Chapter 209

Madison

I nodded, gathering my thoughts. “I didn’t see Herbert Hayes at the welcome gathering. Is he joining the team later?”

Alexander returned to his desk, shuffling some papers. “He’ll join from Monday. He’s wrapping up a project in Boston.”

“I see.” I moved toward his desk, collecting the files he’d set aside. “I should get these back to my team.”

“We’re going out for lunch this afternoon,” he announced abruptly.

I paused, files halfway into my arms. “We are?”

“Yes.” Alexander straightened his tie. “To celebrate your first day as project manager. I had planned dinner, but I’m required at a family obligation tonight.”

The way he said “family obligation” made it sound like he was describing a root canal.

“Lunch sounds perfect,” I said, shifting the files in my arms. “I should be able to meet with most of the team members before then.”

He glanced at his watch. “I’ll have a car ready at 1:30. Don’t be late.”

“I would