Yes, I think my newfound confidence is born of the suit and the knowledge that they need me more than I need them. Sure, they could hire from within or even appoint someone from the board. Honestly, it’s probably what they should do.
It’s what I’d tell them to do if they’d bothered to ask.
I bite back a bitter laugh. A dozen living, breathing humans at this table and not a single one considered what I want. And they sure as hell didn’t ask.
The sad truth is, I’m not surprised.
“Miss Montgomery,” begins one of them, “I’m sure you can understand what a precarious position we’re in. You’re the obvious successor?—”
I hold up a hand, and he falls silent.
About halfway through this morning’s shoppingtrip, I was ready to beg King to spirit me back to Greece again. Forget New York. Forget the bank. Forget my mother and the trial.
But I said I’d hear Ronald and the board out, so here I am.
As much as the ornery side of me wants to turn them down flat and let the whole place burn, there’s a tiny kernel that worries about the employees. Not the men at this table but the people like Charlotte. People who have a good job because of my grandfather’s company. People like LaShonda’s grandmother, who worked as a bank teller for over a decade.
They deserve consideration even as I want to thumb my nose at these assholes.
“I understand how fickle the finance world can be. But I’m sure you can understand that less than a week ago, I was kidnapped in front of my home by my own mother. You’ll have to forgive me if I have other things on my mind than the company.”
“Of course.” He nods. But it’s disgustingly obvious that many, if not most, of them don’t get it.
Automatons.
Hayden is the only one who shows any empathy. I spot the slightest amount of chagrin in his expression that his fellow board members have called meinto a meeting, all but demanding I step up to the plate.
“I’ll be in touch with Ronald on Tuesday,” I say again, and Ronald nods his agreement. It’s only a handful of days, and I honestly need to think over this proposal. I need to talk to my guys, to Ford and Shon and my dad.
Farther down the table, Cornelius’s voice blasts the air, full of exasperation and contempt. “You can’t be serious!”
The balding man jumps to his feet, hands practically slamming on the table. The tone in the room changes from thick tension to chaotic energy.
I can just imagine my bodyguard on the other side of the door getting ready to barge in. Gripping the arms of my chair, I drop both feet to the floor and prepare to intervene.
“I told you she wasn’t ready,” Cornelius says. He thrusts a finger in my direction but faces the man across the table because, apparently, that’s really who his beef is with.
Even as they bicker back and forth, reasons and accusations flying, it bounces off me like water off a duck’s back.
Silently, I take stock. I’m not exactly numb. This is different. A quiet strength. A feelingI can best describe as calm. Resolve. And thank goodness for that.
What would it take to have a board of younger minds? Open minds. People who are optimistic and ready to take necessary risks? Who consider more than the bottom line?
The ludicrous idea bursts like a bubble almost as quickly as it’s formed. Still, I wrap that hope around me, push the rolling chair back, and stand.
Delegate. Move on.
Never let them see me sweat.
My mother was right about some things.
See also:sometimes men are just full-grown babies.
I catch Cornelius’s eye and pause.
“Actually, I think it’s you who isn’t ready, Cornelius. It’s a new century. Banking is changing, and you’ve failed to keep up. Rest assured, I wouldn’t make that mistake.” I hold his gaze for a half second. “Have a good afternoon, gentlemen.”
I stride from the conference room and glance at my watch. I have another meeting this afternoon, a more important meeting, and Gabe had better be there.
