Page 48 of Possessing Paisley
“Good morning, Paisley,” Judy greets. “You look lovely, but then again, you always do. I was telling William just the other day how much I love your classic beauty. Also, before I leave today, dear, you have to give me the name of the lipstick you wear. I’m not sure how it will look on my wrinkled old lips, but I don’t care. If it looks as half as good on me as it does on you, I’ll be thrilled.”
My entire body heats, and my cheeks catch fire. Wow. Judy is so sweet and has always given me compliments, but I don’t think she realizes she just made my whole day. It doesn’t matter if I get fired. If a classy billionaire woman like her thinks I’m beautiful, then I’m sure as hell not going to let some dipshit like Mercedes ever question it again.
“Thank you so much, Mrs. Callahan. You look lovely as well. I love your sweater.”
The older woman beams at me before she sits back down.
“Well, let's get started, shall we?” I ask.
I spend the next hour going over every one of the documents I’ve prepared, having the couple sign their names in all the necessary spots. I expect John to jump in and take over at any time, but he doesn’t. He doesn’t say a word. Instead, he watchesand listens, something I’m not used to with Chuck as my boss. It’s a little unnerving, but it’s also refreshing. I just hope he’s doing it for good reasons and not because he’s waiting to tell me to pack my shit.
Once we wrap up the paperwork, I tuck it away in their folder and stand, not wanting to keep the couple for any longer than necessary. I would assume, as a couple of billionaires, they have a busy schedule.
“Paisley, dear, would you mind sitting a few more minutes?” William asks.
Every hair on my body stands on end as I slowly lower myself back down. “Of course.”
“You might be wondering why we asked John to join us today,” William says. “And quite frankly, we should have had him join one of our meetings sooner. Judy and I; we’ve been so incredibly impressed with you since the first time we met. I don’t think we’ve ever worked with anyone as professional yet personable as you. You’ve been so on top of every single thing we’ve asked, and yet you still speak to us like we’re human beings instead of a bank account. It’s been refreshing.”
Holy…what?
My mouth falls open, and I feel like a deer caught in the headlights. I certainly wasn’t expecting that. Not in the slightest.
Judy smiles and slides her hands over mine, patting softly. “I hope you don’t mind, but William and I looked into you a bit, and we found a recent business application with the county that has your name on it along with three other women. A makeup line?”
Shoot. Is this a trap? There aren’t any rules against having my own business as long as it isn’t a conflict of interest with the financial firm. I glance at John, but he doesn’t look the least bit concerned.
“Um, right, yes. My friends and I are opening a woman-owned makeup company that will have a line of high-end makeup that is eco-friendly as well as a more economical line that will still be luxurious for women who can’t spend the money on expensive cosmetics. We’re also starting a charity to help victims of human trafficking and victims of abuse. A quarter of our profits will go to the charity.”
Oh my God. Why did I tell them all that? I should have just said yes.
The older woman grins and looks over at her husband. “See, I told you it would be a good business plan.”
William chuckles and shakes his head lovingly at his wife. “We’ve been married forty years, and she’s always right. You know, she hated me when we first met? Said I was overbearing and bossy. She didn’t want to take a chance on me, but I convinced her, and it’s the best thing I ever did. She makes me a better man.”
“He’s the best thing to ever happen to me too. We’re a good team. Sometimes, you have to take a leap for something wonderful to happen. Which is why I’d like to take a leap and make you an offer,” Judy says. “William and I each have things we like to invest our own money in, and I’d like to invest in your makeup line. Five million dollars to get it up and running. To keep it a fully woman-owned business, the money would only be coming from me. I’ve prepared the offer in writing and made the terms favorable for you. The four of you would keep complete control of the business, and I would simply be a silent backer. After working with you, I trust you to make this company everything you want it to be.”
My hands shake so badly that I lower them under the table so nobody can see. Is this really happening?
Judy slides a packet toward me. “Why don’t you take some time to review this with your partners and I’ll reach out to you in the next couple of days.”
I meet her gaze, unable to speak for several seconds. Finally, I swallow and nod. “Thank you. This is incredibly kind of you, Mrs. Callahan. I don’t know what to say.”
“Just say you’ll consider it. You’re special, Paisley, and I have a feeling your friends are too,” she replies. “And please, call me Judy.”
They stand, and as I skirt the table to walk them out, William pulls me in for a brief hug. “Thank you for everything, Paisley. I don’t think there’s anyone else we would have felt comfortable working with other than you. I doubt you’ll be here much longer once your makeup line starts, but if your boss doesn’t promote you soon, I have a spot for you in any of my companies at triple your current salary.”
John straightens his shoulders. “Don’t you even think about taking Paisley from me. She’ll be promoted by morning. I guarantee you that.”
What is happening in my life right now? Multiple orgasms, five million dollars,anda promotion all in one morning? Maybe I ate a brownie that I shouldn’t have.
I wait until the Callahans leave before I grab their file and turn to head back to work.
“Paisley, I’d like to speak with you before you head back to your office.”
Even though he has just told the Callahans I’d be getting a promotion, my heart starts to race. Is he pissed that I started a business? Or that the Callahans offered to invest in the makeup line?
“Mr. Boldt, I’m sorry you were blindsided about the business I’m starting. I did review the company handbook, and it didn’tsay anything about notifying HR. I didn’t feel like a makeup company was a conflict of interest.”