“Yes, I do,” I say patiently, letting him see that I don’t give a damn.
His expression twists in puzzlement. “Well, I don’t think that’s a bad idea.”
“Of course, you don’t.”
Tristan has always had delusions of being able to lead this company better than me.
“But, he’s not going to give me the job.” His lips press tight.
I throw up my hands in a dramatic shrug. “Oh my God! That sounds terrible.”
“Stop it!” Tristan cries out, standing up, his knuckles resting on my desk. “Diana’s walking around like she owns the place. Telling people that she’s about to be made CEO.”
“Aw, poor Tristan!”
“Damn it, Aiden. Can you be serious for a minute?” He’s shouting now.
“I think you should say that again, but this time, stomp your feet; it’ll have more effect,” I suggest sarcastically.
I’m so sick and tired of this family, I realize in that moment. Sick and tired of carrying the company. Giving them the ability to live the way they do. Bringing the company back from the brink of death. And the thanks they give me is this.
My mother assaults my wife.
My friend and colleague tells her lies.
My father wants me fired.
My brother wants me fired.
My sister wants me to fund her life while she insults my wife.
Yeah. I’m so fucking done.
“Aiden, he’s going to give her the job.” Tristan’s voiceis booming against the walls to the point that Jolene opens the door, concerned.
“Do I need to call security?”
“Get out,” Tristan turns on her.
“That’s enough, you don’t get to talk to Jo like that.” I get up, walk to the door, and smile gently at Jolene. “It’s fine.”
She walks to her desk, eyeing Tristan like he’s dogshit, not in the least intimidated by him.
That woman has balls!
I hold the door open. “Now, Tristan, I needyouto get the fuck out.”
“Aiden, this is serious.” He tones himself down.
It’s standard operating procedure with my brother. He starts all fire and fury, and then calms down when he realizes that he can’t manipulate fuck all by screaming his head off. He does this often enough with Dad.
I usually just let him say his piece so he’ll leave me alone, but now I wish I’d treated him like a child when he behaved like one.
If nothing else, it’s very entertaining.
“I know it’s serious, Tristan.”
“She told me she has Dad’s vote,” he grits out. “Said she’s talked to three of the board members already. And word is—you’re getting axed at the board meeting.”
