“The store looked really good didn’t it?”
“Yep, everything looked great. I’m pleased with the progress. Are the employees okay? I saw you talking a long time to Diane.”
“They’re fine. Just giving her some tips.”
“Oh, okay. She seems smart.”
“Yeah, she is. I like her a lot for the next management position that comes up.”
Coop owns four Dunkin’ Donut franchises.
“Whatever you think is fine. When the time comes, you can make it happen.”
Ugh, I think to myself. I won’t be around to make it happen.
“Should I make reservations for you and Kiera tonight?” I ask in an attempt to stall a bit longer.
Kiera is Coop’s newest fling. She’s basically just another Megan. Her claim to fame is that she’s slept with enough famous men to become relevant. I don’t understand it. Honestly, I think that Coop is a huge hypocrite.
He thinks that every woman but his mother is out to get him for his wealth, yet he brings home these trashy women who make a living sleeping around or posing half-naked for money? I called him on it once and his explanation to me was thatat least women like Megan and Kiera are upfront about what they want. They want money, they want fame, and they want to be seen. In return, they give him plenty of no-strings-attached sex. Every man’s dream.
“No, I want to go over some of the school applications again. I’ll see her later.”
Coop is very much involved with the opening of the school. It’s a college preparatory high school specifically for boys who live in Brooklyn and are from underprivileged backgrounds. They will receive a free education, free computers, free uniforms, free breakfast and lunch, and handholding through their college process. It’s a huge undertaking and clearly something he’s passionate about, which is why he likes to be involved with the application process.
“I presorted them for you using the applicant’s previous middle school and current GPA. They’re on your desk.”
Coop looks up from his phone.
“Thanks, Owens. Have I told you lately how awesome you are?”
“Uh, no. I’m not sure that you have ever told me how awesome I am.”
“Stop playing. I’m sure I have at some point.”
He continues working on his phone.
Uh, no you never have.
“So … listen … I wanted to talk to you about something.”
I rub my palms nervously against my thighs.
“Yep,” he answers curtly. Still obviously distracted by his phone. “What is it?”
“Have you ever considered getting a new assistant?”
Coop sits his phone down, pivots his entire body, and stares at me straight on.
“What?”
“A new assistant.”
“What would I need a new assistant for? I have you.”
“Yeah, that’s the thing.”
I look down at my hands and start twisting my emerald ring around. It was my mother’s and has always been my good luck charm.
