our team or does he have an ulterior motive? If it weren’t for Elaine and Leena I probably wouldn’t be this distrusting. But in business, you have to be so careful. Careful about other people’s intentions and what they are aiming for… “You’re welcome. Like I said, just want to start off on a good foot with you.” He pushes back his chair and stands. He is like a giant in my small office. I stand as well. “Maybe we can get together over lunch and discuss some other things I was thinking about?” He taps my desk. I eye his fingers. They are large. Like the rest of him. My eyes trail from his hand up to his face. His stare is on me. His gaze is not the same one Javier would give me or even Elaine for that matter. I’m not sure how to handle this. I would like to hear his other ideas, but a work lunch? Maybe if I bring along the other members of the team? To keep things professional. “Let’s see how the meeting goes.” I smile. Trent nods and opens the office door. “As you wish.” He shuts the door behind him. Did he seriously just quote from The Princess Bride ? I frown. Something feels a little off, but I push it aside. Trent is probably just trying to be helpful. I scan the documents a few more times before gathering them along with my pen and highlighters and make my way into the office meeting room. *** I let out a deep sigh. I did it. My first meeting as a manager. It went well. I was concerned about any questions my team might have, but it wasn’t nearly as intimidating as I had imagined it would be. Trent offered a few things but in no way took over and I have to say I was a little surprised that he didn’t. I was hesitant to even use his stats for fear he would make a big deal about it and with Javier on the phone that would not be great. Yet, he was silent. As soon as the meeting was over I made my way to my office only to find Trent at my door. “I thought that went really great.” His eyes twinkle at me as if we share a secret. Maybe he thought he was part of the meeting going so well? I need to squash any of those notions. I do think Trent will be an asset on our team, but not as a leader. That’s my job. “Yes, thanks again for the notes.” I smile my most professional smile. “It’s noon, how about lunch?” Trent stares down at me. My chest rises. “Um, sadly I need to make a few phone calls. I can’t leave right now.” “All right, message me when you’re ready. I’ll meet you at the elevator.” Trent smiles at me and turns on his heel to head back to his cubicle. I fall into my office. Not that I’m not flattered if he is interested in me in more than just a professional way, but I’m not interested in the least. My heart is woven tightly to Jack’s. If there is something to Trent’s attentions I need to nip it in the bud. I’m apprehensive about any external meeting with Trent. He basically ignored my no and now thinks I’m going to meet him for lunch. Was I clear enough? Maybe not. I shake my head. I need to get the upper hand in this situation. At my desk, I pull out my cell phone. There are several text messages. I quickly go through them to see one important one, from Megan. “Aurora’s in labor.” Wow. My brother’s wife is in labor right now. She is having twins. They already have two other children, Winter and River. My sweet niece and nephew. I’ll have to change my weekend plans. I had planned to go and visit Jack. But now, I’ll have to fly to California instead. I tap on Megan’s number and wait for her to pick up. “Hey Lauren, did you get my text?” “Yes, has she had the babies yet?” I purse my lips, waiting for her answer. “No, apparently she has been in labor for the last few days, but refuses to use medicine.” I roll my eyes. This is not a surprise. Aurora is very green and into holistic herbs and doing things the natural way. If it were me, I think I would have whatever pain medications they offered me as I