LAKE
“We’re not doing it again.” I took off my jacket and dropped it on the couch.
Owen and Homer gave me a nod as a sign that the penthouse was clear. After what happened to Augustine, they seemed to have taken their job too seriously.
“What’s that supposed to mean?” Maverick almost flinched at my words.
“You, I know you. Whenever we argued, you left it unsolved and left me for days. You’re not going anywhere.” I loosened my tie and undone a button on my shirt.
“Good, because I’m not going anywhere.”
My head snapped in her direction, surprised by her reply.
“My life is a mess right now. You’re the only person that keeps me standing and steady. You’re the only person that keeps me sane.”
I swallowed and looked away. I tried to process what she said but couldn’t find the right words to reply. She just walked away and went upstairs while I still remained speechless.
I allowed her to cool down alone. I went to my study to review the CEO applicants. I barely started, my mind went back to what I said in the hospital. It might as well be too late to take it back. Deep in my heart, when it was the right time to start a family, who knew it would come? It would give us signs without even trying,
“It’s just a fucking resume.” I rubbed my temple when I couldn’t absorb what I was reading.
I glanced at the liquor cabinet. It had been a while since I got to drink. “That’s not the answer.”
The door unlocked and opened, and she came with her baggy shirt, her hair tied up in a bun that looked somewhat like a messy bow.
“When did you learn to unlock this door?”
“Are you silly?” She came with a piece of paper. “Homer gave me the codes.”
“Right.” I grabbed the paper she gave me as I stared at her. “What’s this?”
“You’ve been served.”
“What the fuck?” My heart almost crushed. I looked at the paper, and it was her resume.
She sat down on the chair across mine, and I squeezed my eyes for a moment and cursed the hell out of me. Why the fuck did I believe her with a single piece of paper? I guess I didn’t want that to happen between us.
“Don’t ever do that again.”
“I think everything around you is getting into your head. You need a good massage, maybe a meditation, or a punchbag.”
I met her gaze. “You know what drives me insane?”
“Your money.”
“You. You’re driving me insane.” I read her resume. There was nothing impressive about it except her internship. The reason why she didn’t want to risk the company by being a CEO. “Financial analyst?”
She arched a brow. “Don’t underestimate me, Winston. You can check my transcript.”
“No need. I know you’re smart and resilient. I have your profile, remember?”
“How can I forget?” She rolled her eyes.
“Okay. I’ll keep it with me.”
“So why are you so shattered when I came in?” She grabbed a file from my desk and checked it. “These are the applicants for the CEO.”
“Yes.”
She began reading without uttering a word, and I couldn’t help but steal a glance at her. She was just beautiful inside and out, thoughtful, and sensible.
“Babe-” She caught me. “Why are you staring at me?”
I smiled. “I like that bun thing on top of your head.”
She smiled back, giving me the resume. “I think I found the perfect applicant.”
I took it from her. “Why, because she’s a woman?”
“Aren’t you a little bit of a sexist?” I knew she was joking.
“Yeah, right? I control my wife, and she doesn’t have the privilege in her life other than spreading her legs for me when I get home.”
Her smile broke into a beam. Her dimples popped out. “Just check it out.”
“Even if her application qualifies for the position, she still has to undergo interviews.”
“Then what qualifications are you looking for aside from experience?”
“Personally, I want someone responsible, can manage loads of work, knows how to deal with the staff, and is good with decision-making.”
“You’re the boss, but make sure I am hired. I badly need a job and need something to focus on. And I need a good salary.”
“Focus on me, then,” I joked.
“Stop it.” She rose from the chair and rounded to my desk to wrap her arms around me. “Sorry for making you angry earlier.”
“It’s fine. I’m glad we’re on board about taking another step. Maybe it’s too early. You have much to accomplish, and having a child can wait.” I pressed my lips on her knuckles.
“Thanks for understanding my outburst.”
“You mean so much to me, Maverick, more than what I have shown you. I hope you know that.” I looked at her, and she was looking at me.
“I feel the same.” She kissed me on the lips. “Good luck finding your CEO.”
***
“I heard you went on a honeymoon.”
I inwardly groaned. “Yes, Dad. How can I help you?”
“You can have the seat.”
“Too late. I’m not interested anymore. I have many things to do, and I’m also handling my own companies. I would gladly accept if you offered it to me before my marriage.”
“So you’re wasting this opportunity for a woman.”
“Not just for my wife. For my life. I want freedom from your control. Yes, I’ve learned many things from you, and I’m grateful. And one thing that I have applied right now is to stand on my own.”
“You’re insane. What did she feed you to turn your side against me?” Her sweet pussy?
“Nothing.” I sighed. “I just realized I don’t need to be on top of the game to be happy. All I need is to make the right decision, choose the right people, and be surrounded by those who truly care for me. Everything will fall into place.”
“I’m so sorry for you, Lake. I’ve taught you to be tough because this industry needs tougher people to succeed. You’re over. Your downfall is near.” I really made him mad. Why was it difficult for him to accept that I found the right woman for me?
“Is that why you call me? To insult me? Save it, Dad. You’re lucky I haven’t sold my share. I’m so done with your bullying and belittling me. You wouldn’t have given me that seat if you didn’t believe in my capability. You do realize that, right? Where in truth, you need me because I have potential.”
“You are expendable.”
“I know.” I hung up the call and left the study.
I was tempted to drink, but I chose to control myself, and I would not let my father win. I went to the kitchen to find my wife with a bowl of salad and a glass of wine.
“Don’t give me that look. I’m hungry.”
“No one is judging.” I grabbed a fork and joined her. There was something in the dressing that was delicious. “Wait. What’s this dressing?”
“Tahini.”
“Tahini?”
“Yup. A toasted ground sesame seeds. It’s anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antioxidant, and a potential anticancer. You have in your ref.”
“Oh. Yeah. Now I remember. Falafel.”
“Yeah. You like it?”
“Yeah.” I ate more, and she let me finish it.
“Why did you look like you were about to murder someone?”
“My father called.”
“And?” She pushed a plate with toasted bread to my side.
“Same old father.”
“You and your father will only achieve peace if I’m out of your hair.”
“Then we remain in conflict. There’s no way I’m divorcing you. He can suck it up.”