Confusion tightened Jossy's brow. "Told me what?"
He shook his head quickly. "Never mind. Look, I'm helping you for old times' sake. I don't want anything from you. I see your potential, Jossy. You're smart, capable, and you can be anything you want to be. And I'll be here for you if you ever need a friend."
He slid a small card across the table. "Here's my number. You can call me anytime. Think of me as your 911. I mean it."
Jossy's chest tightened. Against her better judgment, she leaned forward and closed the space between them, her arms wrapping around him in a sudden hug. Noah stiffened for a second, then slowly hugged her back, his hand resting lightly against her back.
A throat cleared behind them.
Jossy sprang back as George stepped into the room, his lips curved in a teasing smile. His eyes scanned between them, curious but not judging. Thankfully, Clara wasn't with him.
Noah's voice was calm, as if nothing had happened. "Take your time with the offer. Give us your answer when you're ready."
Jossy quickly gathered her bag, her cheeks burning. "Thank you. I'll..I'll think about it."
She hurried out of the building, her mind a storm. A full-time career at Lennox? She had a tough decision to make.
As Jossy slipped out of the room, the door shut softly behind the two men, leaving the air strangely heavy.
George leaned back in his chair, studying Noah, his face complicated. His cousin's face was unreadable, but his jaw was tight, and his fingers tapped once, twice, against the armrest. He was restless and uneasy.
George exhaled. Don't interfere. Stay out of it. An inner voice said to him. But the words were already pushing at his throat.
"Okay, Noah," he finally said, his voice cutting through the silence. "I'm just gonna get on with it. What was that back there? You like her? Because you do realize she's married, right? She is Damien's wife. Tell me bro, how do you imagine this ends?"