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“Already on it, Judith. I have identified your qualifications and within the proposal, you are to run dance classes for all ages.”
“Yes.” She bounces on her tiptoes and clutches her hands in front of her. She’s going to be a star instructor; I can feel it already. No doubt Lincoln is sleeping with her. She looks exactly his type. Slender, tight body, blond hair, and big boobs. A pang of jealousy hits me and I do not know why.
“If you are worried the space we have isn’t big enough for these proposals”—I point to the presentation board again—“you’ll see this part here is an extension.” I point to the 3D concepts I had the architects pull together for me. “That’s the building to the right of us. We have purchased that too. Urban Soul Studios will be the most sought-after gym on this side of town. This is your new beginning and you’ll be working for one of America’s top Fortune 500 companies.”
I grab my water bottle out of my tote bag and take a sip of the cool liquid. “Tomorrow we will all be attending a team building day. It’s a fabulous way for us to get to know one another on a more intimate level, plus you will also meet Anthony West, my father. You have the weekend off, then on Monday you will start five weeks of training at our head office on the east side of town. If you have any problems with travel arrangements, please come and see me to discuss as I can make arrangements for you.”
I take another sip of water. “I am overseeing the remodeling and will be here when the contractors are, so if you ever need to speak to me, you will find me here or via email. After our meeting, I will send a group email with the details of our team building event.” I finish up.
“I am so excited for you. Working for The West Oracle Corporation opens up vast opportunities because you now have the choice to work in any of our studios and apply for positions throughout the business. Does anyone have any further questions?”
Seeking my attention, Lincoln waves his fingers in the air. He has seriously enormous hands. I have a thing about hands.
Not that anyone has touched me with any in a very long time.
“What about me?” His dark eyes search mine for an answer. “I'm only here on a temporary contract. Am I still required?” Lincoln stares at me and tilts his head to the side. He’s probably longing for me to say no, but I say, “Yes.” Cause I’m a sucker for punishment. And it’s payback for calling me a ball-breaker. “You will be my right-hand man while Rio is completing his intensive management training program for the next few weeks. That work for you? Happy to break a sweat for me?”
I’d like to watch him work up a sweat.
“Sure.” His Adam’s apple bobs up, then down.
“Great. Alright then. Today I need you all to pack up any belongings you have in your lockers and desks as the moving company will remove the old office furniture tomorrow. You’ll be pleased to hear the old gym equipment is being recycled and donated to local schools and charities.”
For the next few minutes I explain everything else regarding their contracts and salaries and what will be sent to them via email.
“And of course, the very last thing I want to say is…” I don’t know how many times I have said the next part. It feels scripted but I beam a smile. “I cannot wait to work with you all. Welcome to West Oracle Corporations. As soon as you are organized, you can leave; you have the rest of the day off.”
Deep down, I’m excited for everyone. My father may be ruthless in business, but he knows how to look after his staff. I learned from the best, and I know how to increase staff motivation, productivity, and profitability.
If only he would apply his business head to his relationships because he has no idea how to keep a woman. He’s currently on his seventh girlfriend this year and it’s only July.
Seriously, the man bamboozles me and frustrates my mother. Since their divorce when I was seventeen years old, fifteen years ago now, they haven’t seen eye to eye and are yet to share a pleasant word between them. My mother thinks her alimony isn’t enough; my father thinks it’s too much, and my sister, Francesca, does everything in her power to play them off one another. She’s the biggest tattletale and catty girl I have ever had the pleasure of being around.
I can’t figure out how we are from the same mother and father.
Francesca likes to remind me how much I fail to meet her expectations. You should have a salad for lunch. Should you not be eating an apple? Ever thought about having blond highlights through your hair? You should come to the gym with me every day. Ever considered hiring a personal trainer? You work too much. When will you settle down and find yourself a husband? You’re too loud, too cheery… yadda yadda. I’m too much of everything for her, and yet, I’m not enough all at the same time. Needless to say, we aren’t close. Not at all.
A few years ago, I decided I would do everything to avoid her low jabs and verbal blows. Lucky for me, Dad determined she wasn’t of West Oracle caliber. So he found her a suitably wealthy husband, Richard, or as I like to call him, Dick, and he has kept Francesca in the lifestyle she is better suited for—suntanning and shopping. Although I’m also sure my father slips him a monetary incentive from time to time to keep her away from the West Oracle empire.
I’m so grateful Francesca doesn’t work with me as she has the ability to zap all of my happiness with one cruel statement after another.
For the next hour I introduce myself to my new team, ensuring I touch base with every member of the staff. Being personable and approachable is a huge part of my job; however, I’ve been doing this job for some time now and it’s become a tad mundane.
“Lincoln, can I have a word?” I call out to him across the room as I eye him scooping up his black backpack. I finalize the details with Rio for tomorrow before he leaves and I wave goodbye to the last of the staff members as they skip out of the office in high spirits.
Lincoln carries his enormous frame toward me and I can’t help but notice his tanned, sculpted thighs.
I love a man with thick thighs.
He’s got football-sized thighs. Now those are delicious.
He’s ticking boxes I didn’t know needed ticking.
And he’s tall, maybe six foot four. Nice.
Another tick.
I’m relieved I’m not his type; otherwise, I’d be nervous around him.
