Page 61 of Manhattan Bossholes

“Then I’m completely out of my depth.” Richard turned to me with a laugh. “I just got back from playing a round of golf at Augusta National, and I couldn’t stop thinking about you, Piper. Have you ever played that course?”

I sighed, because I’d never been lucky or well-connected enough to play what just happened to be the second-best course in the country and home to the Masters Tournament. “I haven’t, but I’d love to someday.”

“Well then, I think we need to make that happen! What’s your handicap again?”

I didn’t even notice someone walking by close to where we were chatting until he turned and joined us.

I gulped. It was the last person I wanted to spend time with—Prentiss in a ridiculously preppy polka dot bow tie. I’d managed to avoid him during the ceremony and keep my distance during the photos afterward. I craned my neck to find my mom. She never stood up to Prentiss for me, but she could be counted on to steer him away from me to avoid a scene. Unfortunately, she was nowhere to be seen.

“Are we talking golf over here?” he asked, inching closer.

“We sure are! I just played Augusta National. You a golfer too?”

Richard was unaware that he’d just invited the enemy to join us. I had no choice but to introduce him.

“Everyone, this is my mom’s husband, Prentiss Mercer,” I said in a flat voice.

I didn’t bother mentioning Richard or Nana Dee’s names because I hoped he wouldn’t be staying long.

“I am a golfer, quite a good one, actually,” Prentiss answered. He pointed his drink toward me. “I taught this one everything she knows.”

“Oh, not really,” I corrected quickly, managing a fake smile. My stomach dropped; I knew exactly where the conversation was going, and I didn’t want to deal with it in front of an audience. “I started when I was like ten. You didn’t even meet my mom until I was fifteen.”

Prentiss smirked. “You think that duffing you did as a kid was actual practice?”

“Hey, hey, not so fast,” Richard said gently. “Starting young provides a strong foundation.”

“A foundation full of bad habits for me to come in and correct,” Prentiss cackled. “It’s what I’ve always done for her. Not that she listens. I have so much good advice for this one, and she blows me off constantly. Take her career choice, for example. She insists on photography of all things. That’s a hobby, not a job! All you have to do is point the camera and push the button.” Prentiss pulled his phone out of his pocket and pretended to take a picture. “Hey, look at me, I’m a photographer too! All that’s missing is the three-thousand-dollar camera. I keep telling her she’ll never amount to anything if she keeps chasing her crazy dreams. Have you heard about the ridiculous camera strap idea she seems to think she can make into a real business?” He shook his head, full of pity for me.

“Prentiss, is it?”

Vincent appeared out of nowhere, startling Prentiss enough to spill his drink. He loomed over the man, a full head taller. My heart swelled at how protective he looked.

“Yeah, that’s me,” Prentiss replied, annoyed.

“I’m Vincent Forde. Strange that we’ve never met after all these years,” he offered his hand. “Piper works with me at Summit Fragrances. She started as a photographer, and I loved her vision so much that I quickly promoted her to creative director. She’s an important member of our executive leadership team. Now, what were you saying about her needing your advice? Because maybe I need to listen in as well. I mean, all I do is run a billion-dollar company—I’m sure I could use some tips.”

I wanted to applaud Vincent, but I stayed neutral and watched the sparring continue.

Prentiss cleared his throat and shifted uncomfortably. “I’m sure the tips I’ve given her over the years helped her get to where she is now. I’ve always been a guiding force in her life.”

“Guiding force, or know-it-all?” Nana Dee mused just quietly enough that we could all pretend we hadn’t heard her even though all of us definitely did.

“Listen, I’ve taught Piper everything she knows. If she’s successful in your company, it’s because I set her up to achieve it. Trust me, before I came into the picture, Piper was a whiny, spoiled brat.”

I ground my teeth together, just the way I used to when I was younger. I’d forgotten the way my jaw used to ache at the end of the day, back when I had to deal with him full-time.

Vincent stepped closer to him, and Prentiss leaned away like he was frightened. “I think you’re wrong about that. Piper is a self-starter with an eye and vision unlike anyone I’ve ever met. And she’s amazing with people, a skill that she couldn’t have learned from you because you’re sorely lacking in it. So rather than take credit for her success while you insult her at the same time, maybe take a hard look at all the tensions in your relationship with her over the years and realize she’s not the problem—you are.”

Prentiss started to sputter out a rebuttal but quickly realized he was outgunned. I not only had Vincent staring him down, but I also had the combined firepower of a very angry Nana Dee and Richard.

“Whatever. I need a refill,” he muttered and stalked away.

I finally felt like I could breathe once he was gone.

“You okay?” Richard asked, his brow furrowed over what he’d just witnessed.

I nodded and tried to ignore my pounding heart. Dealing with Prentiss always sent me into fight or flight mode. At least this time I’d had plenty of backup.