Love is Always Write Anthology Volume 10

not taking his eyes off Jason's face, and suddenly Jason realized that the man may not be referring to software.
    "Uh, uh…" Jason stuttered nervously, "um, what's your business?"
    "I'm a software developer," he said, grinning.
    "Oh, I see. You're checkin out the competition?"
    "Is that okay?"
    Jason shrugged, still unable to wipe the silly grin from his face. "Be my guest."
    There was something about the man that looked familiar to Jason, but he couldn't quite put a finger on it. Maybe he'd known him from school. Perhaps he'd been a guest lecturer, or maybe his dad had consulted with him about something previously. Jason looked a little closer, and then suddenly it dawned on him.
    "I know you," Jason said. He was now no longer smiling. "You're Glenn. You used to work with my dad."
    "Your dad?"
    "My dad," Jason repeated, "Robert Mathers."
    The shocked expression on the man's handsome face told Jason that Glenn remembered his father well. "You're Jason?" he said. "Little fourteen-year old, geeky Jason?"
    Jason glared at him. No wonder his dad hated the man's guts.
    "Sorry," he quickly apologized, "I didn't mean it like that. It's just… well, you've grown up rather nicely."
    "Mr. Braeburn, is there anything I can help you with?" Jason said defensively.
    The man stood there for a moment before responding. Finally he shook his head. "No, but Jason, it was so good to see you again. Your dad must be really proud of you… the way you've followed in his footsteps."
    "Thanks," Jason said curtly, offering no commentary.
    "Well, I've got to head back to my booth. I'm clear on the other side. Maybe we can chat more … before the show's over."
    "Maybe," Jason said flatly.
    As Glenn walked away from the table, Jason couldn't help but look down at the man's perfect bubble butt. For a dude in his forties, the guy was built. Too bad he was such an asshole.
    ****
    When Jason's father dropped him off at his apartment that evening, the dynamic between them had made a complete one-eighty from where it'd been that morning. His dad was smiling, animated, and appeared genuinely happy. He'd made a big sale with Laura and already had plans to fly out to Denver the following week to introduce the software product to her manufacturing company.
    Jason suspected that his father's good mood was due at least partially to something more than just making a sale. "You two seemed to really hit it off," Jason said. They were parked in the lot outside Jason's apartment building.
    "Oh… Laura and me, you mean?"
    "Yeah, she seems like a real nice lady. Very attractive too."
    His father shook his head slightly, trying to frown, but then suddenly burst into a broad smile. The head-shaking became an emphatic nod. "Yeah, she is quite the looker, isn't she?"
    Jason laughed. "Good." He patted his father on the shoulder. "She is single, isn't she?"
    "Divorced," he said. "She has two grown children."
    "Perfect," Jason said.
    "Now, don't go putting the cart before the horse. We just met, and … well, this is strictly business."
    "Oh, okay. If you say so."
    "I do say so," his father insisted. "I'm not about to jeopardize a sale by getting involved…"
    "Dad," Jason interrupted. "Jeopardize it. Who cares about the sale? You obviously like her. Besides, who says you can't be friends with a client? Who says you can't be more than friends? You own the company, after all."
    "I learned a long time ago how dangerous it is to mix personal relationships with business."
    "Well, if that's how you really feel, give the account to me," Jason suggested. "I'll handle the business and you can pursue the personal."
    "Hm," his dad said, as if thinking. "Nah, I think I might enjoy a trip to Colorado."
    "I think so too," Jason agreed. "But you need to get over your fear of mixing business and pleasure. Nobody ever said work had to be a drudgery. Have some fun, enjoy yourself while you're out there. And if something does happen between you and Laura, you can hand over the account to me so there is no conflict of interest."
    "We'll see," his dad said. Jason grabbed the door handle to let himself out. "Jason, thanks. Thanks for putting up with your old man."
    He again reached over to place his hand on his father's shoulder. "Dad, you don't have to thank me. Putting up with a dad like you is easy. I'm just glad the trade show's gone so well. You made the big sale today. I'll try to do my part tomorrow."
    "Have a good night son."
    "Hey, I can drive myself tomorrow. It's a gym day, so