The Mouse

If you haven’t read the Baseball story, this is a spinoff featuring Landon and Lani.

1. All characters are 18+

2. No characters resemble real people

3. Enjoy the fiction

—-

Landon rolled his eyes. “Stop trying to be like that.”

“Like what? Helpful? A good friend?” asked Lani.

Landon had dated Lani a few times. It never worked, but somehow they stayed friends. She was normally available to be his escort to charity events, especially when he was paying for her ticket or meal.

His parents were wealthy, so he could afford it, and because of their status, he was expected to attend. He just didn’t like going to those events alone. An extroverted friend like Lani could help an introvert like him get through those.

But things had changed. Last month, Landon had taken Lani to a luncheon and introduced her to a friend named Wallace. Lani immediately took to him, and the feeling was mutual. The two quickly became a couple, leaving Landon to look for another date for the next high-society function.

“You don’t have to,” Landon told her. “I’ll look for someone else.”

“I can help!” Lani insisted. “Please, let me help. It’s the least I can do.”

Landon tried to be indifferent, but Lani was begging, her hands clasped in front of her, and smiling. “Fine. You can help.”

“Yes! I’ll find someone for you, don’t you worry.”

“But I have to meet her before the next event,” Landon gave her that condition. “You know my parents will be there. I can’t walk in with just anyone.”

“Oh! Yes, of course,” Lani promised. “I’ll find someone worthy of Don and June.”

—-

“You have to set me up with him,” demanded Tiffany.

“Why?” asked Lani. The two were gabbing over lunch in Lani’s office that Monday. “You think he’s boring.”

“Yeah, but he’s cute, and he’s rich,” said Tiffany. “I can overlook the rest.”

Lani considered her raven-haired friend for a minute. ‘I used to be more like her,’ she thought. Lani had been more obsessed with finding a rich guy, but that was before her best friend Casey found love with Johnny, a minor league baseball player who was basically broke. She attributed to them her realization that love didn’t require money.

After all, Landon had money, and Lani never got past friends with him. But Wallace, her new beau, had a great, outgoing personality that transcended the fact that he had some wealth. Wallace wasn’t a miser or a snob, he used his money to help people, and to have fun. That (and his adorable dimpled smile) what Lani was attracted to.

“I can introduce you,” Lani said, somewhat reluctantly.

“You don’t sound excited about it.”

“It’s just, he’s a good guy, and he’s my friend.”

“I’m your friend too,” Tiffany pointed out. They’d been coworkers for over a year now, and ate lunch together most days.

“Yeah, but what I mean is… he’s not a typical guy.”

“He still has a penis, right?” Tiffany joked.

“I’ve never seen it, but yes, I’m sure he does. But he’s more timid. I’m not sure if you two will, you know, click.”

Tiffany stood up and ran her hands down her fit body. “As long as he has the equipment, I’m sure we’ll be able to find a way to click.”

Both women laughed. Just then, a quiet knock on the door interrupted them. “Sorry,” said a petite girl at the door. She came in and handed Lani a report. “Mr. Mason said to bring this to you.”

“Oh. Thanks. I guess lunch time is over.”

“Besides, what other single women do you hang out with?” asked Tiffany. “If not me, are you going to set him up with…” She turned to gesture to the small young woman who’d delivered the report, but she was gone. “The ghost?”

Lani looked around. She’d seen that girl around the office before, but only in glimpses. She didn’t know her name. And even though Lani’s office featured glass walls that looked out over the rest of the office, she didn’t see the girl. She had delivered the report and quickly disappeared.

—-

Lani set up a Friday lunch for herself, Tiffany, and Landon. Tiffany had been right on one thing: Lani didn’t know too many women who were still single. And both were her friends. Maybe they could be a match. But Lani had her reservations.

It took until Wednesday afternoon for Lani to spot the mysterious ghost again. “Hi,” she said to the girl as she was getting coffee in the office’s kitchenette.

“Hi,” was the simple response. She didn’t look up. Lani was around 5 foot 6, and this young woman was shorter, maybe around five feet tall.

“I’m Lani,” she offered, hoping to be friendly.

“I know.”

“I was just wondering your name,” Lani awkwardly asked.

“Oh. I’m Minerva.” This time, she looked up to Lani. For the first time, Lani, really noted her. Minerva had pretty green eyes, hidden behind glasses. Her red hair was naturally curly, but it looked like there had been some attempt to straighten it before it was bunched into a sloppy ponytail. She wore a white sweater and a grey skirt past her knees.

“Minerva. That’s a pretty name. How long have you worked here?”

“Umm. Seven months, five days.”

“Huh,” said Lani. “And you’re an… administrative assistant?”

“Yes. For Mr. Mason,” Minerva answered. Matt Mason was one of the founders of the company, and the CEO. Based on the few times Lani had talked to him, she believed he was one of those men who was tough on the outside, and softer inside.

“That’s great. I bet you like working for him.”

Minerva shrugged. “He’s nice. But no, not really. I’d like to be in finance. But there’s no openings.”

Lani nodded, understanding. The finance department was a boy’s club. All of them were in their forties, and all of them were jerks. A young thing like Minerva wouldn’t fit in with them.

“Well, hopefully you can get in there someday,” Lani offered.

Minerva just nodded, and then turned to leave. “Bye,” she said quietly, and then was gone.

—-

Lunch on Friday was a disaster. First, Lani was almost late. She had to finish a report for Mr. Mason that morning. Thank goodness that Minerva showed up at her office, asking for it. It saved her the trip of delivering it herself.

But more importantly, Tiffany was way over the top. She’d worn a dress that showed too much cleavage, and she was overly flirty. Landon was intimidated. Tiffany couldn’t even tell, but Lani could. Landon was as polite as he could be throughout lunch, but as they went to leave, Landon gave her a subtle shake of his head. That was a no. She was sure she’d get a call from him about this fiasco this evening.

When Lani got back to her office, the report she’d prepared was still on her desk. Lani freaked out, as it was due today. Why didn’t Minerva deliver it?

Then she spotted the sticky note sticking out of the folder. She opened it to find a note on page three: ‘There is an error here. You still have time to fix it before Mr. Mason sees.’

Lani gazed at the section indicated by the note. There was indeed an arithmetic error. The math didn’t add up properly. Lani immediately sat at her computer, fixed the error, and reprinted that page. As soon as she had replaced that page in the folder, Minerva walked in.

“Did you leave that note?” Lani asked. The small girl just nodded. “Thank you. Mason would have been pissed with me.”

“You’re welcome,” she answered.

“I’m surprised you saw it,” Lani told her. “I stared at that for days and didn’t see it until you pointed it out.”

Minerva shrugged. “I like numbers. They make sense. When they don’t add up, I notice.”

Lani handed her the report, and again, Minerva was off, quick as a bunny. Lani watched her jet to the elevator to take the report to her boss. ‘What a peculiar girl,’ she thought.

