Corporate A$$ (13 page)

Fiona

I set my glass down and went upstairs. I sat on the edge of my bed, never having felt so alone. I wanted him to stay the night, in my bed, holding me in his strong arms. The way he stood up for me against John made me feel good, maybe even special. No one had ever done that for me before. He wouldn’t have stayed anyway. It was something he didn’t do with anyone. He was a relationship-phobe, and I wanted to know why. I had good reason as to why I didn’t want to get involved with anyone. It was my mistrust of men. The feeling of being used, cheated on, and made to feel like I was nothing was too much for me to handle. I liked having sex with Nathan and no strings attached. The last thing I needed was to get involved in a relationship, give a part of my life to someone, and then have it come crashing down on me at any given moment. No thanks. I liked being on my own, doing things my way, and not have someone questioning me. But then, why did I feel so alone? I needed to talk to someone. A therapist, maybe. Someone who could shed some light as to why I was feeling this way. As I was pondering my thoughts, my phone dinged with a text message from Nathan.

“I’m home safe and sound. And look at that, you asked me to do something and I did. I didn’t forget because I didn’t want you to worry.”

A smile crossed my face.

“Thank you. I appreciate it. I’m happy you’re home safe.”

“Good night, Fiona.”

“Good night, Nathan.”

****

I grabbed my travel mug, climbed into my car, and met Lydia at the Los Angeles Medical Center for her first OB appointment. While we were sitting in the waiting room, I told her everything that had happened last night.

“Damn, I wish I could have been there to see that.”

“It was pretty funny. Especially when he came at me and Nathan stepped in.”

The nurse called us back into the room and had Lydia lie down on the table while she prepped her for an ultrasound.

“Good morning, Lydia.”

“Morning, Dr. Grant. This is my best friend, Fiona.”

Holy shit on a cracker! Dr. Grant was the hottest doctor I’d ever seen. Tall, blue eyes, military-styled hair, and a light stubble that swept across his jaw.

“Nice to meet you, Fiona. Now, Lydia, let’s see what’s happening in that belly of yours. You said you took four pregnancy tests and they all came back positive?”

“Yes.”

“Okay. We’re going to start with an ultrasound and then we’ll do some bloodwork.”

I grabbed hold of Lydia’s hand while Dr. Grant squeezed some gel on her belly and then slowly ran the wand across her.

“There’s your baby.” Dr. Grant smiled as he pointed to a small bean-looking thing on the screen. “And here’s the heartbeat.”

“Oh my God.” Lydia looked at me with tears in her eyes. “That’s my baby.”

I won’t lie and say tears didn’t fill my eyes, because they did.

“Yeah.” I smiled as I squeezed her hand.

“You are a little over eight weeks pregnant,” Dr. Grant spoke. “I’m going to write you a script for some prenatal vitamins. You are to take them every day and I will see you in four weeks. Am I to assume the father won’t be taking part in this pregnancy?”

“No. He won’t.”

“He’s a Tinder scumbag,” I spoke.

“Ah, yes, Tinder. I’ve been hearing a lot about that from my patients.” He winked. “Have a good day, Lydia, and go get those prenatal vitamins. It was nice to meet you, Fiona.”

“Thank you, Dr. Grant.”

“Nice to meet you too.” I sighed.

“Don’t think I didn’t notice you staring at him the whole time,” Lydia spoke.

“You didn’t tell me he was hot. Jesus, Lydia, how could you have him for a gynecologist?”

“I only saw him once when I switched birth control. His father was my gynecologist, but he retired three months ago and his son took over. I was just as shocked as you when he stepped in the room for my exam. I’m trying not to think about his looks. It’s awkward.”

“How can you not? Good lord.”

We walked to the parking lot and hugged goodbye.

“Thanks for coming with me.”

“Isn’t that what best friends are for? And don’t worry, I’ll be coming to every appointment with you.” I smiled.

“Down girl.” She laughed.

****

“Morning, Josh,” I spoke as I passed his desk and went into my office.

“Morning, Fiona. Three more vendors cancelled their contracts, bringing the total to over thirty stores that will no longer be selling Winslow Wines.”

“Great.” I rolled my eyes. “What else?”

“I got some info on each of the board members.” He smiled.

“Good stuff?”

“Yeah. I’d say some really good stuff.” He handed me the manila folder.

“I’ll look through it later and hopefully I will never have to use it.”

“Oh, Robbie wants to see you in his office.”

I sighed. “Do you know what about? Because I really do not feel like dealing with him.”

“I have no clue.”

“Thanks, Josh.”

I promised myself when I woke up this morning that today was going to be a great day. I was going to be positive and work my ass off to try and find a solution to Winslow Wine’s financial issues. Getting up from my desk, I went into my Uncle Robbie’s office.

“You wanted to see me?”

“Yes. Have a seat.” He sighed. “Has Nathan Carter given you the proposal yet?”

“He has.” I nodded.

“And?”

