Flash Flood Read Online Free Page B

it’s large enough to accommodate both of us, and it makes sense since we’ll be working together for the next three months.”
    “During the entire transition?”
    He nodded. “Alina, this may be hard, but I’m sure we can put aside our past personal life and work for the good of the company. Being friends is important to me.”
    “You forget one important factor. I don’t agree with this buyout.”
    “I understand, but neither one of us was a part of that decision.” His shoulders lifted and fell. “Do you think I chose this assignment?”
    “I have no idea.” But it would be a grand way to execute revenge for breaking off their engagement. She shook her head. The past needed to stay there.
    “I’ve never been vindictive, and I don’t plan to start now.” He paused. “All that aside, how are you?”
    “All things considered … I’m fine.”
    “I don’t see a ring, so I gather you aren’t married.”
    Strange that he noticed. “No. Just Anna and me.”
    “How is she?”
    “Happy. I have her in a wonderful facility near here.”
    “I’d like to see her.”
    Please, Ryan
. “That’s probably not a good idea. She was attached to you.”
    His smile stayed intact. “I understand. You’re probably right. Shall we get started?”
    Relief caused her to slowly expel a breath. “I really need to know what my responsibilities are for the next three months.”
    “We’ll go through each customer’s file to evaluate their current service and see how Neon can better serve them. I have software that we’ll use to merge data and complete reports. Financial reports along with employee information will also need to be done.”
    Alina laid her pen beside the notepad and placed her hands in her lap. He wouldn’t see her nervousness if she hid her shaking hands. “Does Neon have a position for me after the transition is complete?”
    She read no emotion in his gaze, and it bothered her. Up until this moment, he’d been the Ryan she remembered, carefully choosing his words. Unless …
    “That’s why I wanted to meet with you first thing this morning,” Ryan said.
    Her stomach knotted. “I won’t have a job when the transition’s finished, right?” A chill swept through her body. A state of powerlessness gripped her senses.
    “I’m afraid so. You won’t have a position with Neon,” he said. “An experienced management team will arrive and assume responsibility near the end of the transition period.”
    An ache crept into her heart. “I’m supposed to help you make a smooth transition, cooperate in all facets of this buyout, and in return I’m relieved of my job? That’s a wonderful thank-you.”
    “Neon has many opportunities in locations all over the country for someone with your abilities. I work out of Silicon Valley in California.”
    Why does he have to act so calm?
“It is impossible for me to relocate with Anna.” She stood and gathered up her laptop, purse, and notepad. “Get someone else to help you. I’d rather quit or get fired.”
    “By staying you’ll receive a good severance.”
    The silence between them seemed to punctuate his words. She had no choice. Ryan knew it. She blinked and attempted to swallow her hostility. “Whatever happened to being rewarded for company loyalty and business ethics? Do you and Fred think that letting people go will make Neon a better organization?”
    “Fred has nothing to do with this. He cares about you very much and has a tremendous amount of respect for what you’ve done with Flash. It’s unfortunate, I agree. I will be glad to write you a letter of recommendation when our work is finished, possibly sooner.”
    Bribery
. “You know I have no choice.” She meant to cover the caustic emotions but failed.
    “We always have a choice.”
    Was he referring to what she did six years ago? She could not, would not discuss it. “All right, Ryan. You win. And I’ll take you up on that letter of recommendation. When do we begin?”
    “Tuesday