Page 17 of Last First Date

"You do know this isn't my first rodeo," I said. "I ran New York for years. It's the most profitable branch. I know what I'm doing. My people there knew what was expected of them and they rose to my level."

"And got thrown overboard when they couldn't keep up I'm sure," she interrupted me, slowly shaking her head. "You're a shark, Knox. Not a businessman."

"That's enough!" My voice boomed out, echoing against the office walls. She flinched, but only slightly, maintaining her defiant stance. "I may be a shark, Waverly, but sharks survive. That's what I'm here to do—for this company and for myself."

"Survival at the expense of others is not admirable," she shot back.

I stood abruptly, my chair scraping back loudly on the wooden floor. "Then tell me, Waverly," I retorted, my tone icy. "What exactly is admirable to you? Kneeling down and letting everyone walk all over you? If you'd like, I can start doing that. But remember this—the moment this company goes under, not only will you lose your job, but also countless others who rely on us for their livelihood."

She was silent for a good minute, her eyes never leaving mine. "Your grandfather built this company by being respectful. He didn't have to be a tyrant and I think you have been living with the perks of his hard work and dedication since you were born, right?"

I felt a sting at her accusation. She was bringing up the nepotism, something I hated. I considered using a different name to avoid people assuming I was just a name.

"My grandfather is a great man," I conceded. "But the business world was different when he first started. It's not as forgiving now. There is a lot more competition. People want bigger and better. Everyone is competing with each other. It's a social media world. We have to be out front. This is a cutthroat world."

"I understand that," she said calmly. "Everyone out there knows how important it is to be the best, but business isn't just about numbers and popularity. It's about treating people right. And you can't treat people right by ruling with fear and intimidation."

"I said I would consider backing off," I muttered.

"Great. Is that all? I have a lot to get done."

The last was said with a sneer. I didn't miss the dig. "I have some things I need put on my schedule. I'll⁠—"

"You'll send me an email." She sighed. "I know. God forbid you have to have a conversation with me. Send your email and then back it up with a hundred more. As usual, I'll handle it."

Her words hung in the air long after the door clicked shut behind her. Despite myself, I let out a low chuckle, shaking my head in disbelief. Waverly's bravado was either bone-deep courage or sheer stupidity. I wasn't quite sure which one yet.

There was more to Waverly than met the eye. I had underestimated her. The magnitude of her loyalty to the team and the business was undeniable. I had to admit, her courage was refreshing. From the way she spoke, to how she held herself with such certainty, it was unnerving and infuriating but it was something I could appreciate. Now, if she would just apply that fire to her job and not to me.

As much as I appreciated her fierce nature, I couldn't let her take charge and run roughshod over me. I was the one who had to lead this company, and any sign of weakness from me could be fatal. Still, her words lingered in my mind.

Perhaps there was truth to her words. A businessman isn't just about numbers and popularity. It's about treating people right. It wasn't what I wanted to hear, but it was what I needed to hear. The people at the New York office knew me. They trusted me and no one said shit about my management style. I didn't have friends in the office, but I wasn't there to make friends. I was there to lead and make money. I did both and I did it well.

Little Miss Waverly was going to have to get on board or get out. I knew my grandfather wanted me to keep her and maybe I promised, but I couldn't have someone constantly questioning me. It would spread and more of my staff would fight back. There would be mutiny. If Waverly was the instigator, she had to go.

9

WAVERLY

Ipractically slurped the last of my margarita from my glass. I wanted every last drop of alcohol in the glass. It had been a long week. A long two weeks. Every day I showed up at the office felt like a huge feat. I had never called in sick, but since Knox took over, I would lie in bed and think of excuses I could use to avoid going to work. I wanted to quit. I was hanging by a thread at this point. I was ready to give up the cushy job and flip burgers. Whatever it took to avoid being around the man.

Janie, Meredith, and I sat around a small table, sipping our cocktails at our favorite hangout. We tried to get together at least once a week.

"You look tired," Meredith said to me.

"I'm exhausted," I sighed. "And it's not regular exhaustion either," I continued, swirling the dregs of my drink in the glass. "It's like soul-deep exhaustion."

"Did he say anything to you today?" Janie asked, referring to Knox. They both knew I was going through hell at work.

"Only his usual spiel about how business is supposed to be cutthroat and ruthless, and how we're too soft. I don't know how he finds the time to bitch and write emails at the same time."

"I still can't believe you’re working with Knox Williams," Meredith sighed. "He's so hot. I had cut-out magazine photos of him hidden in my bedroom back in high school. Those abs. Seriously, he looks like he's been chiseled from granite."

"If you knew him, you'd realize he isn't as attractive in person," I quipped.

Meredith scoffed. "You're absolutely crazy, Waverly. If I had the chance, I'd jump his bones in a heartbeat."

"Okay, he's a hottie, but Waverly's right. Being around someone famous doesn't automatically make them dateable," Janie said.