“I told him to give me a week to think about it.”

“A week? Fiona, what the hell are you waiting for? We need him to invest now!”

“He wants controlling interest.”

Leaning back in his chair, he interlaced his fingers. “Maybe that’s the best thing for this company.”

“Oh really? So you don’t think I can run this company either?”

“I didn’t say that, Fiona. So don’t put words in my mouth. The timing of your father’s death and the takeover of this company wasn’t a good one and we’re running out of time. If there’s a way to save this company, we need to jump on it.”

“And we will. I have a week to figure things out.”

“I’ve been trying to figure things out for the past two years since that bad business deal your father made. How are you going to do it in a week?”

“Well, sitting here and talking to you is cutting into my time.” I got up from my chair. “So, if you’ll excuse me, I have some things to figure out.”

As I lay my forehead down on my desk, I was interrupted by Josh.

“Taking a nap again?” he spoke.

“Go away. I need to think.”

“Your stepmother is on line one for you.”

“Really?” I lifted my head and looked at him.

“Yes, really.” He smirked.

Taking in a deep breath, I picked up the phone.

“Hey, Rachel.”

“Hi, Fiona. I was wondering if you’d like to come over tonight for a home cooked meal?” she spoke with a hint of sadness in her voice.

I hadn’t seen her since after the funeral and, in a way, I kind of felt bad about it. She didn’t have any kids and all of her family lived in Florida.

“Sure. What time?”

“Wonderful.” Her voice perked up. “Is five o’clock good?”

“I will see you then.”

After hanging up with her, I lay my head back down on my desk, and once again, I was interrupted. But this time, it wasn’t Josh’s voice I heard.

“I see you’re hard at work,” Nathan spoke.

Lifting my head up, I couldn’t help but smile at the sexiness that stood before me. All six feet of him.

“I’m thinking.”

“Do you always think like that?” He took a seat across from my desk.

“Sometimes. Now what can I do for you, Mr. Carter?”

“Oh, I can think of a lot of things you can do for me.” He smirked. “Especially a little something that happened in the shower the other morning.”

“Shh! Do you want people to hear you?” I tightened my legs at the thought.

“Your door is shut. Nobody can hear us. Anyway, I was hoping that maybe you spent the day yesterday giving my proposal some more thought.”

“You gave me a week, Nathan.”

“I know. Maybe it was just an excuse to see you.” The corners of his mouth curved up into a smile.

“You could have just called and asked me to dinner.”

“I could have, but you probably would have turned me down.”

“You’re right, I would have. I’m having dinner with my stepmother tonight.”

“See, then it’s a good thing I dropped by.”

I gave him a small smile as I looked down.

“I have to get going. I have a business meeting.” He got up from his chair, walked over to me, kissed my forehead, and gave me a wink.

“Have a good day, Mr. Carter,” I shouted as he opened the door.

He stopped and turned around. “I already am.” He smiled.

Fiona

Opening the door to my father’s house, I could somehow still feel his presence. I hadn’t been back here since the funeral. I told Rachel to call me when she was ready to pack up his things, but I hadn’t heard from her, so I assumed she wasn’t ready yet.

“Hi, Fiona.” Rachel walked into the foyer and hugged me.

“How are you doing?” I asked.

“Just when I think the days will get easier, they don’t. Dinner’s ready. Come sit down.”

“Rachel, did my father ever talk to you about the financial troubles Winslow Wines is having?”

“No. He never said a word. How bad is it?” she asked.

“Pretty bad. Actually, we’re on the verge of bankruptcy.”

“Oh no. I’m sorry.” She placed her hand on mine. “I had no idea. But then again, your father very rarely talked about the business with me. He left the business at the office the minute he stepped through that door.”

“Have you boxed up all his things yet?” I asked.

“No. I know I should, but I just can’t yet.”

“It’s okay. Just let me know when you’re ready and I’ll help you.”

After finishing dinner, I helped Rachel clean up and then stepped inside my father’s home office. I hadn’t been in here since before he passed away. Sitting down behind his mahogany desk, I ran my fingers along the roped edges and tears began to fill my eyes.

“What am I supposed to do, Dad? You left me with a mess and the only way out is to give someone else control of the company you built. I don’t want to disappoint you again, but I have no other choice.” A tear streamed down my cheek.

“Fiona?” Rachel softly spoke as she stepped inside.

Wiping the tear away, I got up and took in a deep breath.

“Sorry.”

“Don’t be,” she spoke as she walked over to where I was standing and wrapped her arms around me. “I miss him every day.”

“There’s an investor who wants to invest in Winslow Wines but with the stipulation that he takes controlling interest in the company and I don’t know what to do.” I took a seat behind my father’s desk.

“If the company is in that much trouble, it sounds like you don’t have a choice,” she spoke. “Listen, Fiona, you father didn’t plan on dying when he did and he certainly didn’t want you to take on the burdens he was facing. That wasn’t his intention when he appointed you CEO. If you’re worried about disappointing him, don’t be. If this is the only way to save the company, then you need to do what’s best for you and Winslow Wines. That’s what your father would want.”