—-

Landon had stifled his emotions during lunch, but was releasing them now on his friend. “What the hell, Lani?”

“I know…”

“You thought I’d like HER?”

“I thought maybe. She is pretty,” Lani tried to explain.

“Pretty slutty. I’m pretty sure she’d have been in my lap if you weren’t around.”

Lani couldn’t argue against that. Tiffany had been too much, and it was embarrassing to Lani. Who the hell acts like that on a first date? Not even a date, it was an introductory lunch!

“Yeah. I’m sorry. I didn’t think she’d be like that today.”

“Is she like that all the time?”

“Not all the time,” Lani said, then thought of the times they’d gone out to bars on the weekend. “Just, around guys, I guess.”

“So yes, you knew she’d probably be like that.”

“I told her not to.”

“And I’m betting she knows my family is wealthy.”

Lani admitted, “Yes, she does know that. That… might have been a motivating factor.”

Landon sighed. “There’s another stupid charity thing in two weeks. I absolutely cannot bring that woman.”

“Okay. I’m sorry. I tried to find you another date. Tiffany is my only single friend at the moment.” Then her mind wandered. “Except for maybe… no, forget it.”

“Forget what? You thought of someone else?”

“She’s not really a friend,” Lani said. “I actually just met her this week.”

“Is she single? Because I’m pretty sure anyone is going to be an improvement over that gold-digger I met today.”

“I think so. We haven’t spoken much. She’s really quiet.”

“Well, maybe ask. And no more Tiffany.”

“Definitely, no more Tiffany. Sorry again. And I’ll try to talk to this other girl.”

—-

That weekend, Lani spent a lot of time trying to think of how to talk to Minerva. Part of that was how to find the elusive young woman.

So when Tiffany ambushed her on Monday morning, she was unprepared. “So what did he think?” she asked. “He loved me, right?”

“Umm…”

Tiffany was stunned. “You’re kidding. He didn’t like me? He didn’t like this?” She motioned to her slim body with plenty of good curves.

“You came on too strong, Tiff. I told you, he wouldn’t like that.”

“So he’s intimidated by a sexy woman?”

Lani flustered on how to word it. “He’s… he’s not looking for that. He’s looking for a relationship.”

“Guys don’t want relationships, Lani.”

“This one does!” Lani said, standing up for her friend. “Landon’s not like other guys. He’s always been looking for a nice girl, ever since I met him. And now that he’s pushing thirty, it’s even more true.”

“Well, tell him I’m still available for his charity dinner.”

“Good to know,” Lani said, and sighed in relief when Tiffany finally left.

It took almost the whole day to track down Minerva. She was hustling across the floor of cubicles, and Lani had to pick up the pace to keep up. “Hi, are you busy?”

“A little.”

“Can you come to my office later? I have a favor to ask.”

“Okay.” Then Minerva zagged right ninety degrees and was headed off in that direction. Lani marveled at her focus and efficiency.

—-

It was a little past four when Minerva came to Lani’s office. “Hi.”

“Hey, sit down.”

“Okay.” She sat in the seat opposite Lani’s desk.

“You look like you’ve had a busy day.”

“Well, Mr. Mason had a busy day, so I did too.”

“Yeah, I get it,” Lani said with a nod. “So, this is going to sound weird, but I have a friend who needs a date.”

“What?” Minerva’s eyes went wide in shock. “Oh. Oh no. I’m not a lesbian.”

Lani laughed, and tried to ease Minerva’s discomfort. “No! I mean a guy friend.”

“Oh. You… you want me to go out with your friend? Umm. I’m not sure…”

“He’s cute, and he’s a real gentleman.”

“I’m, umm, I don’t really date much, and I’m really nervous…” The poor little thing started to tremble.

“Relax. Nothing to be nervous about,” Lani said. “If you don’t want to, you don’t have to. But maybe you’d like to just meet him first?” She held up her phone and showed a picture of Landon.

“That’s your friend?” Minerva asked. “Oh. Oh my. I don’t think guys like that need help getting dates.”

Lani chuckled. “You’d be surprised. Sometimes he’s just as introverted as you appear to be.”

Minerva paused. “Really?”

“Really. I think he’d like you.”

“Umm. Wow. Umm, okay I guess.”

“Okay, you’d like to meet him?” Lani asked, and Minerva nodded. “Can you meet us for lunch this week?”

Minerva went to nod again, then shook her head. “No, I eat my lunch here, in case Mr. Mason needs something.”

“Dinner then? Tomorrow night? My treat.”

“Okay.”

—-

Landon and Lani were seated in the restaurant, awaiting Lani’s newest friend. “She’s cute, she’s just really shy, and kind of skittish,” Lani was saying.

“So skittish, she might bail on us?” Landon asked.

Lani frowned. “I hope not. I think you could like her. And not just more than Tiffany, I hope.”

Suddenly, Minerva appeared almost silently at their table. “Umm, hi.”

Landon was a bit taken aback. This creature was almost the antithesis of Tiffany. Her dress was very conservative, covering her shoulders and cleavage completely, and going almost to her ankles. She wore tiny stud earrings. Her demeanor was quiet but kind. And, in her own subtle way, very pleasing to the eye.

Lani was also pleased. Minerva’s hair, unlike her usual do in the office, was down, and fully curly. However, her curls and her glasses didn’t hide her bright face.

“Minerva, this is Landon. Landon, this is my co-worker Minerva.”

Landon shook her small hand. “Pleasure to meet you.”

“Thanks.” Minerva sat, next to Lani and across from Landon.

Lani gave introductions for both of them. Her description of Minerva, she realized, wasn’t very long, having not known her long or well at all. But she was able to describe Landon more thoroughly. “He’s a statistician. He works with sports teams to help them do player analysis. He tried to explain how it works to me once…”

“Multiple times,” Landon chimed in.

“…but it’s way over my head.” Lani finished.

“I like numbers. How does it work?” Minerva asked, her eyes suddenly sparkling.

Landon started to explain it, and as usual, Lani tuned it out. But something more fascinating was happening. She recalled Minerva’s keen abilities with math, and saw the woman’s attention fully engaged in Landon’s jibber-jabber. ‘Maybe I’m a better matchmaker than I thought,” she pondered.

Landon was also watching her face. Most of the time, when he explained his job to people, their eyes glazed over and their posture showed disinterest. He saw no signs of that from this lovely girl. She was enthralled, even asking knowledgeable questions about his calculations. He suddenly realized how brilliant Minerva was under her quiet exterior.

Minerva also described her job, but also her desire to work in the finance department. Lani had to ask, “So when you talk about numbers, are you like a savant or something? No offense, of course.”

Minerva shook her head. “I don’t like that word. It makes people think of that movie, Rain Man. I’m not on the Spectrum like that character, or at least I don’t think so.” She shrugged. “I just see and remember numbers. I’ve always been good at any kind of math.”

