Page 71 of Hating the Boss

He harumphed slightly, signaling for the passing server to bring over the tray of appetizers he balanced in his hand. My father plucked a crab puff from the tray and popped it in his mouth.

“Well, go then,” he said, shooing me away. “Clearly, you have better things to do than talk numbers with your old man.” He chuckled slightly, his mood lifting at the idea of me having a woman here.

“Thank you,” I said gratefully and turned to go find Sarah, when I spotted Howard Knight, the owner of Music Now making a beeline straight to my father and me.

Shit.

“Well, well. If it’s not the Ashcroft fellows,” said Howard, his voice booming as he sidled up between my father and me. His breath smelled of cigars and whiskey.

“Howard. It’s a pleasure,” I said, holding my hand out that was met with a firm shake.

“Same to you, Brad. And you, William.” He took a sip of the brown liquor from his glass, as he looked between my father and me with a scrutinizing eye.

“We hope to meet with you soon regarding next quarter,” said my father, standing up a little taller. “I see a successful partnership in the future.”

Howard let out a low grunt as his eyes fell to me.

“We’ll see. I’ve yet to see anything that tilts the scales in your favor,” said Howard unimpressed.

I looked at him confused. Sarah and I had been doing everything right. Word about our relationship had been trickling throughout the business world, whether through the press suggesting my new love interest, or through word of mouth of those in the office who had seen us firsthand.

What more did this man want? A wedding and a baby by next month?

“I understand you are a family man, Mr. Knight. It’s something I admire, not only in you, but in my father. His marriage to my wonderful mother has lasted the test of time and trials. I strive to honor their love by having it for myself in a successful partnership.”

“And which partnership is that?” asked Howard, raising a brow.

“I’m not sure what you mean?” I asked, frowning slightly.

“I saw two dark-haired beauties on your arm tonight. I’m not quite sure who your fiancée is. I’m not sure you know either.”

My stomach dropped.

Angela.

He must have seen her hanging around like the leech she was.

“What is he talking about?” asked my father, looking at me incredulously.

“I can clear this up…” I started.

“Please do,” said Howard, crossing his arms over his round stomach and furrowing his brows, his aging skin crinkling around his eyes.

“One of those women is my ex. She doesn’t seem to get the hint, you know?” I chuckled, hoping to lighten the mood, but Howard simply frowned at me.

“I’m only with one woman,” I said. “I would love you to meet her.”

Howard rolled his eyes. “I’ll meet her and with Stellar Enterprises when you’ve figured out who she is. It seems as if you’re still living the bachelor life, Mr. Ashcroft, and I have no interest in doing business with men who don’t want to get serious in life.”

With that, he turned on his heel and strode away, disappearing into the crowd.

“What the fuck?” my father said under his breath as he looked at me sternly.

“It’s Angela…” I said, shaking my head frustratedly.

My father pressed his fingers to his temples and let out a long sigh.

“Please, tell me you’re not involved with her,” said my father, keeping his voice low.