Thomas & January by Fisher Amelie Read Free Book Online

mid-century modern feel, courtesy of wife number three. His last wife decorated in an African motif after they’d returned from Safari. Apparently his wives couldn’t leave any trace of the last, making me wonder what number four had in store for him.
    “Tom,” the man said, startling me. He was hidden behind a high back office chair, facing the city below him. He turned around slowly, a subtle smile gracing his face. “I’m glad Jason got you here. Sit down,” he said, gesturing to the sleek leather chairs in front of his desk.
    We both sat. “So, what’s up Mister Weathervane?”
    “Please, how many times do I have to tell you, Tom? It’s Peter.”
    “All right, Peter, how’ve you been?”
    “I’m doing well,” he answered, standing up and walking to his bar. “Anything?” he offered. Jason and I both shook our heads. “I called you here because there’ve been some developments. Turns out, our R&D Rep (Relations and Development Representative) has decided to call it quits. I’m looking for a replacement.”
    I sat up in my chair a little, swiping the palms of my hands on thighs.
              “Anyway,” he continued, sitting back down with a straight whiskey, his usual. “We’re considering you for the position.”
I didn’t get too excited. He’d said “considering” and that word means a hell of a lot when Peter Weathervane says it.
              “I see,” I answered. “Whom else is being considered?”
              His eyes lit up a bit. “You were always quick, Tom. Jonah White.”
Of course it was Jonah White.
              Jonah White had been a friendly/unfriendly rival of mine from day one. He’d been doing this gig longer and he’d been pretty damn good at it, but I learned how to do it better. He was beloved by every single person within the label though, and that’s why he was being considered as well. Plus, he knew the industry a little better than I did. He just didn’t possess the ear I did and it was only a matter of time until I passed him up, I knew it. He knew it.
              “He’s good,” I said, offering nothing else.
              “I know,” Peter said, goading me.
              “I’m better.”
              “He doesn’t seem to think so,” he laughed.
              “So what’s the deciding factor?” I asked, shifting slightly.
              “Europe,” he said succinctly.
              “I see. I’m game if he is.”
              “Already got the green light from Jonah.”
              “Cool,” I said.
              “Now, get out of here. I bet you haven’t even packed.”
I offered him a genuine smile and stood. I shook his hand and Jason and I left together toward the door.
              “Three, two, one...” Jason said under his breath. I eyed him warily.
              “Oh, and one more thing,” Peter added, before lighting up a cigar. We stopped just outside his door. “January MacLochlainn will be shadowing you.”
              I knew my mouth must have hung open from the look Peter gave me, but he had shocked the hell out of me. Jason quietly shut the door behind us. I bent quickly to open the door, to assure Peter that she would not, but Jason held me back.
              “Now, now,” Jason said. “Don’t be hasty. Do you really want to ruin any chance of a permanent position in a permanent city?”
I hesitated slightly but reached for the door again.
              “Stop it, you idiot,” he said, pushing me toward the elevator.
We rode in silence, a ridiculous grin plastered on Jason’s face.
              “What the hell is so funny?” I asked him, pissed beyond belief.
              “Nothing. Like I’ve said all night, nothing