Lani explained to Landon, “She spotted an error in my report, and helped me fix it before turning it in.”

Minerva shrugged again. “It didn’t add up. I notice those kinds of things.”

Landon was looking at her like a kindred spirit. “That’s great. I’ve always been good at math too, but not nearly as quick as you’re describing.”

“I’d really like to see more of your work,” Minerva said, blushing a little. “I think it’s… really cool.”

“I’d love to show you,” Landon replied. “Actually, if you’ve got time on Saturday, could we meet again for lunch?”

“Oh.” Minerva blushed more, and looked to Lani, who nodded and smiled. She looked back to the handsome man across the table. “Okay. Sure, Landon. I’d like that.”

—-

The very next day, Minerva was in Lani’s office in the early morning. “You set me up with Landon Carter?” she asked, emphasizing his last name.

Lani blinked at the sudden question. “Yes.”

“Oh God. I looked him up last night. He’s, like, a millionaire.”

“Well, his parents are. I don’t know about him.”

Minerva was freaking out. “I can’t date him! That’s a lot of pressure! That’s like dating, umm, a celebrity.”

Lani put her hand on Minerva’s shoulder. “He’s not a celebrity. He’s just Landon. How he acted last night, that’s how he always acts. He’s not stuck up, and he’s not an asshole.”

Minerva was still overwhelmed, but tried to take deep breaths. “I still don’t know about this. You’re sure? He’s not going to make fun of me, or ditch me, on Saturday? This isn’t some kind of prank?”

“No, of course not. Why would I do that?”

“Lots of people do that. To me,” Minerva explained. “You don’t know how it feels to be picked on. You’re too pretty.”

Lani’s heart melted. “Oh, sweetie, you’re pretty too.”

“No I’m not. I mean, you were probably super popular in school. Like homecoming queen or something. I got ditched on homecoming, it was all a rude prank.” Minerva was almost in tears. “Promise this isn’t like that?”

“I promise! I’d never ever do that to anyone. Least of all you,” Lani swore. Her heart broke for this poor little creature. “But you are beautiful, and really smart. You just need to be more confident.”

Minerva sniffed back a tear. “Thanks. It all just seems too good to be true.”

“What seems too good to be true?” Tiffany said, standing at the door.

“Umm,” Minerva stuttered, “umm, Lani got me a date. Oh, I have to go, bye.” She quickly jetted out of the room.

“You got little Minnie a date?” Tiffany said to Lani. “That’s cute.”

“Yeah, it is. Minnie?”

“Yeah, that’s what some of the guys upstairs call her. Minnie the Mouse. Because she’s small and skittish.” Tiffany said.

“I guess she is that, but she’s also really brilliant, you know that, right?”

Tiffany shrugged. “Whatever. Lunch later?”

—-

Minerva appeared in Lani’s office again on Friday afternoon, the day before her date with Landon. “I don’t know, I don’t know if I’m ready for this,” she said.

“You’re ready,” Lani said encouragingly, “he likes you, you’ve got nothing to worry about.”

“Oh. Should I, umm, dress up? Or more relaxed?”

“I’m sure relaxed is fine for a Saturday lunch, Minnie.” The nickname slipped out before Lani could stop it.

Minerva didn’t look pleased. “Don’t call me that,” she suddenly said, very sharply. Lani flinched at the sudden emotional outburst. Then, back in her normal demeanor, Minerva murmured, “Oh, sorry. You… you don’t know.”

“I’m sorry. I didn’t know that was a sore spot.”

“It’s… it’s just, I was called that a lot in school. I don’t like being called Minnie Mouse. I know I’m quiet and small. But it’s not nice.” Minerva looked down at her feet. “I’ve heard people call me that here too. It makes me feel like I’m back in high school.”

“I’m sorry. And I guess, in high school, I would have been one of those mean girls. But I hope that I’ve changed since then,” Lani related.

Minerva nodded. “I don’t think you’re like that. But I do think she is,” she said, gesturing over her shoulder towards Tiffany’s office.

“Ah. Yeah, she’s a little stuck on herself. But you want to know what?”

“What?”

“She’s met Landon. She practically threw herself at him, and he didn’t like her.”

Minerva was surprised. “Didn’t like her? She’s sexy, with the big…” she gestured outwards from her own small chest, “and Landon didn’t like her?”

“No way! He told me not to bring her around him anymore. But he asked you out. So he likes you much better. Does that make you feel better?” Lani asked.

“A little,” Minerva admitted. “It’s nice to know that Landon likes me that much. So you think tomorrow will go okay?”

“Definitely,” Lani said comfortingly. “He’s already interested. So just be yourself, relax, and enjoy each other’s company. Okay?”

“Okay.” Minerva nodded, then added, “Thanks Lani.”

“You’re welcome, sweetie.”

Minerva headed out the door, then turned back for a second. “I don’t like Minnie. But sometimes my dad calls me Min. If you want to call me a nickname, I like that better.”

Lani smiled. “Min. I like that too.”

—-

Minerva took a deep breath, and pushed open the door to the cafe. It was cozy inside, not many tables. Landon was already set up at one booth in the back, with a laptop open in front of him.

Minerva approached the table. “Hi.”

“Hi. Welcome. Umm, sit here, please.” He shifted over to let Minerva sit next to him.

“Okay.” Minerva sat, but was careful not to touch Landon. She hadn’t anticipated sitting beside him, so close. But that was to help them see the laptop, right? He wanted to show her his work.

Over a light lunch, and over a good hour, Landon showed his formulas and calculations. To his delight, Minerva understood each step. It really did come naturally to her.

“What’s this piece?” she asked, pointing at the screen.

“Oh! This is a really interesting part. I call it the intangible factor. My friend Casey helped me come up with that.”

“What’s an intangible?” Minerva asked curiously.

Landon explained, “There’s some things in sports that can’t be properly quantified. They’re not really stats. But we came up with a way to attempt to quantify them anyway.”

“Like what?”

“Like a player’s determination, or leadership, or confidence. We basically made it so the player gets a small bonus for those types of things. Or, they get penalized if they aren’t.”

“Oh. How do you measure that?”

“The best way we’ve found is to gauge interactions with their own teammates,” Landon said. “That, and talking to their coaches. We wanted to find out what the player is like outside of their statistical production.”

Minerva nodded. “I guess that makes sense. It’s a bit subjective.”

“It is that. It’s not as perfect as the rest of the math,” Landon conceded, “but it helps make the overall results more accurate. Or, at least it has so far.”

Minerva had been enthralled with the whole conversation. Not once had she wanted to run or cower. Not once did she feel like Landon was being false, or being a jerk. She realized this was already the best date she’d ever had.

So, when Landon proposed they take a walk in the nice weather after lunch, she wholeheartedly agreed, not wanting the date to end so quickly.

