You Had Me at Halo

But I still don’t think it’s a good idea to see Todd right now.

Of course it is, Holly assured him in an excited voice. Anyway, he’s been working on this project for almost a month, I’m sure he’d want to know if the equipment isn’t correct so he can fix it up.

She didn’t bother to add that Todd had already decided his commission check would be going towards his new car. They’d been looking at sales brochures the night he had suggested they get engaged.

Andrew, who didn’t seem to notice the mental ping-pong that had been going on, slapped Vince on the back. “I’ve tried to tell them before it doesn’t work but they just won’t listen.”

Vince snorted. “That’s because they like what the Bacchus does for their profit margin. Anyway, I suppose we should get this over and done with.”

“Sure,” Andrew said as the headed toward the door. “Thanks again for doing this, I really appreciate it.”

So do I, Holly silently added as she tried to calm her nerves as the idea of seeing Todd again sent a fizz of excitement running through her. It seemed like ages since she had really talked to him. Touched him. Spent time with him.

There was n way she was going to screw up such a great opportunity. Everything had to be perfect and, as Vince strode down the corridor, Holly wondered what her chances were of getting him to stop at a mirror so she could quickly check his hair?

CHAPTER TWELVE

“What are you doing here?” Todd said the moment they walked into his corner office. It was a lot fancier than where they had just come from and though Holly had been in there enough times she’d never had this sort of greeting before. For a moment she was stunned.

“Er, I’m here to talk to you about this quote you’re doing for the hospital wing.” Andrew waved the plans up in the air and smiled in what Holly could only assume was meant to be a positive manner. It ended up looking like he was constipated and she wanted to tell him to relax. Todd might be looking a bit fierce right now but he was hardly going to bite his head off.

“Not you,” Todd said in disdain as he pointed a finger in Vince’s direction. “I mean him. After what happened yesterday I didn’t think you’d dare show your face around me for a while.”

Holly, Vince’s tight voice echoed in her head. Is there something else you forgot to tell me?

Oh. She flushed. Now that you mention it…Todd didn’t really like you hitting on Gemma so he was just trying to look out for her. There were a few words exchanged, but it’s only because he had her best interests as heart. That’s the sort of guy he is. She sighed and turned her attention back to where Todd was still scowling.

He was in his charcoal suit today and was wearing the tie she bought him for his last birthday. It was silk and cost more than a small piece of fabric had a right to, but he had assured her it was exactly what he wanted. He had obviously chosen to wear it today out of respect for her. She tried not to sniff.

“Well?” Todd demanded. “What are you doing here?”

Here, let me handle this, Holly said privately to Vince before giving Todd a smile. “I actually have a few things I need to discuss with you and I thought this would be the best way.” She stared directly at him, willing him to see beneath the Vince’s exterior to where she was.

For a moment his eyes seemed to widen ever so slightly then he folded his arms and arched an eyebrow.

“Really? Because as riveting as that sounds, I don’t have time. Andrew over here has already been dragging his heels on this quote and I’m due to submit it in two hours.”

Hmmmm, so much for her mind power.

Yep,  that went well. I think I can take it from here, Vince congratulated her before narrowing his eyes and glaring at Todd. “The reason I’m here is because you seem to have problems understanding that the Bacchus system won’t work in that hospital wing so Andrew asked if I could help explain what the alternatives are. The most practical one is to use Sampson routers and run them in conjunction with a two fifty- eight.”

Todd burst out laughing and Holly stared at him. Well, that was a bit rude. Not that she was really looking forward to hearing a long boring technical explanation herself, but Vince seemed to know what he was talking about, and that was all that mattered. Besides, the sooner they finished this quote business, the sooner Holly could explain to Todd what was going on and then she could apologize once and for all about their stupid fight. Time was a-wasting.

“I’ve managed the hospital’s account for the last two years and I think I know what they like. They’d never go for the Sampson because of the price. Not that tech heads like you ever think of anything like that.”

“Yes, but since they’ll end up spending twice as much in servicing and down time, it shouldn’t really be so hard to convince them.”

Todd rolled his eyes. “Maintenance comes out a different budget, all right? Now, I know you guys like to think you’re the only ones who understand how a computer works, but the truth is you’re the last link in the chain around here. If wasn’t for the sales force then you would be sitting around twiddling your thumbs and looking at computer porn. So don’t try and tell me my job, okay?”

Andrew coughed and waved the paper in the air once again. “With all due respect, you haven’t taken into account the frequency modulation the hospital equipment will be using. If you put this system in then—”

“You’ll risk jamming everything in the building,” Vince cut in. “Which would really screw up your commission.”

“You know, I can hear the words coming out but they’re not making any sense. Now if you two have finished, I’ve got work to do.”

What? Holly yelped to herself as she realized Todd was showing them the door.

No. That wasn’t right. She needed to talk to him. Like now. She only had until tomorrow to get all of her issues sorted and while she’d given Todd a bit of time yesterday because she knew how upset he must’ve been after the funeral, she couldn’t afford to keep on waiting. She dug Vince’s Doc Martens into the ground.

“Are you coming?” Andrew was looking at them, and seemed unsure of whether to stay or go.

“Actually,” Holly said before Vince had the chance to get a word in. “You go on without me. I have a few things I need to discuss with Todd.”

Can I just tell you that this is not a good idea, Vince said in her head. The truth is this guy has never liked me and I can’t see that changing anytime soon. Especially not after you tried to hit on Gemma yesterday in my absence.

If you’re trying to be funny then it’s not working, Holly retorted. I don’t really have a choice about this. I either get my issues sorted or I make myself comfortable in Level One. Now will you let me do the talking?

It’s just I don’t think you’ve thought this through properly.

Of course I have.

Yes but—

Vince, Holly mentally hissed at him, trying to fight back her disappointment in his attitude. Of course she knew he didn’t like Todd, but he could at least pretend that he did. That’s what friends did…and well, after what they’d been through together she was starting to think Vince was sort of like a friend. Not that she was going to advertise it or anything. But still, if she were alive he might’ve made it to the Christmas card list. Perhaps even the occasional Sunday brunch when her other friends were too busy.

Fine. Vince gave a slight shrug of his shoulder to admit defeat. He’s all yours.

“So what the hell is this about?” Todd tapped at his watch and scowled. “Because I really wasn’t joking about getting this quote submitted.”