You're kind. You're honest. You're a great dad. That's worth more than money. Tell that to my bank account.
I'm serious. She obviously sees something in you or she wouldn't have shown up at your shop yesterday. Don't sabotage this before it even starts. He nodded, trying to believe it. Sophie hugged him on her way out.
Be yourself. Unless you can be funny. Then be funny. Great advice, Sofh. You're welcome.
Now go pick her up and don't be late. They left and Ethan stood in his empty apartment staring at his reflection in the bathroom mirror. The blue shirt was fine. The jeans were clean. His boots were the same ones he always wore because they were the only ones he owned that weren't steeltoed work boots.
This would have to do. His phone buzzed at 155. Vivien, I'm outside. He grabbed his wallet and keys, locked the apartment, and headed downstairs. The Jaguar was parked at the curb, engine purring, and Viven was leaning against the driver's door, wearing jeans and a leather jacket that probably cost more than his truck.
"You're early," he said. "I'm punctual. There's a difference. " She looked him over and he caught the hint of a smile. "You clean up nice. You said to wear something I don't mind getting wet, so I figured this was safe. " "Oh, smart. " She tossed him the keys, and he caught them reflexively.
You're driving? What? No, this is your car and I want to see if you can drive it without breaking down on the side of the road. She walked around to the passenger side. Come on, don't be scared.
I'm not scared. I'm appropriately cautious about driving a vintage car worth more than my annual income. It's insured and I trust you. That hit harder than it should have. Ethan slid into the driver's seat, adjusted the mirrors, and tested the clutch.
The car responded like a dream. Smooth, responsive, perfectly balanced. "Okay," he admitted. "This is amazing. " "I know. Now drive before I change my mind. " He pulled away from the curb, getting a feel for the car's rhythm.
It handled differently than his truck, lighter, more precise. Every input translated directly into motion. "Where am I going? " he asked. "Take I5 north. I'll tell you when to exit. " They drove in comfortable silence, the engine humming beneath them, Seattle's skyline sliding past on their left.
Ethan kept waiting for the awkwardness to set in, for the conversation to dry up, but it never did. Viven navigated from the passenger seat, occasionally pointing out landmarks or telling him stories about board meetings gone wrong. So, there I am, she said, presenting our 5-year expansion plan, and the VP of operations stands up and says, "With all due respect, Ms. Hart, this is exactly the kind of aggressive growth that killed your father. " Ethan winced. Jesus, what did you do?
I asked him if he'd like to tender his resignation right there or wait until after the meeting. He chose right there. She shrugged. Respect is earned, and he hadn't earned it. Remind me never to piss you off.