I barked with laughter as she filled in the gaps of what happened when I left. I couldn’t believe Lauren’s scathing evidence against Mike, the HR Director, and several security personnel, led to such swift retribution.
“Why didn’t you call and tell me this?” I tipped my head to the side. I needed to know these things, even if there were a part of me that already suspected they were happening.
“I was questioned by the police, members of upper management, and… your dad.” She replied nervously, and her fidgeting increased.
I sat up at the news. “Dad?”
“Yes.” She nodded with a rueful chuckle. “There were pretty heavy allegations made against you and Mike. Your dad didn’t have any choice.”
My breath hitched. “Does he know?”
Palpable silence captivated the moment before she responded.
“Yes.” Her voice was hushed, and she looked down. I could feel the way her body tensed. She folded her arms and looked down. “I’m sorry.”
“There’s nothing to be sorry about.” I told her.
“I should’ve just given Mike what he wanted. I didn’t give him that blowjob, or play along with his antics. Now you’ve lost your position in the running as CEO.”
I looked at her like she was crazy.
“There’s no way in hell I would have been okay with you doing that,” I started. “And either way, I don’t care about that. Even if you did that, there’s no telling what would have happened next.”
She shrugged, haphazardly. “I just feel bad that you’re in this situation. I mean, I know that he technically has done this to other women — I’ve seen the videos — but you assaulted him, and now you’re unable to be the company leader. There’s even talks about whether or not you can even come back on the property.”
I sucked my teeth. “Mike’s days were already numbered. Even if he hadn’t approached you, he was getting too big for his britches. Our company is large and corporate, but we’re not really about having a culture of assholes.”
Even as I said that, I still couldn’t specify why Mike had gotten so far for so long. He made my teeth itch.
“I know.” Tears streamed down her face; it was evident that she was drained by the day’s event. “There’s evidence against him, and there’s even statements of corroboration between him and other people in the building. But still,” she paused to breathe, “It doesn’t keep me from feeling guilty. None of this happened until I showed up.”
I moved next to her, and reached for her hand. “You can’t hold yourself responsible for other people’s actions.” I kissed her hand. Delighted in watching the way goosebumps flared across her skin.
Yes, she was still mine. I need to assured her we’d be okay. That this too would pass.
“Let me tell you something. When I saw you like that in the office. So, so angry and helpless, I…” I felt a surge of anger swell in my body again. I cackled evilly as I thought about the crunch and squelch as my fist connected with his nose. “Punching Mike was a bloodthirsty moment that was worth every bit of losing that position.”
Hard knocks slammed on my door. “Case.” My father’s voice was stern and firm. “Open this door, or I will have it kicked in.”
Her eyes widened. She got up, as if she needed to bolt. “Where are you going?” I asked.
“I can’t stay here.” She said abruptly. Hurriedly, she grabbed her purse. “He can’t see that I’m here.”
“Yeah, he definitely can.” I pushed.
“But he knows!”
“And?”
I gestured for her to stay still. “Breathe, babe. I’ll handle this.” I unlocked the door. “Hey dad.”
My greeting was met with a grim nod. I stepped aside to allow him in. Marissa stood behind him. Her gaze was level, but I could see disappointment in the edges of her eyes.
“Hello.” She said quietly. She paused, hands on her hips as she realized Sage was already here. “I see you two are certainly peas in a pod.”
Turning to me, she quipped. “Neither of you know how to answer the phone.”
Sage and I locked eyes as our faces heated in embarrassment. That was the first time I felt bad about what we’d done.
“Sit down,” father commanded. I listened, and sat next to Sage, grabbing her hand. It trembled, and I squeezed it for comfort.
Marissa sat next to Dad. They looked to me, and then Sage, with the high level of reprimand you’d expect from angry parents. “We need to talk. All of us.”
I heard Sage swallow.
“Is it true?” He looked me squarely in the eye.
My muscles twitched, and my mouth felt dry. I never counted on this day to come, never anticipated that I’d ever have to come clean regarding this scheme.
Marissa’s eyes pressed for an answer.
“Yes.” I said finally. Sage drew a deep breath, and exhaled it in a shaky manner.
“Why?”
I broke my hand away from Sage’s and sat forward, clasping them together. “I felt that I needed to.”
He looked at me as if I were crazy. Given the circumstances, I almost didn’t blame him.
Keyword being almost.
“Can I be honest?” I looked at him, at Marissa, and to Sage. Tossing my hands up, I gave an earnest expression as I waited. “Because at this point I have nothing to lose, and nothing to gain.”
“Speak.” Dad commanded.
“You’ve made it clear from the moment you’ve hired that you required me to be married and settled down before I took over.”
“Yes, but I never said anything about hiring a woman to pretend she’s your fiancée.” My father’s expression darkened. “This entire situation is preposterous.”
I tossed my hands up in resignation. “Keeping me from a position I’m built for — not only through blood, but hard work — because I don’t have a wife is preposterous, Dad. Don’t you think?”
