Adrian Hart did not understand the word "no," or perhaps he understood it perfectly and simply chose to ignore it. Either way, he kept finding reasons to extend his meetings with me, and each extension came with a new excuse that was slightly more creative than the last.
First it was lunch. "Just a quick bite to discuss the partnership proposal," he said with his warm smile and his expensive cologne, leaning against my office doorframe like he belonged there. "I know a place around the corner that does incredible sushi. My treat."
Lucas, who was standing by my desk with his tablet in hand, made a sound that might have been a cough or might have been a barely suppressed objection. His ears were already pink, and I watched him type something rapidly... probably documenting the invitation for Kevin's spreadsheet.
