Free Work Like You Don't Need the Money by SJ McCoy Page A

for her and Holly buckled herself in.
    “So, Albert,” she said once he pulled out into the traffic. “Where are we headed?”
    With a sideways glance he replied, “To meet Mr. Hemming.”
    Holly laughed. “Yeah, but where?”
    “I'm afraid he asked me not to say.”
    Holly frowned. “And why was that?”
    She could tell Albert was trying not to smile. “He said, if he knew you, you might change your mind about coming.”
    “I see.”
    “And, Miss Holly? If you don't mind my saying, I think he does know you. He told me not to be surprised if you wanted to sit up front.”
    “Well, I don't like to stand on ceremony, and I'm not like Pete, I'm not used to cars and drivers. I just see a nice man who is kindly giving me a ride, thank you.”
    Albert laughed, “You're more like Pete than you think. He sits up front with me whenever he can get away with it.”
    “Ha! I'd have imagined Mr. Bigshot sitting in the back, doing important stuff and giving orders!”
    Albert guffawed at that. “Mr. Bigshot?! Don't let him hear you say that, he'd be horrified. He's as down to earth as they come underneath it all, you know.”
    “I do know, Albert. It's just so easy to wind him up calling him that.”
    “You stick around, Miss Holly. I think you're going to be good for him.”
    “Ha! I'm just a passing fling, but thanks for the vote of confidence.” Why did she have to blurt out such stupid things? Now the old man looked uncomfortable and she felt bad. “Sorry, it's just that I know it's not going to go anywhere serious between us, and I like him more than I should.”
    Albert nodded. “I say again. I think you're going to be good for him. And now, we're almost there.”
    Holly looked out of the window, “The airport?”
    “Yes, ma'am.” Albert slowed the car as they approached a chain link fence. He stopped and leaned out of the window to press some numbers into a keypad.  The section of fence in front of them whirred and then rolled away to the side. Albert drove through the gap and stopped, letting the engine idle until the fence rolled back into place behind them. He drove on past a row of hangars until he came to last one.
    Pete stood outside, talking on his cell phone. He ended the call when he saw the limo approaching. Holly caught her breath at the sight of him. He was wearing jeans and a denim shirt which, although it looked old and perfectly faded, she knew had set him back at least five hundred dollars. She knew because she had been the one to persuade the designer to run a limited line in only two of the top men’s stores in the city. Ugh! She really had to let go of the fashion fixation though. It wasn't the shirt, but the body it was stretched over that was making her heart race. Just look at that smile! She did as he came over and opened her door before Albert could get out. He greeted her with a hug and a peck on her lips. He slung an arm around her shoulders and drew her to his side as he addressed Albert.
    “Was I right or was I right?”
    “You were right, smart ass!”
    Holly looked between the two of them, surprised.
    Pete laughed. “You're not the only one who calls me names and puts me in my place, you know.”
    “So I see. Good for you, Albert. Maybe you and I should join forces and really kick his butt.”
    Albert laughed. “I get the impression you can do that all by yourself, but if you ever need reinforcements, you give me a shout.” He handed Holly his card and she slipped it into her purse. “For now though, I'm going to let you two get going.” He covered his ears as the sound of jet engines firing up filled the air.
    Pete checked his watch. “Yep, we're filed for two thirty. Thanks, old friend.” Pete opened the trunk and took Holly's bag out then shook Albert's hand. “See you soon.”
    “Poker night Tuesday if you're down?” Albert turned to Holly. “It was a pleasure to meet you. I hope to see you again soon.”
    “You too, thank you.” Holly gave him peck on the