Granted, I’m playing a role here so Bill doesn’t suspect the audit, but maybe I need to reconsider how I handle things. I don’t have an extensive background in business management. What if I’m doing it all wrong?
Well, my expectations of his behavior were certainly off. Yes, he was angry, but the reprimand wasn’t the cause. He didn’t even mention it.
Because he’s a grown man and acts like one.
I clearly don’t know any grown men, except Jacob, because the unsettling truth is that his behavior surprises me. True, it’s been a while since I dated anyone, but I know a few decent guys, right? Then, reality hits me. Sure, I know a handful, but they’re all married to my friends, which is oddly disturbing.
I want to call Lainy for some perspective, but I know what she would say. “Maybe you need to get off your ass and go on a date. Meet some decentmen.” Advice I don’t need or want right now. I’m way too old to be dating. Sure, it worked out for her; she found a fantastic guy. But that doesn’t mean it would work for me. She was much younger and still wanted kids. I’m very firmly past that phase of my life.
I’ve tried dating a couple of times, and it never ends well. I’ve accepted it’s too late to find my happy ending. Things like that don’t happen for women my age. The last thing I need is another man trying to take control of my life anyway. I’ve been there, done that, and I’ve got the scars to prove it. No, thank you.
This isn’t relevant anyway since I’m not dating Damon.
Dating Damon? Why am I even thinking about that?
I just need to explain the audit—that’s all. Once I do, he’ll understand, and everything will be fine. We’ll return to our professional relationship—strictly professional, no dating involved. Yup, it’s all good.
Liar.
Chapter Eight
Damon
I fucking hate the Robertson brothers. Every time I see the damage they’ve done to Jos, I want to punch something. It pisses me off to see someone so intelligent, beautiful, and kind get shit on by someone like Bill. I’m struggling with the fact that she doesn’t see her worth because someone else chose to deliberately undermine her self-esteem. I’ve never understood why some men are so disrespectful to women, but her situation goes beyond simple disrespect. This was intentional abuse aimed at crushing her spirit, and I can’t comprehend it, especially as a father to a daughter myself. I want to go back in time and make them pay for their cruelty, but that’s a fantasy.
I’ve been observing her for the last few weeks, and I notice when she fails to defend herself or establish her authority. She’s the owner, for God’s sake. Everything is her call, yet she remains hesitant. It kills me because it’s like she has no idea how intelligent and capable she is, and I want her to see it with every fiber of my being.
And Bill, that slimy bastard. I knew he was up to something, and it was evident from his demeanor in the meeting. His sly disrespect reflects a level of privilege that infuriates me. He’s the kind of person we need to remove from this organization. How can she not see that? She’s been poring over the financial data for weeks, and I know she had to see it,especially if I did. Let’s be real, I’m nowhere near her level of financial expertise.
Wait. She has to have seen it.
I stop pounding the bag for a few minutes and take a moment to reflect further on this morning’s meeting, trying to remove the emotional aspect. Something I learned from my last GM is that sometimes, I need to focus on facts, not feelings. I tend to lead with my feelings, especially with people I care about.
She’s too intelligent not to see through him, so she has to know he’s up to something, which means that her behavior is intentional. Is it out of character for her to behave that way? Yes, it is. Sure, she’s not one to bludgeon someone with her authority, but she hasn’t let anyone else treat her with such contempt. Bill’s the only one who gets away with it. Well, and Matilda, but she treats everyone with equal disdain. Bill seems to enjoy singling her out. Misogynistic asshole.
Sure, she doesn’t wave her authority around like a weapon, but I have seen her use it. I don’t think she uses it enough, but then again, that’s not my call. There must be more going on here than I can see at the moment.
Damn, I was so up in my feelings that I let loose back in her office, and I didn’t even bother getting her side of the story. Yup, I’m an idiot. It looks like I’ve got a lot more work to do on this whole ‘not leading with emotions’ thing. Well, I can change that right now, I decide, as I head for the shower.
It’s after five before I have time to stop by and check in with Joslyn. I’m relieved it’s after hours, though, because it means we’ll have time to talk without interruptions. This whole misunderstanding has been eating awayat me all day. I love how well we work together, and I don’t want anything to change that. I’m hoping we can move on from this and maintain our great rapport, because I’d hate to lose it.
“Hey, Jos. Got a few minutes to chat?” I peek through the door to see her typing away at her desk. Her gorgeous hair is pulled back, allowing me to see her face. Her pert nose wrinkles as she finishes her task, then looks over at me, a warm smile spreading across her face, her smoky eyes shining. God, she’s beautiful.
Today, she’s wearing a tailored white suit, a black patterned blouse, and her signature pearls. The elegant look reflects her classy personality. This woman is so far out of my league.
“Oh, I’m so glad you stopped by. I was hoping we’d get a chance to chat before the day is over.” She gestures for me to come in. “Would you mind grabbing the door? I think this would be better as a private discussion.”
“Sure.” I close the door softly and walk toward the couch. I know she prefers not to hold meetings at her desk; she believes people think better when they’re comfortable. She’s not wrong, but I probably won’t feel at ease until I apologize for my earlier outburst. I hope she’s not too angry with me.
She’s so graceful when she moves. I’m mesmerized just watching her cross the room and take a seat on the couch. There’s something so feminine about the way she moves. I don’t think she’s even aware of her sophistication, and it’s that touch of naiveté that brings out every protective instinct I’ve got. Even though I know she’s strong and competent on her own.
“So, about this morning…” I start.
“So, about Bill…” she starts at the same time. We both stop, then look at each other and chuckle.
“Ladies first.” I’m determined to be more polite in this conversation, so I gesture for her to continue. I need her to know I’m not like Bill and theother assholes who work here. I value her input, so I wait as she gathers her thoughts, being as patient as I can.
“About the meeting with Bill this morning,” she hesitates, and I wait her out, showing her the respect I should have shown her the first time around. “I’m sorry I had to reprimand you in front of him. I should have addressed our suspicions about Bill before the meeting. I need him to be his ignorant, arrogant self for a few weeks until the audit is done.” She pauses, still tentative.
