Romeo for Hire

by Ali Parker

  Just about anything else, I thought to myself.

  “Well, he wouldn’t be in my department,” Max said. “Ryan wasn’t an econ major in college, but he’d do great in ad sales, I think.”

  “Sounds like a plan to me,” the regional manager said. “Good luck, Ryan. Hope to run into you in the future.”

  “Thank you, sir.”

  Max nodded approvingly and motioned for me to get on the elevator. We rode it up to the eleventh floor and stepped off. Max walked me through a few offices, nodding toward people as we passed.

  He showed me the place where I’d start out, a huge open room where people milled around a giant whiteboard. They seemed to be mapping out an ad campaign, but I could barely follow along with their fast-paced speech.

  “No way I can do this,” I muttered to myself.

  Max didn’t hear me, but he saw the wary look on my face and quickly moved us away. We walked back to the elevator and rode it up to the twentieth floor. Max stepped off first and led the way down a long hallway that ended in a fork. We went to the left, and after a few steps, I knew where Max was taking me.

  On this level of the building, there was a huge wall of windows that overlooked the city. We weren’t that high up yet, not even halfway, but from the window, we could see Central Park. My eye fell on the greenery beneath me, and I immediately relaxed.

  “You were wrong down there,” Max said. “You can do this, Ryan. You just have to want it.”

  “You heard me?” I asked.

  He nodded and slapped my back again. “Meet me in my office when you’re ready, all right? You remember where it is?”

  “Yeah.”

  With that, Max turned and left me to my thoughts.

  Staring out over Central Park, I tried to imagine myself doing this every day for the rest of my life. My mouth dried. A horrible knot formed in my throat. My chest tightened. My stomach clenched. I fought back a wave of nausea and turned away from the window.

  “Are you okay?” A voice asked from behind me.

  Turning around, I saw an older woman walking toward me. She was old enough to be a grandmother but still held a youthful exuberance in her warm hazel eyes.

  “I’m great,” I said, faking a bright smile. “Thanks.”

  “I’ve been around here for a while,” she said. “I’ve come to recognize when someone is on the verge of a nervous breakdown.”

  “Does it happen that often?” I asked shakily.

  “More than you can imagine.”

  That sounded right. Anyone would lose their mind spending day after day in the concrete jungle. As I looked back out the window, I imagined walking into B’s place. A warm calm washed over me, and for the first time all day, I felt like I belonged.

  “My brother wants me to come work here,” I said to the woman. “He’s been pushing it for years, but now, I have more of a reason to take him up on the offer.”

  “What reason is that?” she asked kindly.

  “A woman.”

  “Ah.” She smiled knowingly. “Of course. It’s always about love, isn’t it?”

  I nodded and narrowed my eyes. I could still see the Romeo office clearly in my mind. It felt so real, almost like I was right there, reaching out my hand for the door.

  “I’ve been at the same job for three years,” I said. “It’s hard to imagine leaving, even though I know it’s the best thing.”

  “Any change is going to be hard,” the woman said. “No getting around that. You just have to ask yourself if it’s worth it.”

  “How will I know the answer?”

  She smiled and turned away. With a shrug, she walked back down the hallway and disappeared. I was left wondering if she’d even been real.

  I stayed by that window for another few minutes before I finally pulled myself away. Walking slowly, I made my way across the building to Max’s office. It took two elevator rides and a couple wrong turns for me to find it, but when I stepped up to his door, I felt ready.

  Knocking softly, I pushed the door open and stepped inside.

  “Clear your head?” he asked.

  I nodded. He gestured for me to take a seat. When I did, he pulled out a folder and handed it to me with a dramatic flourish.

  “Read this,” he said. “It’s the new employee packet.”

  “I haven’t said yes, Max.”

  “I know.” He held up his hands defensively. “But how can you say anything if you don’t even know the job? Or the perks?”

  “Yeah.” I scoffed. “Perks. Like sitting behind a desk for eight hours a day until I die. Probably at the same damn desk.”

