The silence stretched between us for a moment. Vivienne set her phone face-down on the table, which felt significant somehow. She never put her phone down.
Ever.
I took a sip of water. The glass was heavier than it needed to be. Probably crystal or something equally unnecessary.
"Can I ask you something?" I said.
Vivienne's expression shifted. Not quite guarded, but close. Like a door that had been open now standing slightly ajar. Still accessible, but you'd have to make an effort to get through.
"You may ask," she said. "I reserve the right not to answer."
Fair enough.
"Why did you actually hire me?" I leaned back in my chair. The leather was soft enough that it didn't creak. "And don't say it's because I interviewed well. We both know Harlow made that decision before I even showed up."
