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I smiled as Sunny’s voice filled my mind. I smiled... and Lyla stopped.
“I want to thank you, Lyla, for making your opening move so quickly. Now that I know your strategy, it makes things much simpler.”
“What?” Her face crumpled in a frown. “What the fuck are you talking about?”
I flapped a hand, claiming my seat. “Nothing. Don’t mind me.” I flicked to Jace. “Carter, would you mind getting Rylee and Zoe? Looks like we’ll be changing the assignments around. As for you, Lyla, welcome aboard. I’m looking forward to working with you in ten minutes—which is when I expect to see these sketches you worked all night on.” Color bled into Lyla’s cheeks. “Based on what you got, I’ll decide which Johnson will get your exclusive attention. Although, from what I remember, your tastes tend to run a bit flashy for Ava Johnson. If it doesn’t work out, you’ll handle the everydays for the staff.”
“Excuse me? You’re not putting my clothes on the housekeeper.” Lyla didn’t seem to notice Jace wasn’t all the way out of the room. If she wanted him as witness to her angel act, the plan was falling apart. “What the hell do you know about Ava’s taste? We’ve been designing for the family for years. Anastasia groomed me to become one of her personal designers. I’d say of the two people in this room, the one most qualified to design for the family and do this job is me.”
“I know what Ava wants because I’m a close, personal friend of hers. The family requested that I design for their account. They love my work, Lyla, and refused everyone else.”
Genny chose that moment to walk inside. “Ava Johnson” tossed a nod at Lyla, parked on my window seat, and started messing around on her phone.
“I believe they said something like either I design for them or they’ll take their business to another fashion house.” My piece slides across the board. “That’s part of the reason I felt safe to come back. If my coworkers ever came for me again, trying to force me out of a job, this time the director will listen better when I say I’m innocent. Hollywell wouldn’t want to go down in Caddell history as the director that lost an account generating thirty percent of our annual earnings.”
My smile shone wider than hers. “This is a new era for us, Lyla. We’re going to get along much better this time around.”
Lyla said nothing. Face beet red, she slammed out of my office. I doubted she was off to get those sketches.
Genny smirked at me over her phone. “Nicely done, Blaine. You’re learning how to play.”
THAT AFTERNOON, SIENNA picked us up from work. She trashed Lyla in all the right places as I recounted my day with the newest member of my team.
“She’s going to mess you up every chance she gets,” Sienna said. “First step is putting a lock on that office door.”
“I can change the locks, but I’d have to give a key to the janitor. Lyla’s smart enough to break through that flimsy security.” I sighed. “I doubt I’ll prevent the next move. I just have to be ready for it.”
“Don’t stress, little Blaine,” Genny spoke up from the back seat. She was stretched out and chill like she was being driven around by her chauffeurs. “If Dawson gets out of line, I’ll handle her. What we’re doing is too important for anyone to get in the way.”
“What does handle her mean?” Sienna asked.
“Eh. Depends on how pissed off I am at the time.”
That wasn’t reassuring. It probably wasn’t meant to be.
“Gen, do you mind if we drop you off?” Sienna asked. “I wanted to swing by the shelter today. See if they need any help over there.”
“Do what you gotta do. Dad’s taking me bike shopping, but hit me up if it turns out they do need something. Honestly, it should be me and the Cardinals looking after these women, but River rescued them. They trust him. I won’t take over as long as he doesn’t fuck things up.”
“He won’t,” I said. “I know you guys have a rough history, but River will look out for them. He’ll do right by those women.”
“Will he? He never has before,” Genny snapped. “River Delaney has spent the last three years on some petty fucking crusade against me. He’s convinced countless women in Harlow that I’m dangerous. I’ll turn them into criminals and ruin their lives. Because of that, women who would’ve had homes, protection, and an income are instead living dirty and hungry on the streets with him! So don’t talk your fucking boyfriend up to me. You forget I’ve known him a lot longer than you.”
I pressed my lips tight together, keeping in a sharp response. Arguing with Genny wouldn’t serve a purpose. She was right that I didn’t know the full history between them.
