Page 17 of One Hundred Desires
Her brother grumbled something about leopards never changing their spots and took a seat on the sofa.
She knew she was fighting an uphill battle. “Yes, I’m sure that’s true, but it’s good money for Vortex Security, spots and all. Besides, it’s the right thing to do. He’s not the first client with a history, you know.” She took the overstuffed chair beside him and sat. “Let’s just get to the bottom of this now. Am I really running the company or is this misplaced loyalty to our parents’ naming conventions?” She needed to hear him say that he thought she was capable. Once he did then everything would be all right in her world.
“Look, Viv, you’re a badass and fully capable of doing anything you set your mind to do. But keep in mind that I made a promise to Dad before he passed to protect you. I can’t do that sitting in a remote cabin by a lake while you’re shifting from city to city as a bodyguard for who knows who.”
Her hackles rose. “Oh, so because you decided to retire, that means I have to sit behind a desk. That wasn’t your job before. I thought I was taking over for you which meant I’d get better jobs—jobs like you used to do.”
“The boys can take care of the tough stuff. You don’t need to.”
Cameron walked in and took a seat with the baby. “Are you telling her that she’s not capable because she’s a woman?”
“No, I’m not saying that but look at her. She’s—”
“She’s what?” Cameron asked.
Viv loved that her sister-in-law was coming to her defense.
“I’m not big enough, strong enough, or mean enough,” Viv said.
Val waved his hand in the air. “Oh, you’re mean enough.” He rubbed his jaw and frowned. “I’m confused. Are we talking about supporting Red’s needs or running Vortex?”
Viv sighed. “They aren’t exclusive of one another. If you don’t think I can handle the job with Red, and it’s a simple security protocol revamp, then you can’t possibly believe I’m capable of stepping into the role of CEO of Vortex. If that’s the case, why did you put me there?” She stared at Val, who looked like a mouse trapped by a cat.
Val shifted in his seat. “It’s not about you being a woman, Viv. It’s about Red. I don’t trust him, and I don’t want you getting involved with him. He’s trouble.”
Viv shook her head, frustration building within her. “You’re being ridiculous. Whatever problems Red has with you and Cameron are your issues, not mine. He’s been nothing but appreciative and professional if you leave out the light jabs about my height. Red needs our help, and I’m the best person for the job.”
Val stood up, towering over her. “I don’t care, Viv. I don’t want you working with him. End of discussion.”
Viv clenched her fists, her temper starting to flare. “Whoa, cowboy! You think just because you built a cabin and moved to the country you can wrangle me? You can’t tell me what to do today any more than you ever could, Val. I’m a grown woman, and I can make my own decisions. Frankly, right now I’m trying to decide if I should put your fears to rest and just knock you down like I did more than once during our years of training. You know I’m capable. If you can’t trust me to handle this relatively simple job because you have an issue with the client, then I can’t imagine how you expect me to run Vortex at all.” With that, she stormed out of the cabin, slamming the door behind her.
She drove back into town practically shaking with a mix of anger and frustration. She couldn’t believe Val was so stubborn, so unable to see things from her point of view. Then again, he was doing what he always did. He was trying to protect her but that’s not what she needed. She was looking for validation and support. Why did it always come to this? She shouldn’t have to prove or justify herself over and over to the people who know her best and damn well know all of her strengths.
Needing to blow off some steam, she headed to Bishop’s Brewhouse and as she walked inside, she spotted Jackson behind the bar, tending to the customers. He looked up and smiled as he saw her, waving her over.
“Viv! You changed your mind. Can I buy you that beer?” he asked, wiping down the counter.
She took a seat at the bar. “Just needed to get out of the house for a bit. I’d love a beer.”
As she looked around the bar, she spotted Red sitting at the end, nursing a tall draught. She debated whether or not to approach him but decided that she might as well say hello. It would seem unfriendly and awkward just to ignore a client.
“Hey, Red.” She gave him a nod and shifted down to take the stool beside him. “Is this seat taken?”
Red looked up. “I thought you were headed home.”
Viv nodded. “I changed my mind and decided to see what Aspen Cove has to offer.”
“Or you got back, and Val read you the riot act for helping me,” Red said.
“Something like that.”
Red picked up his mug and took a drink. “Look, I can’t blame him. You’re his baby sister and I don’t have a squeaky-clean reputation in this town. Then there’s the fact that I was briefly engaged to your brother’s wife, and I did her wrong.”
“Did you ever apologize?”
He stared straight ahead for a few seconds and then turned to look at her. “I did.”
She smiled. “That must be why she’s more forgiving.”