhappily, or so she says."
"After a couple of months. Wow." She replies, sadly.
I nod. "Let's get going."
"I need food." She warns me.
I smile outright. "I took care of it."