“Tell me what salary you want.”
“What? No! You know it’s not about the money.”
“You want to live on Fifth Avenue? I can make that happen.”
She looks at me, stunned. I know these things don’t usually impress her.
“Silas ...”
I walk towards her. “It’s just a job.”
“No, it’s not just a job when you're involved,” she says, pointing her index finger at my chest. “I can’t trust you, not after what you did to me.”
“There’s no better place to work than Property Group, and you know it. Don’t throw this opportunity away because of resentment.”
“Resentment?” She turns red again. “You ruined my teenage years, Silas!” she yells.
Ouch, that stung a little.
“Well, I can't fix the past but let me give you a decent present. You’ll make a lot of money, get to network with the most powerful people in New York, and maybe even open your own company one day if that’s what you want.” She listens, and I can’t believe it. I’ve never begged anyone for anything before.
What the hell am I doing?
Lauren looks down, contemplating my plea. “I have conditions.”
Thank God, because I had nothing else to say to convince her.“Whatever they are?—”
“No! Listen to them before you agree.”
“Bunny, I don’t need?—”
“First,” she interrupts, putting her index finger in my face, “you can’t call me that. Not anymore.”
“Why not? It’s adorable.” She raises an eyebrow. “Okay.” I throw my hands up in surrender.
“Second, I want double the pay.”
Oh, interesting. Lauren is finally asking for what she’s worth. “You got it.”
“Third, in any situation where you bully me, I quit. I want it written in my contract. I don’t want any ties with your company.”
“You don’t have to worry about that. My days bullying you are over.”
“I don’t care. I want it in writing.”
How fearless and smart. Lauren was always the “brainiac” of the class.
“I’ll talk to my lawyers first thing in the morning.”
She uncrosses her arms, places them on her hips, and sighs. “I can’t believe what I’m about to do.”
“Is that a yes?”
She sighs again. “Yes.”
Lauren
Ihave to get to the office before Silas. It is crucial for me to get familiar with the space—figure out where everything is, find the bathroom, settle into my small office, and take in the incredible view I have from the window.
