“I don’t want to hear it,” she interrupted. “I told you before, perception is reality. Act accordingly.”
“But that’s bullshit, Granny.”
“It’s business, Wes. What did or didn’t happen doesn’t matter. Bishop Garland has an image to uphold. His daughter has made herself out to be a beacon of virtue on these internet streets. Now, you’re the Big Bad Wolf luring Little Red Riding Hood into his clutches. Which is why I told you to stay away from her.”
“I can still close the deal, Granny. I—”
“I don’t want you near him right now. Like I said, I’m prepared to walk away from this deal.”
Frowning, I leaned forward. “Why?”
“Because I don’t need him. Batchelor business is good. Thriving. And it’s high time he recognized that. And, frankly, I’m sick of his whole family-matters schtick. I know too much about him to take him seriously.”
Curious, I asked, “What do you know?”
“None of your business.”
“I can still help behind the scenes.”
“No, you can’t. Your behavior at the fundraiser was unacceptable. If I can’t trust you to be decent and sober at a work function, how can I trust you to do your job?”
Ouch.
“As much as I love you, Iwillfire you and not think twice.”
“You’ve made that very clear,” I said.
“I’m trying to teach you something, son. Learn the lesson.”
I nodded. “Okay.”
She leaned back in her chair. “I saw you talking to Albany.”
Meeting her gaze, I waited for her to continue. When she didn’t elaborate, I asked, “Did she say anything to you?”
Granny smirked. “Oh, she said plenty.”
My stomach roiled as I thought about our interactions before and after the fight. “Are you going to tell me what she said?”
“She quit.”
Confused, I asked, “Her job?”
“Yes.”
“I still don’t understand why you hired her in the first place.”
“She’s good at what she does, and she needs the job. She’s family.”
I snickered. “She can’t stand me.”
Granny swallowed, averting her gaze. “Well, we need to figure out who Ms. Tea is.”
“Hire someone else,” I suggested with a shrug.
“I don’t want to. Albany is the woman for the job.”
“You just told me she quit.”