  Max brushed me off and got back to work. I flipped open the folder and tried to think of the positives. The only problem was, I wasn’t sure there were any.

  ***

  My mood didn’t improve until after lunch. Max took me downstairs for a hot dog before taking me back to the eleventh floor and throwing me headfirst into a planning meeting that I was beyond unqualified for.

  “You’ll be fine,” he said, pushing me forward.

  Tracy, the leader of the group, motioned for me to join them. She was kind, always encouraging me to join in on the discussion. But it wasn’t until I let myself really pay attention that I had any idea what they were talking about. Once I did, everything else seemed to fall into place.

  I talked and shot around ideas ping-pong style with people who thought exactly like I did, and others were my polar opposites. All of them were nice and enthusiastic. I never once felt out of place or like I didn’t belong.

  And when Max came to get me at the end of the day, I was flying higher than I ever had at Romeo Rebound.

  “How was it?” Max asked as we stepped onto the sidewalk.

  “I don’t know, Max.”

  I shook my head and came to a stop. Turning back, I peered up at the building and tried to picture myself working within its walls.

  “You had fun, didn’t you?” he accused.

  He was right. I did. Being around the ad planning team was a blast. I’d never felt so involved or inspired as I had in that room.

  “It was great,” I admitted. “But I still don’t know how I feel about working in an office every day. That was never me. You know that.”

  “Who says it can’t be you now?”

  Max raised his eyebrows and waited for me to speak, but no argument came to mind. He was right about so many things.

  When my mind turned to Candice, I knew how happy it would make her if I left Romeo Rebound. That was almost enough to push my decision completely toward Max’s side, but the more I thought about it, the more confused I became.

  I left to pick up Paisley, still reeling over the decision I had to make.

  “How was your day, Pea?” I asked as she hopped into the back seat.

  I let her voice lull me into a sense of security as we sped toward home. She told me about her day while I tried to forget mine.

  And yet, when we made it home that night, I could think of nothing but the ad sales team and that damn whiteboard. My fingers were practically itching to get a marker in them and begin scribbling out idea after idea.

  “Is Candice coming?” Paisley asked.

  I nodded but didn’t say anything. My head was too full. Could I really leave Beatrice and the Romeos? And if I didn’t, would my relationship with Candice be able to survive the life of a Romeo?

  Chapter 80

  Candice

  Kendra walked in the second I sat down behind my desk. She plopped a mountain of paperwork on my desk with a grimace.

  “What’s all this?” I asked, my voice shaky with nerves.

  “They just need signatures,” she assured me. “Stuff that came through while you were gone. The real fun starts later.”

  I blinked. “What? What do you mean?”

  “Bart set a meeting with you this afternoon,” Kendra said. My eyes fell shut. “I tried to tell him it wasn’t a good time, but you know Bart.”

  “I just got back
to town.”

  “I told him that.”

  “And?” I demanded.

  Kendra hesitated. She shifted her weight from one foot to the other. I knew it wasn’t her fault that Bart was commandeering my time, but I had to blame someone.

  “He said he’s the president of the board,” she said simply. “And that telling him no was not an option.”

  “For you? Or for me?” I scoffed and turned away.

  Kendra was gracious enough to accept my attitude in stride. She knew it wasn’t really directed at her, that I was just nervous about my meeting with Bart. I could think of only one reason why he would demand to see me on my first day back in the city. And it wasn’t good.

  “I’ll be there,” I finally said. “What time?”

  “Two o’clock,” Kendra said. “But he’s coming here. He already said he’d stop by whether you’re busy or not.”

  “Well, that’s just wonderful.”

  Kendra shot me an apologetic look before leaving me alone. I made my way quickly through the mountain of paperwork, scribbling my name on the dotted line of each page without even glancing at the words above.

  I trusted Kendra to sift through all these documents. She knew better than to put my name on something I hadn’t already approved, so the work went by fast. I signed the last sheet of paper before ten o’clock.

