Page 60 of A Bossy Roommate
Bradley claps his hand on my shoulder. “Not quite? Not quite means yes. I knew it. I knew you couldn’t be fake married to your assistant and not get your dick wet again.”
I give him a dark look. “Hey, watch it.” It comes out harsher than I intended.
Bradley’s eyebrows shoot up. “Sorry, bro.” He lifts his hands in surrender. “Didn’t realize you were that into her. My bad.”
I grab my tablet from the driver’s seat and tug it under my arm, calming my nerves. Bradley’s a loyal friend, and we go way back, so he knows how to push my buttons better than anybody. Usually, I appreciate him for his “No BS” attitude, but the unexpected meeting has thoroughly soured my mood.
I bump his knuckles. “Also, don’t fucking say I’m married. It’s only a fucking show.” I close the car door. “And it’s supposed to be between us, remember?”
“Then you might want to get rid of that.” Bradley eyes my left hand, where I had slipped on the wedding band before picking up my aunt.
“Fuck. Good call.” I take the ring off and put it in my pocket as we head into the building. “Any idea what this meeting is about?”
“Nope. Just that Huxley called it, and my boss told him to make sure you were there. I figured he hadn’t said anything to you, which is why I called.”
“Of course he didn’t inform me. Huxley never misses a chance to cut me out of things.”
I’m not worried about being kept in the dark—pissed off about it, that’s what I am. Huxley knows damn well I’d planned to be tied up with my aunt’s visit, and he’s using the time to try to go behind my back. Joke’s on him though because more people are loyal to me than they are to him.
In the conference room, I find Saul Huxley and CEO Nathan Bernie sitting and speaking in low voices. Without knocking or waiting to be acknowledged, Bradley and I walk right in. Huxley sits at the head of the table, and Bernie is in the seat to his right.
Immediately, I take the same seat I’d occupied during our last meeting, so that Huxley is forced to look directly across the table to meet my gaze. It puts both of us in positions of power, and I can see the vein in his temple twitch when he notices me. Bradley takes the seat next to his boss, not choosing sides. He doesn’t need to sit next to me for me to know he has my back.
“Good morning, gentlemen,” I start. “Seems like a strange time to hold a meeting.”
Huxley looks me in the eye, but his expression is a cool mask of indifference. Good poker face, I have to give him that. He doesn’t reveal whether he’s surprised or not that I’m here. It’s not a good sign, and I know not to trust him.
“Good morning, Bancroft,” Bernie says, leaning back in his chair. “I’m sorry to call you in on a Saturday, but Huxley said this meeting couldn’t wait.”
“Oh, really? Then by all means, do tell.” I’m relaxed and confident that whatever this is, I’m not going to let Huxley get the best of me. I never allow myself to be rattled by what he does, and I won’t be this time.
“As you know, we’ve had numerous discussions about your future here at the company,” Bernie addresses me. “You’re an excellent worker, Bancroft, and your loyalty is greatly appreciated. The work you’ve done to expand our revenue isunparalleled, and I want you to know that your determination has not gone unnoticed.”
“But?” I ask.
“No but. I know you’ve been looking for more and it’s been discussed, and we’ve decided to give you more responsibility.”
I keep my emotions in check and my expression passive. On one hand, I’m satisfied that things are finally moving forward the way I want. However, considering the odd circumstances and Huxley’s chill demeanor, I’m on high alert.
“What do you have in mind?” I press.
“Obviously you’re aware of the Granger account?” He raises his brows.
The Grangers are a highly influential family throughout New England and even a few of the southern states. Their firm is a major player in new commercial construction areas. Our firm scored them as a client several months ago. And by our firm, I mean me and my team. It took two years of work to win that account, and as soon as they signed on to work with us, Huxley swept in and took it over. Needless to say, I was pissed.
Yet now Bernie has the nerve to ask if I’m aware of the account?
“Considering I was the one who worked on getting them to sign with us, I am aware of them,” I reply.
“Well, they have been adamant about wanting you on the account, to personally work with them. Up until now, major accounts like theirs are typically handled by the partners. We have decided to make an exception. Starting Monday, Granger Estates will be in your hands again.”
Translation: Huxley has fucked up in some way, and it’s now my job to fix it. It’s not the first time in the last several months. Bradley keeps me informed of mistakes he manages to overhear on his end of things—they all wear Huxley’s name. The partners have had to cover for him on at least three separate occasions.
I look at Huxley for any tell-tale signs that he’s fuming. He has to be. There’s no way he can’t be pissed that Bernie is taking the account away from him. But all I see is a smile and a relaxed stance.
No. I don’t trust it.
“Is there anything I need to know going in?” I continue questioning them.