You Looked Down on Me Once Now You Look Up (Patricia and Oliver) novel Chapter 732

“Nathan Jenkins. You can look him up online.”

Ann didn’t waste a second. She pulled out her laptop and typed in Nathan Jenkins. The results popped up right away. The second she saw his job title and position, she felt a pang of frustration. He wasn’t just out of her league. He was on a whole different planet. No matter how hard she tried, there was no way she’d ever make it that far.

“Mr. Martin, please, I’m begging you. Help me.”

“Ann, I’m not a miracle worker,” Patricia replied, her voice edged with sarcasm. Honestly, even if she could help, she wouldn’t just hand it over. It wasn’t like they were close or anything.

“I have to go.” Patricia didn’t give her a chance to argue. She hung up right away.

That morning, the audit team wrapped up their work and started getting ready to leave. Patricia joined them for an early lunch. They started around ten and didn’t finish until noon. The mood was light, everyone swapping funny stories from the week. Patricia mostly just listened, occasionally joining in.

Eventually, Colby got up to settle the bill. While she was in the lobby waiting, a group of sharply dressed business types walked in, joking and laughing as they made their way through the crowd.

One of them glanced her way, recognition flashing across his face. “Hey, isn’t that Colby?”

“Mr. Padilla, Mr. McKee…” Colby called back, recognizing a few faces.

Oliver caught Hector’s eye and gave a subtle nod. Hector got the hint and led the rest of their group into a private room.

“Business lunch?” Oliver asked.

“Yeah,” Colby replied, nodding. “Mr. Martin’s here too.”

Oliver’s hand drifted to his side, fingers absentmindedly rubbing together. “There’s a balcony over that way…”

After paying, Colby slipped back into the private room, leaned close to Patricia, and murmured something to her. Patricia’s eyes widened in surprise, but she quickly excused herself from the table.

She found Oliver outside in the garden, leaning against the doorway, a cigarette dangling between his fingers. He always seemed to have one, but she was never sure if he actually smoked or just liked holding it.

“Yeah.”

“A few of the Pacific Capital execs are here too. Want to come in and say hi?”

“Maybe next time. I need to walk my guests out.”

Oliver seemed to get it and nodded. “Text me when you get back to the office.”

Patricia never really stressed about texting back, but Oliver clearly did. Every morning when they parted ways at Cloud Peak, he’d remind her, “Don’t forget to text me.” She’d always agree, but sometimes it slipped her mind. When that happened, Oliver never hesitated to just call her.

That afternoon, after saying goodbye to the audit team, Patricia grabbed a cab back to the office. It wasn’t far, and driving would have been a hassle with the parking and traffic. She paid the driver, opened the door, and was just about to step out when she heard a familiar voice.

“Patricia.”