  Deciding to take an early lunch, I hurried past Kendra’s desk without a word. My feet carried me to the elevator, across the lobby, and out onto the street before I realized I didn’t know where to go.

  I swiveled in a quick circle, searching for somewhere quick to eat when I saw my sister hurrying toward the office. She spotted me and slowed to a crawl, a guilty look crossing her face.

  “What’s with you?” I asked. “Are you late or something?”

  “No.”

  Leslie shook her head and glanced behind me at the office doors. She shuffled her feet, just as Kendra had done earlier that morning.

  “Why is everyone so on edge today?” I snapped. “What the hell did I miss while I was gone?”

  “What?” Leslie frowned. “What are you talking about?”

  I shook my head and quickly regained my composure. “Nothing,” I said. “Sorry, I’m just pissed. Bart’s coming by my office in a few hours.”

  Leslie’s eyes flew wide. “What? Why?”

  “I have no fucking idea.”

  “I thought he had to lay off now,” Leslie said. “After you took Ryan to the banquet.”

  “Yeah, so did I.”

  Leslie and I stood outside the Smart Cosmetics building, both of us stewing over Bart. Something else was spinning through Leslie’s mind, but she didn’t let me see it. Instead, she wrapped her hand around mine and pulled me down the street.

  “Coffee,” she said simply. “I’m already late anyway. What’s one more hour?”

  “I’ll put in a good word for you with the boss,” I teased.

  “Yeah.” She bumped my hip with hers. “Thanks.”

  ***

  Back at the office, I counted the minutes until two o’clock. It seemed like time was simultaneously speeding up and slowing down, and I was powerless to stop it either way. No matter how much work I did to fill my day, I couldn’t keep my eyes from returning to the clock on my wall.

  Bart Banks didn’t do anything without a reason. Ever.

  I’d been so sure that after bringing Ryan to the banquet, all my problems with the board would disappear. Clearly, I was wrong.

  Two o’clock arrived, and I felt my chest grow heavier. Heavy footsteps sounded beyond my office door. Just as the doorknob turned, I sprang to my feet and smoothed out my dress. Keeping my face impassive, I faced the door and waited.

  Bart’s eyes fell on me, and he smiled warmly. It was an old smile, the one I’d received from him countless times through my childhood and adolescence. It held no contempt or resentment. His expression was one of calm indifference.

  “I’m glad to see you, Bart.” I reached for his hand. He brushed it aside and pulled me in for a hug.

  My shoulders tightened, but I accepted his hug. Pulling away, I gestured for him to sit down. My stomach flipped as I waited impatiently to hear why he’d imposed himself on me when I’d only just gotten back from Seattle.

  “I heard you have a nice vacation,” he said.

  “Yes.” I nodded. “Ryan and I took the week off. It was unexpected, but exactly what we needed.”

  “I see.” Bart’s eyes flashed. “I heard rumors that you went alone. After leaving the banquet rather abruptly?”

  “Abruptly?” My stomach flipped again. “I don’t know what you mean.”

  “There were still photographers about,” Bart explained. “A few photos were snapped of you and Ryan outside the hotel. Having an argument.”

  “I’m not sure what you mean, but I assure you, Ryan and I are fine.”

  “That’s not what your mother told me.”

  My mother. Of course.

  Clearing my throat, I sat up straighter and prepared myself for a fight. If Bart wanted this desk, he’d have to pry it out of my dead fingers. There was no way in hell I would let someone like him waltz in and take control of my father’s company.

  “Let’s cut the shit,” I snapped. “Shall we?”

  Bart laughed and crossed one leg over the other. He eyed me approvingly and nodded for me to continue.

  “I know you want my job,” I said flatly. “But you aren’t going to get it. So, let’s give it a rest with all the threats. Deal?”

  “Sounds fair,” Bart said. “Although, I wouldn’t be so certain this job won’t one day be mine.”