—-

What started as a friendly lunch easily turned into a whole day. Landon and Minerva perused several small art galleries, enjoyed the sunshine in the park, and bought a few trinkets in local stores. She also gave Landon permission to call her Min, just like Lani.

Somewhere in the meandering down the streets, Minerva realized Landon was holding her hand. She wasn’t sure when it started, but she didn’t really want him to stop, so she squeezed his hand in hers and, when he looked her way, she just smiled.

At about 5:30, they both were getting hungry again. “Would you like to go to dinner?” Landon asked.

“Yes,” Minerva replied. “I could really go for some Chinese, actually.”

“Really? I love Chinese food.”

“Me too. I’ve always wanted to go to Asia.”

Landon smiled. “I’ve been, but it was when I was young. I’d like to go back, now that I’m old enough to remember things.”

The two settled into a small Chinese restaurant that Minerva liked. She didn’t usually eat in; she usually just got takeout, since she was by herself. But this was special, and the food was great as usual, and the company was amazing.

Landon cleared his throat. “Umm, you may think this a little forward, but I was wondering if you’d be my date next Saturday night.”

Minerva eagerly nodded. “Yes, I’d like that.”

“Wonderful. There’s a big charity dinner. My parents are co-sponsors, so they’ll be there too. Do you have a dress?”

Min’s eyes got wide, and she looked down at her noodles. “Your parents?”

“Oh. Sorry. Yes, my parents will be there. Please don’t be intimidated by that. They’re really not that scary.” Landon could see the hesitation in her lowered eyes. “Please? I’ve enjoyed this day so much. And, if it helps, Lani will be there too. She’s coming with her boyfriend Wallace. Think of it as a double date.”

“I don’t know.” Minerva fidgeted with her chopsticks. “I don’t know if I have a dress nice enough for that, anyway.”

“That’s okay, it’s my treat,” Landon said, then added, “I’ll have Lani take you to find one. She owes me, and I know she has no problem with going clothes shopping.”

Minerva took a deep breath. “Okay,” she finally said.

“Okay, you’ll be my date?”

Minerva nodded, then smiled prettily. “Yes. I’d love to be your date to the dinner. I can do this.”

—-

“I can’t do this.”

Lani rolled her eyes. Minerva had taken a few dresses into the changing room, but was now refusing to come out.

“Just let me see.”

“Umm, no.”

“If you don’t come out, I’m coming in.”

“No. The door is locked.”

Lani frowned. Of course it was. “Please, Min. I’m sure it looks good on you.”

“I’m not… I’m really not used to this sort of thing.”

“That’s okay. Is it too revealing? Showing too much skin?”

“Well, no. But it’s… umm… I don’t know how to describe it.”

“If you come out, I can help you describe it.”

There was a long pause, then the door clicked and slowly swung open. Lani thought her eyes would bug out of her sockets. “Min…” she said, stunned.

“It looks awful, doesn’t it?” Minerva was near tears.

“No, it’s… wow. You’re… wow.” The pink dress wasn’t showing inappropriate skin, but it hugged Minerva’s curves tightly. Lani hadn’t realized that, under the sweaters and long skirts, Minerva had a nice body. Petite, but fit. “Min, sweetie, you’re kinda sexy.”

Minerva frowned. “That’s not funny.”

“I’m not joking!” insisted Lani. “You have a body, girl.”

“I don’t like the pink.”

Lani agreed, the pink wasn’t flattering with Minerva’s red hair. “That’s okay. Pink isn’t really your color, is it? Let’s find you something else.

Forty minutes and seven dresses later, Lani was stunned again. “That’s it. That’s the dress.”

“You think so?” Minerva turned in front of the mirror.

“I know so. Landon’s going to flip when he sees you. It’s comfortable, right?”

“Yes, but…” Minerva sighed, “I’m still really, really nervous. I mean, this is overwhelming.”

“Dressing up, or meeting his parents?” asked Lani.

“Both!” Minerva looked like she was going to hyperventilate.

“Haven’t you ever had a relationship where you’ve met the guy’s parents?”

Minerva only shook her head.

“A relationship… at all?”

“No… not really. I went on a few dates. And I’ve kissed boys before. But… no.”

“Oh, sweetie,” Lani lamented, “it’s okay. This is your first boyfriend.”

“Umm. Umm, we’ve only been on one date. And we haven’t, umm, kissed.”

“A really long date. Wait, he didn’t kiss you? Not even at the end of the date?”

“No, but that’s okay.” Minerva blushed and smiled. “The whole day was really nice.”

Lani put her hands on Minerva’s shoulders and looked at the girl face to face. “Trust me. Landon likes you just as much. You may not have used the words boyfriend-girlfriend yet, but this is a relationship. A very new relationship, but also very promising. Okay?”

Minerva nodded. “Okay.” She turned and looked at herself in the mirror again. “Okay. What kind of shoes do I wear with this dress?”

“Yes. Good question. Fortunately, you’re asking the right person. You may be a math whiz, but I’m gifted at fashion.”

—-

The texts between the two friends were flying back and forth that night.

“You didn’t kiss her?”

“I wanted to. I chickened out.”

“I couldn’t believe it when she told me.”

“Was she mad I didn’t?”

“Surprisingly no. She still said it was the best date she’d ever been on.”

“That’s great.”

“If it were me, I’d want to be kissed. I think you should try soon.”

“You mean Saturday, at the dinner.”

“Yes of course. But not in front of everyone. Take a walk away from the party, then do it when you’re alone.”

“Got it. Any other advice?”

“Don’t faint when you see how good she looks in her dress.”

—-

That Thursday, Lani found herself in another lunch with Tiffany. When she and Tiffany had first started spending time together, they were a lot alike. But over time, Lani had realized he didn’t want to be like that. And Tiffany seemed to get worse. She seemed to thrive on trashy gossip and superficial things.

“So I found my own date to the charity dinner, no thanks to you,” Tiffany said. “I’m going with Pete from the Finance office, who, unlike your friend,” she motioned to her trim body, “he likes what he sees.”

“Uh huh,” Lani responded, only half listening.

Tiffany was too self-absorbed to notice the lack of attention. “I just feel bad that your Landon will be there alone. He’ll just have to eat his heart out.”

“Landon has a date,” Lani interjected.

“Oh? Did he manage to find one on his own, or did you set him up with someone else?”

“I set him up, but he did the asking.”

“With who? Do I know her?”

It was pure coincidence that Minerva stopped in. “Tiffany, Mr. Mason needs to move your 2:00 meeting to 3:00.”

“Thanks Minnie,” Tiffany responded without even looking at the girl. Minerva frowned and walked off.

“She doesn’t like that nickname, Tiffany,” Lani pointed out.

Tiffany shrugged. “Whatever.”

“Not whatever. You shouldn’t call her that.”

“You’re being really defensive for her,” said Tiffany. “Is she your new best friend?”

“She’s a friend. We’ve been spending time together. She’s really nice.”

