Page 55 of Indescribable Love
“She went back to the hotel two hours ago.”
Disappointment hit him hard. “Oh.”
They stood there in silence and he was about to take out his phone and text Nikki when Gage surprised him.
“I like her,” he said, and it was the first time Gage had ever initiated a dialogue. “She doesn’t take any shit from anyone.”
Simon stood in a bit of slack-jawed shock for a long moment.
“She brings a good energy,” he added before giving the hint of a smile. “And I can understand why you like her.”
Now he was fairly certain his jaw was on the floor. “I don’t…I mean…how did you…?”
Gage shrugged. “It was obvious when the two of you stepped off the plane this morning. You stayed close to her, your hand rested on her lower back as you walked, and you watch her.” Another shrug. “It’s my job to pay attention to tiny details like body language.”
“Wow.”
“No disrespect, Simon,” he said, but didn’t seem the least bit fazed by the bombshell he’d essentially dropped.
But since they were having this discussion…
“I do like her,” he admitted. “A lot. Probably more than I should. I don’t mind people knowing, but she does. She claims it’s not a good time because of the documentary.”
“She’s right,” Gage said firmly. “We’re all tight here. Everyone on your team is like a family. This film crew? Not so much. Give them only what you want because you never know how they’ll take a little bit of personal information and twist it.”
Shaking his head, he still couldn’t believe they were having this conversation. “You realize this is the most you’ve ever talked to me in one conversation, right?”
“It’s important.”
“Thank you. I appreciate your honesty. And for looking out for me.”
“It’s my job.”
Well, that took a little of the shine off the whole thing.
“But you’re more than just a client, Simon. I’ve always appreciated how you take the time to talk to me, even when I don’t say much back. Or how you remember some of the little things I say and how you ask about my family. You’re good people, and you deserve to be happy.”
“Thanks, Gage.”
“And it seems like Juliette makes you happy.”
“How can you tell? You’ve barely seen us together.”
“This afternoon when everyone came up to your suite? I noticed. And when we arrived here at the stadium and you were showing her around? I noticed. Like I said, I can’t help but pay attention to the details that most people would miss.”
Sighing, Simon wasn’t sure what to say to that. “I should probably text Nikki so we can go. I’d love to grab some dinner, hopefully with Juliette if she’ll let me.”
Frowning, Gage asked, “Why wouldn’t she let you?”
“Like I said, she’s afraid for anyone to know about us. If we spend too much time alone together, she fears people will talk. And even though I don’t agree, I have to respect her feelings.” And with that, he pulled out his phone to let Nikki know he was done and ready to head back to the hotel. She came walking through the door ten minutes later and then the three of them went out to the car.
“You guys sounded great!” Nikki said.
“Thanks.”
“Do you want to eat in one of the restaurants, or do you want room service?”
He shrugged. “I don’t know. What about you?”