“Maybe you’re right. Thanks, Rachel.” I gave her a small smile. “I should get going.”

“Thanks for having dinner with me. Don’t be a stranger, okay?” She grabbed hold of my hand.

“I won’t.”

As I was getting into my car, my phone rang and it was Lydia calling.

“Hello.”

“Please tell me you still aren’t at the office or at home in your pajamas.”

I let out a light laugh. “No. I just left Rachel’s house. We had dinner.”

“Oh good. Please say you’ll go with me to Palomino’s? I’m dying for their Palomino burger and since you already ate, you can get those Sicilian donuts you love so much.”

“Are you having a craving that bad?” I sighed.

“Yes, and I’d ask my boyfriend, but—oh wait, I don’t have one.”

Rolling my eyes, I agreed to meet her there.

“I’ll call right now and reserve us a table,” she spoke with excitement.

“Okay. I’ll see you in about twenty minutes.”

Stepping inside the restaurant, I told the hostess I was meeting Lydia and she immediately took me over to the booth where she was already sitting.

“Sorry. Traffic was a bitch from Rachel’s house.”

“It’s okay. I already ordered my burger and your donuts.” She smiled. “I’ll be right back. I have to use the bathroom.” She got up.

I sat there, sipping on my drink and looking around when I caught the back of a man’s head sitting at a table across the restaurant. I’d swear it was Nathan. I knew that hair and corporate suit anywhere. He wasn’t alone. Sitting across from him was a redhead. I had to be sure it was him before I let myself get all worked up. But how? I couldn’t very well walk up to the table and make a fool of myself if it wasn’t. Think. Think. Think. I sent a text message to my friend Lenny.

“Lenny. I need to track where someone is.”

“Have I taught you nothing, Fiona? I’ll send you the link to an app to download. If the person you’re looking for has a cellphone on them, all you have to do is type in the number and the location of where this person is at will pop up on a map.”

“Thanks, Lenny. I owe you.”

“You’re welcome, and no, you don’t.”

I downloaded the app and entered Nathan’s number.

“What are you doing?” Lydia asked as she sat down.

“Tracking Nathan.”

“Huh? Why?” she asked with a twisted face.

“Because I’m almost positive that man sitting over there across from the redhead is him.”

“Where?” She whipped her head around.

The map opened up and, sure enough, he was here. That was him. I swallowed hard and my heart started to skip several beats.

“It is him.”

“Oh,” Lydia spoke.

Our waitress walked over and set our food down in front of us. Suddenly, I didn’t want the donuts anymore. My belly felt sick and I just wanted to go home, but for Lydia, I didn’t tell her that.

“So, like, you seem upset,” Lydia said as she took a bite of her large burger.

“Who me? I’m not upset,” I lied. “We aren’t anything. We had sex a few times and that’s it. So what if he kisses my forehead every time he sees me. So what that he took me to dinner in San Francisco. So what if he flew to Paso Robles just to see me. So what if he invited me to his party on his yacht and so what if we have sex every single time we’re together!” I spoke through gritted teeth as I shoved a donut with chocolate sauce in my mouth.

“Yep. You’re upset and I don’t blame you. Go over there and tell him off.”

“No. I can’t. It isn’t any of my business who he sees. Like I said, we aren’t anything.”

The fact that he was going to ask me to dinner until I told him that I was going to Rachel’s and then asked another woman infuriated me. He quickly reminded me what a player and a womanizer he really was. And a redhead? Seriously? Fucker. How the hell was I supposed to tell him that I was accepting his proposal for Winslow Wines? He was the last man on earth I’d want to get into business with. But I had no choice. It was either swallow my pride or close the doors forever, leaving people out of work and with no pension. Not to mention that an investigation could be launched.

Nathan and the redhead got up from their chairs and began to walk our way.

“Shit! He’s coming this way.” I quickly got under the table so he wouldn’t see me.

This was ridiculous. Why was I behaving this way? So what if he saw me? Then he’d have to come up with some quick excuse. Or maybe he wouldn’t have an excuse and he wouldn’t care if I saw them together. Either way, I was staying under the table until he was gone.

“They’re gone.” Lydia peeked under the table at me.

I let out a deep breath as I climbed out and back into my seat.

“Is everything okay?” the waitress asked as she walked by and saw me.

“Yeah. I dropped my contact.” I casually smiled. “I’m accepting his proposal.” I looked at Lydia.

“What? Why?”

“I have no choice. It’s either that or shut down the company and go to jail for what my father did.”

“Oh, Fiona. I’m sorry.” She pouted.

“It’s fine. From here on out, there will be no more Nathan Carter in my personal life. Only in my business life and I intend to keep the two very separate.”

“I think in order to do that, you need therapy.”

Shoving another donut in my mouth, I spoke, “I know. Do you know anyone?”