Tiffany put it together. “Wait. That’s Landon’s date, isn’t it? You set up Landon Carter with the mouse?”

“Don’t call her that. And yes, I did. And they’re hitting it off.”

“What the hell, Lani? I thought we were friends. You were supposed to set me up with Landon.”

Lani’s voice rose in irritation. “I tried that, remember? And despite my advice, you acted like a slut and turned him off.”

“Oh, I’m a slut now?” Tiffany said.

“Yeah. You’re only interested in Landon for his money, and you’re willing to use your body to get it. What else would you call that? Maybe a gold digger?” Lani picked up the remains of her lunch and stood up. “You’re actually kind of a terrible person.”

“Get out of my office, bitch.” Tiffany snarled.

“With pleasure.” Lani stormed out.

—-

Landon’s driver pulled up outside of Minerva’s apartment building. Landon hopped out on his own. He didn’t mind being driven, especially for fancy events like tonight, but he really disliked having a driver open the door for him.

As he approached her door, he recalled what Lani had said. “Don’t faint when you see how good she looks in her dress.” He took a deep breath. He was already pretty taken by the petite girl, and he was sure Lani had found an amazing outfit for her. He knocked on the door.

It opened and Landon was flabbergasted. “Wow,” was all he could say.

Minerva was wearing a fantastic, deep-green dress. It covered her knees and her shoulders, but offered just the slightest hint of cleavage. It for her perfectly, showing curves that were normally hidden. She wore green shoes too, with one inch of heel, and a gold locket necklace.

Her curly red hair was pulled back, but still cascaded down her neck. Her green eyes, still behind her glasses, popped along with the color of the dress.

But the most gorgeous thing about Minerva, at least to Landon, was her wide smile, as she looked up at him. “Hi,” she said, and just that one word was like angel song.

“Hi,” Landon said. “You look fantastic.”

“Thank you.” Her smile only got wider. “I like your tuxedo.”

“This old thing?” Landon said, making Minerva giggle. “I look like a slob compared to you.” He offered his arm. “Shall we?”

Minerva took his arm and replied, “Yes. Let’s go.”

—-

Minerva’s confidence faded a little as the car arrived at the banquet hall. There were lots of people outside, and hundreds more inside, and she wasn’t a fan of crowds. Still, Landon was beside her, and she was able to grasp his arm tightly.

“Nervous?” he asked, and she nodded. “Don’t worry, it’s just a dinner.” His voice was calming. Then he hooked his finger under her chin and tilted her face to meet his. “I’ll be there the whole time.”

Then he kissed her, so gently, almost apprehensively. Minerva melted. That tender moment made all her fear slide away too. What was there to be afraid of?

When they broke the kiss, Landon smiled. “I didn’t get a chance to do that the other day. I didn’t want to wait anymore.”

Minerva smiled back. “It was perfect.” Her grip on his arm had relaxed. The driver opened the car door, and the two of them exited the vehicle. Then, arm in arm, Landon and Minerva entered the hall.

They found Lani and Wallace already at their assigned table. Lani looked beautiful as usual, in a black sleeveless gown and with her brown hair done up. Minerva had never met Wallace, but he shook her hand kindly. He was muscular and handsome, and as he spoke, he seemed outgoing and warm. A good match for Lani, Minerva surmised.

Landon was going to say something when a large man came up from behind and grabbed him into a hug. Landon was shocked at first, Minerva could see on his face, but then smiled. “Hey little bro.”

“Hey big bro,” answered the larger man. Minerva was confused. Clearly Landon was the smaller of the two, why was he being called big?

Landon gestured to Minerva. “Min, this is my younger brother, Lincoln Carter. Link, this is my date, Minerva Perry.”

Minerva looked up at Lincoln. Way up. He was taller than Landon by a few inches, was more muscular too, and sported a trimmed beard around his big smile. A big teddy bear of a man, Minerva thought. “Nice to meet you,” she said.

“Nice to meet you as well.” He smiled more, and gestured to a woman just behind him. “And this is my wife, Kelly.” Kelly was beautiful and visibly pregnant. Behind her was another man, an older version of Lincoln, and what looked like that man’s wife.

“Minerva, meet my parents, Landon and June Carter.” Landon introduced everyone. “Everyone, this is Minerva.”

“She’s beautiful, Junior,” Landon Sr. beamed. “Where have you been hiding this one?”

Minerva blushed. Landon responded with a kind smile, “She’s a friend of Lani’s.”

The eight of them got seated all around the table. Landon was on Minerva’s right, and Lani and her boyfriend on her left. Landon’s family filled in the rest of the circular table. “Don’t look behind you,” whispered Lani.

“Why?”

“Tiffany just showed up. She’s pissed at me for setting you up with Landon. She’s a gold digging bitch.”

Minerva just nodded. She was safe, she decided, as long as she was sandwiched between Lani and Landon.

Landon’s father and brother, while both physically large and somewhat intimidating, were actually both very warm. Landon was the older brother in the family, but his height or body type didn’t resemble those of his father. And both of Landon’s parents were tickled that they were going to be first time grandparents in a couple of months, when Kelly was due. “You’d better hope he doesn’t take after his daddy,” warned Landon’s mother, “he was a big baby, almost 9 and a half pounds when he came around.” That brought out grins and snickers from most of the table, even Minerva.

Minerva found Lincoln to be amusing. He had great stories about himself and Landon and boys. “Do you have any siblings?” asked Landon at one point. “I’d like to meet them too, someday.”

“Umm, yes, I have two young brothers. But they’re, well, it’s complicated.” Minerva looked uncomfortable, so Landon didn’t push for more information.

The food and the company were both good, and Minerva felt herself relax. There was dancing too, and though she didn’t know how, Landon encouraged her to try. It wasn’t hard, just to stand in Landon’s arms and slowly sway to the music. After all, music had some math in it, right?

“Hi Landon,” came Tiffany’s voice, interrupting Minerva’s concentration. “Nice to see you again.”

“Hello,” Landon responded.

Tiffany danced beside them with Peter Crandall, a man Minerva recognized from the finance office. He wasn’t nearly as good looking as Landon, she thought. And Minerva knew he was at least ten years older than her.

Landon knew it was bothering Minerva, and deftly steered them away from that couple. But as they moved away, she could hear Peter saying, “Don’t worry about Mason’s little mouse. By Monday, that place will be a dumpster fire.”

“Just ignore them,” Landon said. “They’re trying to get under your skin. But you’re here with me, and I’m having a good time. Are you?”

Minerva looked into Landon’s eyes, and saw his smile, and couldn’t help but smile back. “I am. Thank you.”

“Thanks for being my date.”

“Can I cut in?” asked Landon’s father, suddenly at their side. At a nod from Landon, she switched to dancing with the larger man. She remembered her impressions of him at the table, and let herself relax. She was in good hands, and Landon was nearby, dancing with his mother.