I didn’t give him a chance to respond. “I hadn’t given a lot of thought or time to dating because I was focused on my career, on my performance. On proving that I was more than just ‘Charles Williams’s son,’ and someone worthy of taking over the company. I figured I had some more time before you retired anyway. It’s not my fault you fell in love a little early. I can’t control the fact that you’re leaving faster than I’d expected.”
“Getting married has nothing to do with your behavior.” Dad scoffed indignantly.
“It has everything to do with my behavior!” I raised my voice enough to make a point, but not enough to disrespect my father. “She wasn’t part of the plan!”
“Case!” Sage yelped. I saw the hurt in her eyes and apologized.
“I’m sorry. My statement didn’t come out the way I meant.” I turned to Marissa. “Let me explain. Don’t get me wrong, Marissa. You’re amazing. I’ve never seen my father happier. Not since my mother’s death. Ever.”
Her eyes softened with those words. “That’s very sweet of you, Case. Thank you for sharing.”
“I’m not just being sweet. I’m being honest.” I leaned forward, earnestly. “He wasn’t committed to any woman in the time since she passed. But I say that to say you caught him off guard. He hasn’t been the same man since he’s met you — but that also means he’s moved a lot faster to retire than I thought was ever possible.”
“What does that have to do with anything?” My father asked.
“Because the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree father. Didn’t you say that?” My tone shifted. “Wasn’t marriage for hire the same way you met and fell in love with mother?”
Dad’s eyes widened. He sharply exhaled as the wind was kicked from him. “Who told you this?”
“Mother.” I smiled impishly.
For the first time this conversation, Dad’s face reddened. The tables had turned. The conversation had shifted.
Now he was the man put on the spot.
Marissa’s eyes sparkled with interest. A small smile played on her lips. “You never
shared this with me?”
“Eh, uh… We can discuss it later honey.” He patted her arm assuringly.
“We can discuss it now.” I pushed. “Because you’re actually angry with me for doing the same thing you did with my own mother. You both married to give you the right image, and ended up falling in love.”
With a softer tone of voice, I grabbed Sage’s hand and kissed it. “Just the same way Sage and I fell in love.”
“You can’t be serious,” Dad argued. “Your mother and I took years to fall for each other. You guys have only known each other a few weeks.”
I shook my head. “Dad, when you had that heart attack, you scared me to death. You made me realize that life was short and precious. Sage and I had plans to follow through with this until I took over, then we’d divorce and live our respective lives. But watching the two of you in love, and getting to know her made me realize things happened for a reason.”
I turned to Sage, and affirmed my truth again. “I love you, Sage. I love you, and I want to marry you, even more so now that the cat’s out the bag.”
“I love you too.” She looked me firmly in the eyes as she said it. There was no apprehension. There was no fear. There was no wall up to shield her vulnerability.
I reached out, cupping her face in one hand, and kissed her her. Softly. Tenderly. Enough to set our souls on fire, without going too far in front of our parents.
“Wow.” My father’s eyes gleamed in approval. Marissa had tears in her eyes.
“I love Sage, Dad. I love your daughter, Marissa.” I declared. Emphatically, I expressed, “This isn’t for show. Couldn’t be at this point. I just assaulted someone at work for her — and I apologize for the damage I’ve done. I know I probably don’t even have a job there anymore. Might even face some charges.”
His face tightened with a grim expression.
“But that doesn’t matter. None of it does. I’ll take care of all the legal fees associated with attacking Mike — even though he deserved it — and I’ll move on. Why? Because I love her, I plan to marry her, and I plan to start a family with her. I’m free.”
“Free?” Dad’s face twisted with disbelief.
“Yes, free. Since I’ve been fired, I’ve decided to let everything fall into place as it should in the wake of the decisions I’ve made.”
I exhaled. Rebuilding my life without heavy corporate politics or attention from the spotlight — the idea actually felt good.
I smiled. Life would be good. No, it was good. Right here. Right now. No matter what.
Father paused considerably for a moment as he considered my words.
Finally, he spoke.
“Well, I have to say that while I’m deeply disappointed in your behavior, I must admit there is fault on my end.” He sighed with resignation. “I spent a lot of time telling Marissa how I was ready to retire, how I wanted you to hurry up and have kids.”
I nodded in agreement. “In a way, I figured holding the CEO position over your head would make things move faster. But love moves at its own pace, that’s for certain.”
“Sage, how do you feel?” Marissa asked.
“I mean… I’m still processing everything.” She said, steady and low. “I answered the ad as a joke, and several weeks later, I have a stepdad and a… step fiancé.”
We shared a laugh at that statement. “But I am happy that the truth is out. I felt guilty lying to the both of you. But finding work had been tough. I did it without considering the true consequences.” Her eyes widened as she promised, “I swear. I will never lie to you guys again.”
“I actually do need to get going though,” she said. “I have to go to a job fair in the morning.”
“A job fair?” Marissa inquired. She turned to my father, who also questioned why.
“I mean, after everything that happened, I know I don’t work there anymore,” she murmured, looking into her hands and avoiding eye contact.
