Page 5 of The Perfect Secret
Hannah stared at her computer as she put together the third round of media contacts for the client, based on the latest non-news news angle. This was ridiculous. Unless they had something earth shattering to report, few of her client’s target media wanted to cover a personnel appointment, even when the person was the CEO of a corporation. And those who did didn’t want to run huge articles on him—at most, they’d get a blurb on the business page. At least not without an interesting hook, which she was unable to produce at present.
Her phone rang and she grabbed it. “Hannah Cohen.”
A throat cleared on the other end. “Hannah. This is Dan Rothberg. We had lunch together today.”
Until she heard his voice, she hadn’t realized she’d hoped he’d figure out a way to call. Her pulse raced and her neck heated. “Hi, Dan. Don’t tell me, you’re calling to gloat about the mustard.” Because why else would he call?
A deep rumbling chuckle sounded on the other end. “Not this time.”
This time. She smiled. “Well, that’s a relief.” Adam flashed in her mind. She grimaced as she thought about the reasons he’d call.
“I wondered if you’d like to go for a real lunch sometime. One without hot-dog vendors or wayward mustard.”
Her stomach flipped, sank, and flipped again. He wasn’t like Adam, was he? “Yeah, I would.”
“Any chance you’re free Monday?”
She opened the calendar app on her phone. “Wait, let me double check…” She had three deadlines and a nail appointment, but maybe she could work ahead. “Yes, I’m free.”
“Excellent. What are your thoughts about Italian?”
Not innovative, but safe for a first meal with someone. “Love it.”
“Okay, how about Piccolo Café on Madison between 37th and 38th. It shouldn’t be too far from you.”
She’d been there a couple of months ago when she and her best friend, Aviva, moved from the Jersey City office to the Manhattan one. The place had been full of hipsters with bad acoustics and squished together tables. Not great for conversations, but maybe he didn’t know about the atmosphere. He was considerate, trying to make their lunch convenient for her. “No, it’s not far. I know it well. They make a great fettuccini a la Bolognese.”
“I’ll meet you there at noon.”
She mentally crossed off her manicure while rearranging her to-do list, hung up the phone and stared out the window. He’d spent time figuring out how to get in touch with her and put effort into finding a convenient place for her. She hugged herself as a warm glow suffused her.
Dan intrigued her. She wasn’t sure what it was about him, but she didn’t think he was good at the dating scene. Maybe it wasn’t a “scene” for him, which was refreshing. Unlike most of the other guys she’d dated. Unlike Adam. Thinking about him put a damper on her mood. She shook her head to change the direction of her thoughts. She’d much rather think about Dan.
Hannah stopped by Aviva’s office. “You ready to go?”
With a jump, Aviva turned around. “It’s six o’clock already? I haven’t gotten half of what I wanted to finish done. Ugh.” She pushed away from her desk, picked up her purse, and followed Hannah out of the building.
The autumn breeze was chilly, especially with the sun low in the sky and blocked by buildings. Hannah shivered and rubbed her arms as they walked to the PATH station.
“Jacob and I are going to skate in Central Park this weekend, maybe see a movie as well. Want to join us?”
Hannah took a deep breath, stopped, and faced her friend as the PATH train whizzed toward Hoboken. “I appreciate how often you invite me to join the two of you, but I don’t like to play the third wheel. Plus, I may have to work.”
Aviva’s face scrunched. Hannah knew she’d hurt her. She bit her lip.
“You’re not a third wheel. You’re my best friend. And I don’t want to leave you out because I have a boyfriend and you don’t at the moment.”
Hannah gave her a hug. “You are the most accepting friend I’ve ever had. Inviting me along sometimes is fine. But don’t be surprised if I don’t come along all the time. It’s painful sometimes. Doesn’t Jacob mind?”
“Well…”
Hannah flashed a shrewd look at Aviva. “See?”
“Okay, I get your point. And his too, but don’t tell him I said that. He’s been right way too often of late, and it’s driving me crazy.”
Hannah nodded. “I promise. And, I have a date.”
Aviva stopped in her tracks and pulled Hannah off to the side. “Really? Way to bury the lead. Who?”