Chapter 10: Under the Surface

10

Ethan is actually a pretty decent guy.

He upgraded my and secretary Linda’s economy tickets to first class.

After these days working with him, it’s clear Ethan is a good boss.

Doesn’t say much, focuses on work, not people.

Always gets straight to the point.

Way better than the old Mr. Walker.

Ever since Ethan took over, my work’s been a lot smoother.

So I value this job even more.

This business trip was to negotiate a partnership.

The early stages went smoothly, but when it came time to sign, the other side started playing hard to get.

At dinner, their manager kept toasting me.

I was about to force myself to drink, but Ethan stopped me.

“Manager Lewis, I’ll drink with you.”

No way.

I picked up my glass to drink, but Ethan firmly stopped me.

My heart fluttered—a weird, grateful kind of tickle.

After dinner, I helped Ethan back to the hotel.

His eyes were dazed, hanging on me, grumbling: “Jerk.”

“Who are you cursing?”

“That Lewis.”

“If Mr. Graham didn’t care so much about this partnership, I’d have thrown the drink in his face.”

I was puzzled: “Who’s Mr. Graham?”

The person hanging on me didn’t answer—he’d already fallen asleep.

There was something about watching Ethan, always so put together, slur his words that made him feel suddenly human. I half-expected him to start quoting business books in his sleep. Instead, he just snored softly, his arm flung across my shoulders.