Shocking,I sarcastically thought to myself.
“I am aware,” I conceded, “but it’s becoming more stable each day.”
He grunted, knowing I was right.
Melissa had released an official statement about my relationship with Rome. Many of the board members who had already met him, loved him. Those specific members were already swaying in support of my position now, and it had only been a couple of days. The fake relationship was working, and my dad was not pleased. I had a feeling that was the entirereason he was visiting today. He could feel his control slipping away as I swayed the board, one member at a time.
“I need to officially meet this Rome character.”
I shrugged, “I don’t think you need to. Now, I have work to do. You know? Running the company you founded? I’m busy.” I motioned to the door, not bothering to stand. I would not defer to my father, not anymore. This wasmyoffice inmycompany. “You can see yourself out.”
My father glared, his knuckles growing white. “You can’t speak that way to me, young lady.”
I huffed a humorous laugh, “Are you seriously trying to parent me right now? You’re about twenty-nine years too late.”
I watched my dad’s nostrils flare as he stood to swipe at my desk, sending a desk plant flying into the wall. The vase shattered on impact, the dirt falling to the ground in a soft heap.
I rolled my eyes and opened my mouth to complain about his tantrum when my office door flew open, rebounding against the wall from the impact.
Rome stood in the doorway, his silhouette highlighted by the lights behind him from the hallway. He glanced at my father, eyes ablaze, but they softened when they met mine. He inclined his head in question. I wasn’t sure how I could tell, but I knew he was asking if I needed his help. The longer we worked together, the easier it was becoming to communicate without words.
“And who do you think you are?” My dad demanded as he advanced on Rome.
My dad, while in his sixties, took excellent care of himself. He had an image to maintain, and he could handle himself in most altercations. But he was no match for Rome.
Rome grabbed him by the upper arm, pulling him away from the door. My dad protested, but Rome ignored him and kicked the door closed behind him.
Rome deposited my dad back into the chair, leaving one hand on his shoulder to keep my dad in place. “I believe Ms. Bly here was saying something when I came in.” Rome’s voice was low, threatening, yet maintained a level of calm I hadn’t expected. Rome looked back at me and smirked, “Would you like to continue?”
I rolled my eyes, but smiled. “Thank you, Rome.” I turned back to my dad, “Here’s that introduction you wanted. Dad, this is Rome. I would keep in mind that he is always close by. Maybe keep your little…” I motioned towards the shattered plant on the floor, “temper tantrums away from us going forward.”
My dad opened his mouth to argue, but Rome tightened his grip on my dad’s shoulder, “I would listen to her. Sheisthe boss around here.”
My dad glared at me and stood, Rome finally letting him go.
“We will discuss this later, Rebecca,” my dad announced as he rebuttoned his suit coat and started towards the door.
I rounded the desk, standing next to Rome, “I don’t think we will.”
Rome wiggled his fingers at my dad as he left, “Toodaloo!”
I barked a laugh that only grew in intensity when my dad slammed the office door shut. “Toodaloo?” I asked between fits of laughter.
Rome shrugged and plopped down into my now-vacated desk chair, propping his ankles on the desktop. “Felt appropriate as hewasacting like a child.” He paused for a minute, glancing at my poor plant and then back at me, “So… your dad seems like a real treat.”
I rolled my eyes and waved for him to move, “Don’t even get me started. Now get out of here… I've got work to do.”
He stood happily, then kneeled on the floor and began cleaning up the mess my dad had left.
“You don’t need to do that, I can call someone,” I protested. “Andi!”
Rome waved me off as Andi ran into the office.
“What can I help with?” she asked, her smile trained solely on Rome.
“It’s fine,” he explained, dropping the broken pieces of the vase in my trash and glancing back at me. “Just let me get anything that could cut you, and then you can call the fancy cleaners.” He stood, brushing his hands together, “I get paid to keep you safe, remember?”
“I don’t think broken glass was included in your contract.”
