Total pages in book: 31
Estimated words: 29423 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 147(@200wpm)___ 118(@250wpm)___ 98(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 29423 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 147(@200wpm)___ 118(@250wpm)___ 98(@300wpm)
“Don’t gloat,” I order, punching the elevator button.
“This is my natural state.”
“So you’re always gloating?”
“I do win a lot.”
The doors slide open, and out steps Mindy. Because she’s smart, she reads Cal’s face perfectly. “You convinced Gertie, didn’t you?”
“Yes.” There’s no point in lying. I step inside the car and pull Cal in with me. He’s still grinning.
“Wait.” Her hand stops the doors from closing. “Why her and not me?”
Cal’s face grows hard. “Because she’s Harlow, and I can’t remember your name.” He reaches forward and dislodges her hand. “Never disrespect her again, or I will ruin you, and the only elevator you will be riding is the one to debtor’s prison.”
“That was…”
“Harsh?” he asks as the elevator car arrives.
“No, actually. I appreciate it. I don’t think I would have ever said that to her, but I wanted to.”
“It’s better coming from me.” He tips my chin up. “But feel free to curse your enemies and then tell me about it. That’s what I’m here for. Sex, food, and revenge.”
I’m laughing when he kisses me. I love it and him.
“Just tell them I’m a delivery person you hired,” Cal suggests as I worry how I’m going to sneak him into my office.
“I’ve got a single box of stuff. Not even a box actually. A plant, a photo of me and Grams, a mug, and a planner that I never used. Maybe some candy.”
“Sounds heavy, and I should be carrying that for you.”
The driver pulls up in front of the building. “What’s the worst that can happen? I get kicked out?”
“I suppose.” That would be humiliating for most people, but Cal’s ego is so solid you could probably kick him in the balls in the middle of the street, and he’d laugh in your face. I’m going to learn that from him. Not allow other people to tear me down.
With that in mind, I march onto my floor with my head up. I was fired unjustly, and no one is going to make me feel bad today.
Stacy is standing next to my desk, watching me the whole way with a smirk on her face. The smarmy look falters when she catches sight of Cal over my shoulder.
“Did you bring your lawyer?” She sneers, but the way she’s wringing her fingers together tells me she’s nervous.
“Damn, better idea than bodyguard,” Cal murmurs.
I swallow a giggle and start gathering up my things. I had a few more items than what I’d listed for Cal earlier but not much. He places everything in the box for me while the rest of the office looks on. As Cal places the last item—my candy jar—into the box, Mavis appears.
“I’m sorry this had to happen,” she says.
“I’m not.” I lift my chin. A couple of weeks ago, I would’ve been near tears, saying “I’m so sorry, too.” That’s not the person I want to be. “I didn’t do anything wrong. My project was stolen from me. I asked you to check the CCTV footage to clear my name, but you refused, so I’m glad I’m leaving. I don’t want to work at a place where coworkers stab you in the back and your supervisors don’t stand up for you.”
Mavis’ jaw drops. “Are you accusing us of wrongdoing?”
“If the shoe fits,” I quip, lifting the box. Cal takes it right from me.
“Who the hell are you?” Mavis directs to Cal.
“It’s Calix Line,” Nate Bell calls from across the room. He’s part of the graphic design department. He runs over to shake Cal’s hand, but since Cal is holding my box, they just sort of stare at each other. “Sir, I’m a big fan. I’ve been dabbling in real estate investments and wondered if you had some advice on the high-end flipping market.”
“Find someone with a good track record, ten years or more, and invest in him,” Cal says.
“R-r-right,” he stutters in shock. He did not think he was actually getting a response.
“Who’s Calix Line?” Stacy asks, saying his name like it’s odd or weird.
Nate is offended. “You don’t know who Calix Line is?”
“Richest man in the city,” yells someone else.
“Any stock tips, man?” from another corner.
Pretty soon, we’re surrounded by a bunch of fanboys along with several women looking Cal up and down like he’s a tasty treat they’re going to devour. I step closer to him. That’s my man they’re undressing with their eyes.
“You can’t beat a market index fund if you’re a casual investor,” Cal says, “which you all probably know, but I’ll give you one tip, and that is, I looked at acquiring this company, but all the reports say that it’s got management issues and you’re losing big client after big client, so my recommendation is you find new jobs before this ship sinks. You’re always more attractive as a new hire when you’re coming from success rather than failure.”