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“And this works for you?” I studied him.
“Extremely well. Modesty prevents me from talking numbers.” He smirked. “Let’s just say my father regretted making me a commission employee.”
I laughed. “Seriously?”
“Yeah.” Ty nodded. “Sure, nepotism was how I managed to get this sweet position, but he wasn’t going to fork over a dime. He told me I’d have to earn my money. So, I studied the greats. I crafted my style.” He leaned back and took a drink of his soda before continuing. “Then as I grew more successful, my father offered to move me to salary. Of course, this would’ve meant a pay cut, so I declined.”
“Of course.” I shook my head. I could only imagine earning the kind of money he claimed every year. Slowly, I stood up from the table. “Back to the salt mines.”
“I’ll be up as soon as I take care of the check.” He folded his hands on the table.
“There is no check.” I winked. Then I turned and began to stride towards the executive elevators.
Seconds later, Ty had gathered his files and caught up to me. “I’ll walk you up.” He pushed the button and smiled as he stood beside me.
“This is a terrible idea. I’m not sure we want Mr. Nash knowing we had lunch together.” I bit my lower lip.
“Too late.” A voice growled behind me.
I closed my eyes. Why couldn’t the floor simply open up and swallow me? Shouldn’t there be some fault line around here? Slowly, I turned and faced my father.
“Who’s this?” My father jerked his thumb Ty’s direction.
“This is Mr. George, your two o’clock.” I stood as still as I could, even though I was certain my knees were shaking. I could be brave with my father. I stood up to him frequently. When I did, I was the one in the right. My actions were above board. At the moment, I’d just enjoyed a meal with a man my father would brand the enemy. Oh, and I’d slept with him the night before. No wonder I was swallowing hard and feeling so guilty.
Ty, on the other hand, looked calm, cool, and collected. He held out his hand. “Hello, Mr. Nash. It’s such an honor to meet you.”
My father crossed his arms over his chest and refused to shake. This would’ve bothered most business men. There was a code. Already, James had broken it.
Instead of letting this bother him, Ty clapped my father on the shoulder. “I hope you had a nice lunch.” He smiled warmly.
The scowl on my father’s face only deepened. “Not so much. I had to go searching for my assistant.” He glared at me pointedly.
“You didn’t have to look for me,” I argued. “You have my number. You could’ve called.” Clearly, he was determined to be disagreeable. Plus, I had serious doubts he’d been looking for me. I recognized an attempt to make me feel guilty.
The elevator doors opened. Ty motioned for me to go first, then my father followed, and he entered last. He moved to push the buttons, but I had already managed them. We rode in agonizing silence. I glanced at Ty, who was smiling down at me warmly. I would’ve given anything to be able to walk into his arms right now to feel the stress melt away, although I have to admit, even his mere presence soothed me. Then I eyed my father who seemed to be just as tense and angry as always. Why had I set up this meeting?
The doors open and I exited with my head down, eyes trained on the floor like when I was teenager in trouble. My father even muttered under his breath, “Go to your office. I’ll talk to you after.” With a shrug, I stepped inside, while Ty appeared sufficiently confused.
“Actually,” Ty began evenly, “I’d like Ms. Summers to join us for the meeting.”
I froze in the doorway. Did my father have to approve this or should I just take the initiative he always claimed I didn’t have for this position? “You know what? That’s a great idea. Then I won’t need to hear everything second hand.” I gestured. “Let’s meet in the conference room. This way, Mr. George.” Then I emerged from my office and strode down the corridor to the big airy meeting room at the end of the hall.
I opened the door then buzzed for Janet. “How can I help you?” She answered quickly and efficiently, same as always.
“We’ll need a pitcher of ice water and some glasses, please.” I glanced at my father. “Mr. Nash, did you want coffee?”
“Is it still decaf?” He pouted from the corner of the room as he stared out over the strip.
“Yes.” My brow rose.
“Then never mind. I’ll just drink water, but I won’t like it.” He glared at me.
“I’ll keep that in mind.” I rolled my eyes. “Janet, did you get all of that?”
She coughed and I had to believe she was trying to hide a laugh. My father’s tantrums were legendary. “Yes, ma’am.”
“Thank you.” Then I moved to take a seat on one side of the table. Ty surprised me by pulling out my seat. I smiled at him and focused on breathing evenly. My father still stood over in the corner, refusing to even come to the table. Typical.