  “And why is that?” I demanded.

  “Those photos.” Bart grinned. “If they hit the right desks, your position here might become precarious.”

  I snorted and walked around the side of my desk. Circling around my office, I tried to think of a retort. This fight was not one I was interested in having, but I thought I had a pretty good solution for all my problems.

  “Listen, Bart.” I stopped and turned to him. He twisted around in his chair to face me. “What do you want? Hmm? A promise that you may remain at the head of the board until you retire? What? Name your damn price.”

  “I want controlling shares in the company.” He shrugged. “And maybe one or two other things. We’ll see.”

  “The company is mine,” I said with emotion. “That will not change. But I may be able to offer something different in return for you leaving me the hell alone.”

  “What’s that?” Bart asked, a spark of interest igniting his eyes.

  “I have a question first.”

  Bart paused. “Okay.” He nodded. “Go ahead.”

  “How does the board feel about me now?” I asked. “I was told they believed me to be cold and unable to sustain a commitment. Did taking Ryan to the banquet change that?”

  “Yes,” Bart answered quickly. “Everyone is seeing you in a different light, Candice. Myself included.”

  “So, there are no more doubts about my abilities?”

  “None.”

  Smiling to myself, I turned back around. I paced once more around my office before stopping in front of the window. Looking out of the city, I tried to force myself to love it like I used to.

  “There was a time when this view was all I wanted,” I told Bart. “My father sat behind this very desk, doing the same work I do now. This was his dream. And now that I have it, I’m not sure I want it anymore.”

  I felt Bart’s surprise before I heard it. The air seemed to drain from the room as he sucked in a rattling breath and waited for me to continue.

  “You said the board trusts me now,” I said. “How far does that trust extend?”

  Bart didn’t answer at first. I heard him get to his feet and walk slowly around my desk. He stopped beside me and gazed out the window. I wondered what he saw when he took in that view. Hope? Joy? His own future?

  “What are you asking, Candice?” he f
inally said.

  “If I were to suggest opening a Smart office in Seattle,” I said simply. “Would they support that call?”

  “Hmm.”

  Bart pursed his lips thoughtfully. We barely looked at each other as we talked over the pros and cons of that decision. Seattle was a great city and one that would benefit from our impact. It also held a lot of potential revenue for us. Opening an office there would only mean more money pouring in.

  “Why Seattle?” Bart asked when we were done discussing things. “What’s there that you want?”

  “Nothing yet,” I said. “It’s just an idea that took form.”

  “And what do you want from me?” he asked.

  I fell silent and thought over my next statement. Choosing my words very carefully, I turned back to Bart and gestured for him to sit back down. He did as he was told, but I stayed on my feet, wanting to show that no matter what, I still held the power.

  “If you support my proposal with the board,” I said. “Help me push it through, I’ll have something waiting for you in the wings. Is that a deal?”

  “That’s awfully vague, Candice.”

  “On purpose,” I said without emotion.

  Bart grinned. Nodding slowly, he silently agreed to follow me down my upcoming path. Whatever happened with the board from here on out, I knew I had Bart in my corner. The Seattle office was almost a sure thing.

  “I trust you, Candice,” Bart said as he left my office. “Don’t let me down.”

  “Bart.” I called him back.

  “Yes?” he asked.

  “Don’t ever try to force my hand again,” I said. “You will never have my job, but if you’re lucky, you may have an extremely successful position in this company.”

  “Candice, I—”

  “If you’re careful about the moves you back from here on out.”

  Bart’s lips fell together. For a second, I thought he almost looked ashamed.

  “Your father would be proud of your strength,” Bart said. For the first time in that meeting, I saw a glimmer of pride in his own eyes.

  Smiling, I waved him away and settled back down behind my desk. I’d barely sat when my phone vibrated in front of me. Looking down, I saw a familiar name and face blinking up at me. All the strength and confidence I’d felt just seconds before vanished in an instant.