“I heard Lani say you work for Matt Mason,” Landon Sr. said. “You happy there?”

“Oh yes. He keeps me busy. I just wish I could do more in the finance office.”

“Well, if you ever get tired of him, give me a call. Lani said you’re a whiz with numbers. I can always use more people like you,” he said with a polite smile. “And don’t worry about Matt, he’s a friend of mine. He won’t be mad about you jumping ship.”

“Thank you,” she said. “But I’ll be okay.”

He looked over to his son, and, seeing they were out of hearing range, said in a low voice, “Junior doesn’t know, does he? About you and Matt?”

Minerva’s eyes suddenly went wide open. She shook her head. “No. No one does. How do you know?”

“Like I said, Matt’s a friend,” said Landon Senior. “I’ve known him for years. It’s easy to spot, if you know what you’re looking for.”

“Please don’t say anything. Please.”

“Don’t worry, I won’t. It’s not mine to tell. But for the record, you make my son happy. I think your secret would be safe with him.”

—-

“This has been such a great night,” said Minerva. Landon’s driver was heading back to her apartment building. She’d eaten, danced, talked, and laughed, before finally leaving with Landon’s jacket wrapped around her shoulders. Landon’s family, who she’d initially been hesitant to meet, turned out to be wonderful people. She’d pictured them as stuck up due to their wealth, but they were wonderfully down to Earth.

“I know. I’m so glad you like my parents. Sometimes they’re over the top.” Landon replied, holding her hand.

“They’re so nice. And they raised a good son.” Minerva reached up and brought Landon’s face to hers, and kissed him. This was a first for Minerva, a long kiss like this, with a man she’d quickly fallen for. Before they knew it, the car had parked and the driver had opened the door.

Landon walked Minerva to her door, again hand in hand. When they got to that outer door, she realized in that moment that the night was ending. Landon would leave, and she’d be alone, hoping for when they’d be together again. She didn’t want things to end like that. She didn’t want Landon to leave.

“Umm, I, I’ve never done this, but… would you like to come up?” She asked, tentatively, hoping for a particular answer.

Landon smiled. “Of course. I’d like that.” He turned back to the driver. “Go ahead,” he told the man, “I’ll call when I need a ride.” The driver simply nodded and left.

Minerva led him inside and into her apartment. It was small, but cozy. One bedroom, one bathroom, a small kitchen and a sitting area. “Is that your mother?” Landon asked, pointing at a picture on a shelf.

“Yes,” she answered, as she hung his jacket on a nearby hook. The picture showed Minerva as a teen, wearing high school graduation robes, standing with her mother. Both had bright red hair, glasses, and big smiles. “She died about a year ago. Her name was Gretta.”

“I’m sorry.” Landon looked around. “You said you had brothers. I don’t see pictures of them.”

“Well, I have half-brothers.” Minerva hesitated, then said, “I have something I need to tell you.”

The two of them sat together on her sofa. “What is it?”

“You can’t tell anyone. It’s a secret.”

“Okay. You can trust me.”

Minerva sighed. “My father is Matt Mason, my boss. I tracked him down when my mother was dying. He wanted to take care of me somehow, so he gave me a job.”

Landon sat for a second, taking in the new information. “So your half-brothers…”

“I know about them. They’re teenagers. But I’ve never met them. My father, he, umm, hasn’t told them, or his wife.” Minerva started to tear up. “I’m a secret. An illegitimate child. No one knows… except your dad.”

“My dad knows? How?”

“He said he’s friends with my father.”

Landon nodded. “They’ve been friends for years. Decades, even. I guess your father must have confided in mine.” He took Minerva’s hand in his. “Do you want it to become public?”

“Sometimes. I want him to be proud of me, you know, in front of others. And I want to meet his family,” she admitted. “But I don’t want to be the one that breaks up his family. And I don’t want people to think the only reason I got my job is because he’s my father.”

“I understand that. That’s why I don’t work for my father, actually. I don’t want people to think that of me.” He paused. “But how do you know you’d ruin his family? Maybe they’d love you. I know I do.”

“You… you love me?”

Landon had said it, and he’d meant it, but hadn’t meant to say it openly just yet. Still, there was only one way to respond to her question. “Yes. I’m falling in love with you, Min.”

Minerva’s eyes watered, but she smiled. “I think I love you too. I’ve never met a man like you, Landon.”

He took her face in his hand and pulled it to his, and kissed her. In that magical moment, Minerva knew that this was what she wanted. This feeling, with this man, for as long as she could have it. And more. For the first time in her troubled life, she imagined more.

Sure, she’d had fantasies. But they were only that. She now allowed herself to imagine this potential future, this attainable outcome. She moaned into Landon’s mouth, and pulled her body closer to his, until there was no longer space between them.

Landon felt her push her body to his. He paused in their kissing. “Do you…” he started to ask, but didn’t know how to finish the sentence.

It wasn’t necessary. She answered anyway, “Yes.” She stood, and pulled him towards her bedroom. Once there, she turned away. “Would you?”

Landon found the zipper on Minerva’s dress and slid it downwards. Once that was done, she slid it off, showing the pale skin of her back, contrasting with dark blue panties. She bent and picked up the dress, still facing away, and Landon couldn’t avoid admiring her small rear end.

Only after hanging up the dress, did she turn around, hands covering her small chest. “I don’t… I’m not…” she said, blushing.

Landon put his hands on her bare shoulders and kissed her again, silencing her. “You’re beautiful,” he told her. Those two words, said in full sincerity, were enough to calm her fears. Landon also unbuttoned his shirt. When it opened, Minerva felt herself smile. His chest wasn’t too hairy, not too chiseled, but showed some muscle tone and a light covering of hair.

When his shirt was disposed of, he opened his arms. “Come here,” he offered, and she went to him, still covering herself. His arms wrapped around her, bringing his warmth to her body. He kissed her cheek and whispered to her, “You know I’d never hurt you, right?” She gave a quick nod. “We don’t have to do anything, if you don’t want to.”

“I want to,” she said, looking up into his eyes. “It’s just, I’ve never…” she trailed off.

“It’s okay. I’m no expert. We’ll take this one step at a time.”

“Okay.”

“Move your hands,” he said. It was soft, more of a suggestion than a command. “I want to see you.”

She did, and Landon got to see her small breasts for the first time. Barely anything there, but enough for her petite body. Her bright pink nipples stood out away from her body. Landon cupped one breast in his hand. “You’re so lovely,” he said, and kissed her again.

The new sensations were wonderful to Minerva. She was still nervous, but Landon made her feel comfortable. She moaned as his other hand cupped her other breast, and his first one slid down, around her body, and rested it on her satin-covered bottom. He brought her small body against his, flesh against flesh.

She realized something in that moment. She felt his hardness through this pants, pushing against her belly, and was internally thrilled. ‘He’s excited for me!’ she thought happily, ‘this handsome man really thinks I’m sexy!’ Just that thought made her press into his kiss further.

