Page 9 of Unwrapping Romance
“Robert is here to sign the papers. I put him in conference room two.”
“My father just called. He and Gabriela are getting married on New Year’s Eve and want me to attend.”
“Are you going?”
“Hell no. I could care less that he’s marrying her.”
“I don’t blame you. Spain is a little far.” A smirk crossed his lips. “Let’s go meet with Robert and get those papers signed.”
I stood up from my desk, and as I walked out of my office, I looked at Sierra.
“I have a meeting in conference room two. Bring a notepad and take notes.”
Opening the door to the conference room, I sat down across from Robert.
“Robert.” I extended my hand.
He put his hand up, unwilling to shake mine.
“Who’s this?” He pointed at Sierra.
“My new assistant.”
“What happened to Stephanie?”
“She no longer works here. I’m sure you had your lawyer look over the proposal.”
“I did. You know, Jack, I’m supposed to be at my wife’s chemo treatment.”
“And I need the contract signed, Robert. This is business, and business comes first.”
“Maybe to you it does, but there are other things more important in life. I suppose you wouldn’t understand because you don’t have a family.”
“Just sign the damn papers, Robert.” I sighed. “You act like you’re losing your company. I’m saving it so you can afford those chemo treatments for your wife. Why are you making me out tobe the bad guy here? And does your poor wife know about the escort you visit every week?”
“Jack,” Daniel said.
“How dare you?” Robert scowled as he signed the papers. He threw the pen down and stood up, buttoning his suit coat. “Done. Happy Holidays, you prick.”
I rolled my eyes as he walked out of the conference room.
“That was a low blow, Jack,” Daniel said. “You shouldn’t have brought up the escort.”
“Really?” I cocked my head at him. “I can guarantee you that when his wife is home sick as a dog from chemo, he’ll be visiting that escort. He’s the piece of shit, not me.” I stood up and looked at Sierra. “Did you write anything down?” I asked.
“Uh, what was I supposed to write? The fact that he called you a prick? That he sees an escort weekly?”
“Go back to your desk, Sierra.” I sighed, rubbing the back of my neck.
She walked out of the conference room, and Daniel looked at me.
“I know the holiday season is approaching. Try not to go off the rails this year, Jack.”
“I can’t make any promises, friend.” I left the conference room and stopped at Sierra’s desk.
“Let’s go.”
“Uh, where?” she asked