“Wow. Man. I mean, wow. I read your article inFortunemagazine. What you’re doing in the business world…it’s really something.”
“Thank you,” I said, holding my hand out.
He took it eagerly, nearly breaking it off with his frantic shaking.
“You know, I have a company I’m trying to get off the ground…”
And that was when my ears turned off. This was common. People wanting something from me, as if I could just dole out my money and insight to everyone in New York. Thankfully, the hostess came over and let us know our table was ready. I said a dismissive goodbye to the man who was still blabbing on with his elevator pitch, and followed the hostess through the restaurant. On the way, I spotted the bar.
“You guys go on. I’ll buy us a round of drinks,” I called after them.
My mother smiled and Nathan nodded, but Greg gave me an irritated look. I ignored him and took a seat at the bar.
“What can I get you?” asked the bartender, sidling up next to the counter.
“Double shot of whiskey. Neat. A lemon drop martini. A beer on tap. And…”
“A margarita. Salt on the rim,” said Greg, interjecting as he took the seat beside me.
The bartender nodded and turned away to start on our eclectic drink order. I stared straight ahead, not really wanting to get into whatever Greg was here to stir up.
“Tonight is to celebrate Nathan,” he said firmly.
“I know,” I said, turning to him and narrowing my gaze
“Then I suggest you shut down your little fan club.”
“I’ll get right on it,” I muttered.
Greg drummed his knuckles on the table and stood from the barstool, leaving me alone at the bar.
“I’ll get the drinks. No worries,” I called after him with a sneer.
He ignored my taunt and kept walking. I shook my head and looked back to the bar, annoyed by even the backside of him. It wasn’t like I asked that guy to come up. I couldn’t help what people did. It wasn’t like I was some sort of celebrity asking for that sort of attention. I wasn’t trying to make anything about me.
I was looking forward to telling my family about my new CEO position, but I thought better of it. I didn’t want a showdown with Greg. Not on Nathan’s big night. I would let Greg have this win.
Chapter 7
Gabriella
I slumped further into my couch, watching the sun set behind the buildings surrounding Central Park. I had become one with the plush, velvet cushions since I left work early and came home after this morning’s disaster. I hadn’t even told my father I was leaving. I just needed to get the hell out of there, so I could digest everything that happened and avoid a run-in with Chandler.
It was stupid, really. I shouldn’t have let my emotions get the best of me like that. I was never one to dip out of work and leave my responsibilities behind, but being Chandler’s handler was never a responsibility I had signed up for. Especially not when I thought I was about to become his boss. I sighed frustratedly and pulled a throw pillow over my face, letting out a loud, muffled scream.
This was what my Friday evening was going to be. Me on the couch, screaming into pillows and cursing the day ChandlerWhite was born. I couldn’t believe my father had put some smug, entitled asshole in the role that was destined to be mine. How could he think that anyone could fill his shoes better than me? It just didn’t make sense. He had tried calling me around lunch time, but I had ignored his call. I didn’t want to talk. I knew my feelings would get the better of me and would solidify his decision in choosing Chandler over me.
He was probably out celebrating his big win and the thought made me nauseous. It also made me rethink my plans for the evening. I was definitely going to have a pity party, but it sounded a lot more fun if it included my friends. I reached for my phone and sent Juliet a text.
Me:Girls night?
Juliet:Tonight?
Me:Please.
Juliet:I’m wrapping up at work. I’ll be over after!
I smiled at my phone. It was nice having my best friend back in my life. I needed more reinforcement though. I scrolled through my contacts until I landed on Sadie, my other best friend.