As he continued to kiss and tease her, Minerva felt her curiosity build. She backed away, breaking the kiss, and brought her hands to his waist. “Can I?” she asked meekly. “I want to see it.”

Landon just smiled and nodded. He helped her unzip the black pants and slide them down, revealing tight grey boxer briefs, made only tighter by the bulge they contained. When Landon’s pants were on the floor, Minerva pulled his boxers down and discovered the treasure she sought, pointing happily towards her.

“I’ve seen, umm, you know, videos,” she explained, as she wrapped a small hand around his shaft. “But never the real thing.”

“Just be gentle,” Landon advised.

Minerva knelt and examined his penis thoroughly, then laughed at herself. “I feel more like a doctor than a lover.”

Landon laughed too. “Try putting the head in your mouth.” Minerva did, then ran her tongue around it. Landon shuddered. “Yes, like that.” He guided her patiently, and she gradually took more of his length into her mouth. She knew she couldn’t take too much, and certainly wasn’t brave enough to try taking him in her throat, but she was enjoying herself as she made him groan.

“Okay,” he said, and she stopped. “If you keep it up too long, I’ll finish before I can get you started,” he told her. “I want to make sure I take care of you, too.”

He brought Minerva back to her feet, and laid her on the bed on her back. “I’ll be gentle,” he reassured her, and she nodded, her eyes wide. His hands slid up her legs and grabbed her panties, and slid them slowly down and off. Then he pushed at her thighs, separating them to show what was hidden between. Minerva’s hair there was closely trimmed, but still very visibly red. As he neared her flower, he noted the glistening wetness already there.

He glanced up at her face, seeing her closely watching him. He looked back down and placed his left hand gently on her inner thigh. His right hand fingers stroked her there, and she gasped. Her legs flinched, but she kept them open for him.

He stroked her up and down there, feeling her wetness build. He looked up again, and smiled. “Okay?” he asked, and she nodded, eyes still wide. He pushed a single finger inside, and she inhaled deeply. Her inner walls gripped his finger. He withdrew it and put it in his own mouth. “Tasty,” he told her.

When he’d slide the finger back into her, he also leaned in and kissed her there. It didn’t take long for him to find her joy button, and he teased it with his tongue. “Oh, Landon,” Minerva moaned. Her head leaned back on her pillow, finally breaking her eye contact with what he was doing.

The waves of pleasure only increased. She closed her eyes and felt him slide a second finger inside of her canal. She was buzzing with an emotional and biochemical high. “So close,” she whispered, “almost there.” Then Landon moaned against her clit, and the vibrations set her off. Minerva suddenly tensed up and squealed. Her legs shot closed as a result, trapping Landon’s face in her heavenly garden.

When she’d relaxed enough to open her legs again, he gave her one more long lick before moving himself upwards, over her body. She chuckled, “Sorry about that.”

“I don’t mind being stuck there,” he said with a big smile. “Hey, I know you said you’ve never done this before, but I didn’t feel any, you know, barrier.”

Min grinned slyly in her post-orgasmic state. “I’ve never been with a man before,” she explained, “but that doesn’t mean I’ve never experimented by myself.”

Landon grinned back. “You’re a sexy little minx.”

“Yes,” she sighed. “Now I want this,” she said, reaching for his member, “inside me. Do you have, umm, protection?”

Landon jumped off the bed to look for his pants. Finding the condom from his wallet, he moved back to her. “Do you want to?” he asked, offering her the package.

She nodded and took it from him. Thirty seconds later, his shaft was wrapped in latex, and Minerva was giggling at the experience. She kissed Landon again, playfully, and pulled him back into bed. “I’m ready,” she told him.

Landon pressed his body to hers and lined himself up. “I’ll go slow,” he said, and she nodded. Then he pushed himself into her wet entrance, and she felt a stretching like she’d never felt before, and she cried out. She was so tight, but he was partly inside her now.

“Stop a second,” Minerva gasped. He felt so big already, but there was more cock still outside of her. How was he supposed to put more in? The biology was mind boggling, but she knew it was supposed to fit. When she’d had a minute, she nodded. “Okay.”

Landon pushed deeper. In a bit more, then out a bit. Then again, and again, until she realized he was fully inside, and his pelvis was touching hers. “You’re so big,” she groaned.

“You’re so tight,” he responded. “God, this feels wonderful.”

“It feels amazing,” she said in agreement. “Keep going.”

Landon pumped his hips slowly, savoring every centimeter of her warm tunnel, every small cooing noise that escaped Min’s lips. He looked into her eyes, and she looked back into his, observing every distinct feature of his lovely face.

Then he lowered his head to the left side of her neck. While maintaining his rhythm, she felt his gentle kisses and nips there, and it drove her to another level. Then he kissed her ear, and whispered, “I’ve never met someone as brilliant,” another kiss, “or beautiful,” another kiss, “or absolutely sexy as you.” The combined sensations of their love making and his hot breath in her year made her reach her peak. “Landon, OH!” she cried, and her entire body seized up. Her muscles squeezed his rod, and it took all his focus to keep from spilling in that moment.

Landon stayed inside her, but paused to give her time. When she’d overcome the throes, she grabbed his face with both hands and kissed him hard. “Oh my God,” she said breathily. “That was the best ever.”

“I loved watching you,” he replied.

“Now, your turn,” she said. “I want you to… to fuck me.”

Landon was a bit surprised. “I think that’s the first time I’ve heard you swear.”

“I don’t make it a habit. But I might have to now. Fuck me, Landon.” She moved her hands to his hips and pulled him into herself. “Fuck me hard.”

“As you wish,” he replied. Then, bracing himself on his arms, he rammed into her rapidly.

“Oh! Yes! Like that! More!” Minerva yelped. He gave her all of his length on each forceful thrust, and each motion made her give a small grunt. Her small breasts shook, as did her bed. “Keep going! I’m gonna…”

“Me too,” he said, and increased his speed.

She was breathing heavily. “I’m…”

“…coming!” He grunted, and unleashed his seed into the condom. She felt him throb inside her, and she came too. Together, they had made love. He pulled out and laid beside her, out of breath.

She took the opportunity to examine Landon’s penis, putting her hand on the outside of the condom, full of his spunk. “It’s so warm,” she commented. “I imagine it would be warm like that in me, too.”

“Yeah,” Landon said. “Something to try another day?”

Minerva rolled into him. “We just got done, and you’re already planning next time?”

“Wishful thinking.”

She kissed him, then cuddled into his body. “Will you stay with me?”

“Of course. I’ll stay as long as you’ll have me.”

Minerva nodded. “I love you.”

“I love you too.”

