“Yeah, of course. Do you want to take it to my office or—” My question is cut short because the devil sits down at the bar.
What is he doing here? My gut told me the baby shower wouldn’t be the last time I saw Harrison Reyer, but Adam hasn’t been worried, so I didn’t want to push it.
Adam’s dad lets out a low whistle. “So, this is your place. Maybe you turning down my offers for buying this business was a blessing in disguise.”
A chill runs through my body. That finance company was his? I should’ve had Wren give more details on that. But that was weeks ago… How long has he been keeping tabs on me and Adam, and us not knowing?
“I’d give you a speech on my right to not serve you, but I don’t imagine you’re here for my lunch specials. So, why don’t you go ahead and get it over with.”
Harrison points his finger at me with this calculated smirk. “I admire your spark, Mia. Why don’t I take you up on that offer to talk in your office?”
“That wasn’t extended to you.” I hold my chin high. There aren’t exactly “slow” days in downtown Boston, but the crowd in Winedown is manageable. The only person at this end of the bar is Harry, and frankly I feel like I need a witness when it comes to Harrison Reyer. “Say what you came to say.”
It’s brief but I see the clinch in his jaw and his eye twitch. It clicks right then that I absolutely infuriate this man. There’s leverage in playing the part of the ditzy one with the sleazy salesman. There’s a tactic in being the bitch with the vendors who feel the need to rub it in my face when they do their job correctly. But in every angle I play, I never let the other person believe they intimidate me, and that’s what this asshole feeds off.
“You’re a smart girl, Mia. To be honest, when I was made aware that my son decided to take the last name of the girl he impregnated then married, I expected to find some gold digger looking for a cozy setup. But now I’m curious if that’s what my son was looking for in you. You’ve been smart with your money. Sure, your dad taught you the ropes, but there’s something a little more to it. I can’t say I’ve seen a woman your age making the business decisions you do. If it weren’t for all the charity bullshit you spend money on, you’d be one of the youngest billionaires I’ve ever met.”
“You didn’t come here to congratulate me on my accomplishments. I know my worth, both net and capabilities. Cut to the point.”
This time his jaw clenches so tight that a vein pops up on his forehead. “The point is I no longer find my son to be a complete and utter disappointment. You’ve added value back to him, congratulations.”
Keep your cool, Mia. He’s testing you. Don’t lose the advantage you already have.
“Thanks for the pat on the back. You can leave now.”
He holds up a finger. “I’m not done. You’re going to come work for me now. I’ve already purchased a building here to start a new branch of the Reyer Group, and you’ll be on my team.”
I laugh. “That’s not happening.”
“Oh, but it is. Did you happen to know that the Blues’ owner is thinking of selling? I had some of my people do some digging over the past week and I threw my hat in the ring this morning.” Harrison leans against the bar top. “Now, tell me, do you think Beckham Daines would prefer San Francisco or Phoenix? Before you answer, keep in mind that apparently Seattle has been trying to make a deal for Dex Larsen since he’s playing again. None of these have been entertained, but that will change. If you’re not getting the full picture yet, I’ll keep going. Calliope fired, TrippPierce traded to I don’t care where, and maybe if I’m feeling fucking gracious, I’ll let you pick where I trade Adam.”
I’m trying to take deep breaths, but my blood is boiling. “Call me crazy but something tells me you’re not a gracious man.”
“I knew you were a quick learner. So, here’s how this is going to go. I’m going to purchase the Blues and this bar. You will start working for me and everyone else will keep their jobs.”
My eyes narrow. “Does this make you feel good? Talking to a pregnant woman like this? You can be honest—do you feel like a man now?”
“I’d be very careful, Mia. I get you’re a good chess player in this business. That part is clear, but I’m better. By the time you give birth, I want to see Adam’s name fucking changed back as a sign of good faith on our deal, or the moment the trades open back up I’m signing four different contracts.”
Fuck, fuck, fuck!
I’m so angry that I’ve got Braxton Hick contractions starting up. Hell, I need him to leave so I can get my blood pressure down or I’m going to go into labor.
Harrison stands up from his stool with a smug grin. “Oh, and change my grandchild’s name. Pick a name from the Reyer family. I trust you know how to research and figure it out.”
I bite my inner cheek till the metallic taste fills my mouth. I hate him. With every step he takes toward the exit, I imagine an anvil falling randomly out of the sky like the fucking cartoons.
“You’re about to bend that metal, Mia.” Harry’s voice cuts through my fury, but I don’t fully let it register until Harrison walks out the door.
I let go of the ice box and flex my hands. I hadn’t realized I had such a grip on it. I inhale deep through my nose and out my mouth the best I can, but another small contraction comes, and I can’t keep the pain off my face.
“Mia, are you okay?”
“No, not really. I need to sit down and drink some water.”
Harry gets up from his seat and steps back behind the bar. “Take my hand—Christ, well, now I know how the metal felt.”
“Sorry,” I mumble and try to relax my grip as he takes me to one of the tables.
