The No Kiss Contract (Jensoo)

22

Jisoo drove down the long driveway that led to Mel Archer's East Hampton Estate. "Are you ready to go in there and win over everyone with our kickass pre-wedding lesbian wholesomeness?" she asked.

"We're going to knock them dead," Jennie replied.

With the exception of the snarled midtown tunnel on their way out of Manhattan, their journey out to the eastern edge of Long Island had been pleasant and conflict-free. Both of them seemed to be trying mightily to keep things light and easy, and Jisoo for one was intent on backing away from the raw emotions running rampant when Jennie visited the city earlier in the week.

"Here's what I remember about the Summit," Jisoo said. "The guest list includes senior associates and above—no juniors or support staff. Things will kick off with lunch, then there'll be a menu of afternoon activities, and dinner. Tomorrow there will be a town hall type meeting with the assembled employees and brunch before everyone fights the traffic all the way back to the city and beyond—unless you commute by helicopter."

"Darn," Jennie snarked. "Why didn't I reserve the helicopter this weekend?"

A platoon of valets stood at the top of the drive, and one came forward to whisk Jisoo's car away, and a headset-wearing event planner checked off their names and explained that they would be staying in the main house with other partners and higher-level colleagues. Their bags would be delivered to their room, which they would be directed to after lunch. She then ushered them through an enormous room that was devoid of all furniture, except for one white sofa, to the rear meadow, which simply looked like a very large backyard to Jisoo.

A good portion of the firm's employees had already gathered, seated or standing in small groups scattered across the lush lawn, and running the bartenders ragged at two bars set up on either side of the pool.

Jisoo knew this was a work event, but she was resolute that Jennie would not feel deserted or uncared for. "We're going to have a good time. There'll be lots of good food and drink, and the beach is close by if we want to escape."

Jennie nodded with her chin at the body of water that met the edge of the lawn about a football field's length away. "That's not the beach. Is it a lake?"

"That's Georgica Pond. I've never seen anyone swim in it, but there are boats, I think—of the rowing and sailing varieties."

"This is Mr. Archer's shindig, right?"

"Yes, he usually gets the ball rolling with a speech before lunch."

Jennie nodded. "Will the outgoing partner be here? What's his name?"

"Leonard Conant." Jisoo frowned. "I'm not sure. I haven't seen him around for a while."

"I'm guessing filling his vacancy will be a big topic of conversation?"

"Definitely. It's on everyone's mind."

She pulled Jisoo closer and spoke in her ear. "We should use this occasion to figure out where you are in the running. I'm good at getting people talking—just ask Mel Archer. I know I impressed him at lunch that day. So put me in, Coach. It's time to assess the competition and start making moves."

"Making moves?" Jisoo couldn't help it. She was sure her amusement was written all over her face. She wanted to douse herself in Jennie's spirit like it was cheap cologne and she was a teenage boy on his way to the prom.

"You think I'm kidding? We've got to lock this down. We've got to carpe all the diem."

Jisoo knew this weekend was a big deal. It could do a lot to demonstrate to the partners she was what they were looking for, but now that she was here with Jennie, after abstaining from her company all week, she simply wanted to enjoy her. Would it be so wrong to act like the crazy-in-love couple they were pretending to be and spend the whole weekend wrapped up in each other?
She spotted Mel Archer glad-handing his way through the crowd, his petite wife following like a tugboat in the wake of a cruise ship. The festivities were about to begin. She grasped Jennie's hand in hers. "Okay. Let the move-making commence."