14

Damon

I was so impatient to get home to Phoebe that I left work a half-hour early. Danny was clearly shocked, but he didn’t say anything. On the way out the door, I asked, “What’s in the immediate future?”

He paused a moment to look at my calendar. “You have some meetings. Gianluca Santini wants to talk to you about doing business together. He’s invited you to come to his winery in Napa.”

“That sounds perfect.” I nodded. “Make arrangements for me and a guest. Shift my schedule. Oh, wait…I need to check with Phoebe to make sure she can get away right now.”

Danny’s jaw almost unhinged. “You’re asking a woman before setting your schedule?”

I didn’t bother to explain. “I’ll call you with the greenlight in a bit.”

“Sure, sir.” He seemed abashed, obviously worrying he’d overstepped his bounds.

He was a good employee and as much of a friend as a subordinate could be, so I didn’t chastise him. I was cheerful as I left the office. My driver had me home in thirty minutes, which was impressive w