“Actually, I’ll have you know that workplace morale actually improved twenty-five percent in the two weeks you’ve been in the position. The board thinks your energy is the fresh kick it needs to improve our recruiting process. It might be a little early, but would you consider coming back as the Acting Assistant Human Resources Director?”
Her eyes glittered with hope.
“Who would I report to?”
“Lauren.” A knowing smile curved on his lips. He turned to me and quipped. “She’s demonstrated sharp wit, resolve, and loyalty to the company. She won’t be reporting to Case anymore either way.”
Sage looked at me, her eyes wide as her hand covered her chest. “Oh my god.” She looked at her mother, and my father, as the news sunk in. “You mean like, starting tomorrow?”
Dad nodded silently. “Full time. With benefits.”
“Yes, yes. I’ll take it.” She paused. “But what about Mike?”
“Mike has been terminated, without severance. And our attorneys are already taking care of him, and the previous employees whose lives he’s destroyed.”
“Thank god,” she and Marissa said simultaneously. I kissed her on the cheek and congratulated her.
“Wow. I guess I really do have to get up and get going then.” She stood to leave. “This is the best, worst, and craziest day I’ve ever had, all rolled into one.”
She hugged my father, and Marissa. When I walked her to the door, our parents followed. “We have to get going too,” Dad announced. “We have to get the final details for the rehearsal dinner and our wedding in a few days.”
“No problem.” I hugged my father, and almost -stepmother. I was ready to close the door and sleep - Heaven knows I was exhausted - when Dad called out.
“Oh son? One more thing.”
“Yes, Dad?” I opened the door, and stuck my head out, too tired to attempt to guess or anticipate what he’d have to say.
“That statement about freedom? Eh. You can go ahead and throw all of that out.”
“What?” I didn’t understand.
“I said you’re not free, son. The board demands you start shadowing me as soon as tomorrow. They need their next CEO up and running in full within 90 days from now, when I officially retire.” He looked at his watch, a sparkle in his eye as he grabbed his fiancée’s hand. “I expect you in my office bright and early at 6 AM sharp.”
Lauren’s Epilogue
The Next Morning
I told these two not to fall in love. I specifically warned them both to keep it casual.
Yet, here we were.
Planning a surprise engagement party was tough, especially when your subordinate was your new bestie, and she was the one in for a surprise.
Yet and still, when Charles Williams texts you at 10 PM to meet at work by 6:30 AM, you listen. Especially when you’re the new Human Resources Director.
I never expected to get the position — and there’d be so much to learn. But the pay and perks would make the move worth it.
I digress.
Case and Charles had somehow managed to arrange for an entire conference room to be transformed at the last minute to surprise Sage.
The announcement sent to the company was that this was a goodwill measure, something to improve morale after the shocking events that rocked the environment this week.
Heh. Little did they know, nor care. Anytime you have free Mexican and margaritas, you’re not going to ague. You’re just going to go with the flow.
I think the only one who was really thrown for a loop was Sage, especially when Charles made an announcement.
“After all we’ve been through, I’ve enjoyed my tenure here as CEO. Alas, life comes at you fast, and it’s time for me to slow down. It’s time for me to pass the torch, and as you all know, someone new will be stepping up to take over my position. Everyone meet Case Williams, my son, and your soon-to-be CEO.”
The employees cheered wildly. Case had always been popular. His ratings had gone through the roof after he assaulted Mike. I wasn’t entirely shocked to
see that either.
Case greeted and thanked everyone for their support, and hugged his dad during the photo op. Then, he called Sage to the front.
“Sage Bush, from the moment you’ve entered the company, you’ve done an amazing job with the staff. We want to present you with a plaque to honor your hard work. Improving morale by twenty-five percent in two weeks is impressive.” He handed the plaque to her. “On behalf of the company, thank you for what you do. We look forward to your continued support here.”
More cheers elicited from the crowd. But the audience went wild when Sage turned to put her plaque down and turned to find Case in front of her, down on one knee.
She gasped, eyes wide as she looked around and mouthed, “Oh, my god.”
Her tears flowed before Case even snapped the black velvet box open. He presented the most flawless brilliant cut diamond I’d ever seen. It sparkled enough to nearly blind me from halfway across the room.
“Sage,” he started. “From the moment I met you, I wanted you. I wanted this to be more than just an arrangement. And while things haven’t happened the way I expected, they’ve happened exactly as they needed to.”
“Case…” Sage whined. She started fanning her face. I saw her leg tremble in her heels and prayed she didn’t keel over.
“Baby, our parents have already secured the date. But can we secure our future?” He held the box closer to her. “Sage Bush, will you marry me?”
“Yes, Case… Baby, yes, I will marry you.” She cried that ugly-pretty cry every woman has when she realizes she’s met ‘The One.’ With a huge grin on his face, I watched as Case slid the immaculate diamond on her finger.
Marissa, Charles’ fiancée, and I shared a look. We’d both become misty-eyed as we watched the events unfold.
Yes, I told those two crazy kids not to get carried away. And no, they didn’t listen.
But I was glad they did.
They deserved every bit of their happy ending.
And I would enjoy every bit of being their Maid of Honor.
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