After the Interview Read Online Free Page B

room would take time but that was ridiculous,” C J said as they walked down the stairs to the front door.
     
    Mr. James called for C J’s car, and as they waited for it Zoe could not help but think that she had received many glares from the females in the room wondering who she was and how she had arrived in the company of C J Fairchild. Driving out of downtown, Zoe was amazed to see stars through the car’s moon roof. Seeing her gaze, C J hit a button and the glass slid back, letting surprisingly cool air slip in the car while giving Zoe an unimpeded view of the sky. She had initially been surprised at C J’s car choice, even if it was a sporty Cadillac.
     
    “Do you drive a Cadillac because it’s an American made car? I pictured you in a sportier European model.” Zoe said as they pulled onto a street lined with huge trees that blocked the sky.
     
    Zoe tilted her head back and rolled her eyes. What is it about this man that makes me think and say such stupid things? I’m a professional focused on exposing the errors of big oil, not a tabloid writer getting the scoop on the lifestyles of rich oilmen in Houston.
     
    C J smiled and answered, “Not exactly. The dealership owner is a family friend, and the company gets exceptionally good prices. My personal ride might surprise you, Zoe.”
     
    Before she could ask what it might be, they pulled into a parking lot and Zoe read the sign on the restaurant, “Matt’s.” Zoe could not see a parking space, but C J just pulled up to the front door and tossed the keys to the valet.
     
    “Good evening, Mr. Fairchild,” the valet said, catching the keys.
     
    “How are things tonight, Phil, busy?” C J asked.
     
    “Extremely, Mr. Fairchild, but your reservation is always good,” Phil said as he shut the car door and pulled out of the way of the next car in line.
     
    C J gently placed his hand on the small of Zoe’s back, just like before, and started walking to the restaurant entrance. No big surprise the hostess, a gorgeous redhead C J greeted as Caroline, smiled warmly at him. When she hugged him, that seemed like an overzealous welcome to Zoe.
     
    Glancing Zoe’s direction, C J saw her quizzical look and simply smiled at her, “I own half of the restaurant, so she had better be nice to me, wouldn’t you say?”
     
    Zoe, surveying the room on their way to the table, noted the elegant black marble floors shot through with dark green veining and walls covered in sage green silk. There was not an empty table in the place, but the room did not feel overcrowded. Mahogany tables with their white linens were spaced far enough apart to allow for private conversation amid the backdrop of what sounded like vintage jazz. The waiters moving effortlessly amongst the patrons lent an air of relaxation to the restaurant, which Zoe felt start to ease her tension. Many heads nodded in acknowledgement of C J as they passed, but no one made a gesture to stop their progress across the room. Zoe got the feeling this restaurant was a haven from business discussions—truly a place to unwind.
     
    “The building used to be an old run-down mansion. Matt and his wife, Caroline, have done an awesome job of making the restaurant feel grand but inviting. I was just lucky enough to help with the financing a bit,” C J said.
     
    Their table, a plush upholstered corner banquette, served to further isolate them from the main dining room. It was cozy, and Zoe assumed it was a great date spot for C J. Her dilemma was it gave her no choice but to sit next to him instead of across the table. Zoe had to admit this excited her, but it also set up a more personal feel to the dinner. She was fighting hard to maintain her business composure as it was.
     
    “C J, great to see you tonight. I’m Matt and it’s a pleasure to meet you,” a tall gregarious man said to Zoe, practically appearing out of thin air tableside while simultaneously pouring champagne.
     
    Taken by surprise, Zoe