I declined the call and sent an explanation before he could try again.
[My roommate just walked in. We have rules for a reason, Julian.]
Using his name usually stopped him. This time the typing dots came and went for almost a minute.
[I’m sorry. You’re right. I got carried away. I wanted to see the genius I was talking to.]
I waited another minute, then sent him a golden crown emoji. He did not call again.
The next afternoon, Valerie found me at the coffee machine.
“Chloe, darling, I feel awful about yesterday. You were put in a terrible position.”
I held my mug under the dispenser and waited.
“Marcus Vance was impressed by your data. He has concerns about the risk assessment and wants to discuss it privately. Tonight, just the two of you.”
“Why wouldn't a senior manager attend?”