—-

Sunday, Landon summoned his driver to bring fresh clothes, and then take the couple to a little diner for brunch. Afterwards, as he walked her to her apartment door again, he kissed her and promised to be in touch. She smiled brightly, knowing he would. She’d found a loving, kind, intelligent, handsome man. She tried not to sing Disney princess songs as his car drove off and she waved goodbye. She was on top of the world.

Monday morning was a completely opposite feeling. She walked into the office at 7:30, her usual time. Normally the place was peaceful until closer to 9. Today, there was chaos.

“Minerva!” Mr. Mason yelled when he saw her come in. “In my office, now.”

When she’d gone in, he told her the problem. “Your friend Lani screwed us. Our finances are completely hosed.”

“What?” Minerva said, shocked. “No. She wouldn’t do that.”

“She did it. These reports,” he held up a stack of papers, “are all bullshit, and all of them are signed off by her. We’re bleeding money and she’s responsible.”

“That can’t be true.”

“Why can’t it be true? Because she’s your friend?”

“Yes. But it can’t be true because I’ve checked her work. And we can ask her to verify it.”

“I already called her. She’s fired.”

“Fired?!”

“When I find more proof, I may press charges too.”

Minerva started to shake. “She didn’t do it. I trust her.”

“Well that makes one of us. And now my finance department is trying to track down missing money and one of their own employees.” Mason slumped grumpily into his chair.

“Wait, what did you say?” Minerva quickly asked. “You’re missing a finance employee? Was it Peter Crandall?”

Mason looked at her. “How could you know that?”

Minerva recalled what she’d overheard at the party on Saturday, and repeated it for him. “And Tiffany was with him.”

“Hmph. She’s not here yet either. Are you sure that’s what he said?”

“Positive,” she said. “And I think I can prove it. Do you trust me?”

The look she gave him was suddenly confident, unlike what she usually looked like in his commanding presence. It struck him. “I trust you. If you can’t trust blood, who can you trust?”

Minerva nodded. “Give me all the paperwork for the last few months.”

“All of it? That’s a lot of records.”

She shrugged. “I can handle it. But I’ll need help. I need to make a call to a friend.” Then she looked at Mason, right in the eye. “But I have a demand. If I’m right, you hire back Lani.”

“Done. Get to work.”

—-

An hour later, Minerva was seated alone in the conference room, surrounded by stacks of paperwork, when Landon walked in. “You rang?”

Minerva nodded. “I need an extra set of eyes. Lani’s job is on the line. I need to prove she didn’t commit financial fraud.”

“What?” Landon asked, shocked at the situation. He eyed the stacks. “I’m in. But where do we start?”

Minerva quickly explained her ad hoc organizational system. The duo dove into a stack at a time, looking for irregularities. Anything that looked normal was filed away in one of the many boxes that she’d emptied earlier. Anything that looked even remotely abnormal was kept on the conference table.

Minerva pointed at one stack in particular. “Those are Lani’s reports. The ones that Mr. Mason is finding questionable.”

“I’d find them questionable too,” said Landon. “This signature doesn’t match that one.” He held up two documents with different signatures.

Minerva frowned. “That one’s not hers,” she pointed at one. “The signature’s wrong, and so is the formatting. Lani never writes like that.” She glanced at it for a few seconds. “The math is wrong, too.”

Landon smiled. “It’s amazing how quick you can tell that.”

“Someone must have forged Lani’s signature,” she surmised. She pulled out several reports and quickly sorted them into two piles. Thankfully, the imposter reports made up the smaller of the two stacks. Happy with their progress, the couple was able to get down to business, trying to prove their friend’s innocence.

—-

Tiffany had strolled into the office around noon. She’d called off that morning, feigning sickness, but she really just didn’t want to be around as things were crashing and burning.

As she went towards her office, a secretary found her. “Mr. Mason wants to see you.”

Tiffany shrugged. “In a minute, let me get into my office.” She went to turn the handle, but it was locked.

A security guard appeared behind the secretary. She repeated. “Mr. Mason wants to see you. Now.”

The guard, a larger man, escorted Tiffany upstairs into the executive office. Inside, Matt Mason sat behind his desk. Minerva stood beside him.

Tiffany ignored the girl and smiled at her boss. “Good morning, sir.”

Mason huffed. “It’s no longer morning, Miss Beaumont. Do you know why you’re here?”

Tiffany didn’t know, but guessed anyway. “Someone downstairs said there’s been some trouble,” she lied. “Do you need me to help fix a problem?”

“There is a problem, all right. But you’re part of it.”

The smile fell from Tiffany’s face. “I… I don’t understand, sir.”

“Yes you do. You and Crandall.” Mason scowled. “He’s miraculously resigned and started working for our competitor. But that won’t last long, I assure you. I’m filing charges of fraud. He won’t work in business for the rest of his life.”

That wasn’t part of the plan, Tiffany thought. Peter was trashing the finances of Mason and Associates as he was jumping ship, but he didn’t expect anyone to catch him. Especially since Lani was set up to be the scapegoat.

“And you, Miss Beaumont,” Mason continued, “Neither will you. You’re fired. And I’m filing charges against you too, for conspiracy.”

“What?” Tiffany stuttered. “I didn’t do anything.”

“Yes you did. You forged Lani’s signature on fake reports. Minerva was able to prove it was your work.”

Tiffany glared at the quiet girl. “Her? You’re going to believe the mouse over me?”

“Don’t call my daughter a mouse,” Mason fumed.

“Daughter?” Tiffany said, utterly stunned by that news.

Minerva was suddenly grinning from ear to ear. That was what she’d wanted to hear most of all. She wanted her father’s recognition, and to know how proud he was of her.

“Now, get out!” Mason shouted. The security guard reappeared and escorted Tiffany away.

She spotted Landon and Lani in the hallway as she was being led away, but couldn’t bear to speak to her, or really look at her.

Really, it had been Peter’s plan. Tiffany had refused to go along with it at first. Lani was the perfect scapegoat but Tiffany refused to screw over her friend. But when she and Lani had fought over Landon and Minerva, that had broken her resolve. She forged Lani’s signature and planted the false reports. Then she’d wait two weeks, and quit to go work with Peter. All that was ruined, simply by underestimating Minerva’s uncanny ability.

Lani entered Mason’s office tentatively. She’d been given an unwarranted tongue-lashing over the phone that morning, and was still skittish. Landon had to persuade her to come in.

“Lani, please, come in,” Mason said, gesturing for her to sit. “I owe you a sincere apology. You were set up, and I took the bait. I never should have yelled at you like I did. I’m sorry.”

Lani nodded, still wrapping her head around the situation. “Apology accepted.”

“Naturally, you’re not fired,” Mason said, “I need people like you, now more than ever.” Then he turned to face Minerva. “And for you,” he said, “you’ve saved my company. I owe you most of all. I want to make you the new director of finance.”

“Director?!” Minerva sputtered out. “Oh. Oh no. No. I don’t want to be a director. I just want to do math, I don’t want to manage people. I really appreciate it, but no.”