Page 113 of Not That Into You

“That’s up to the board to decide.”

“They won’t choose you.”

My stomach drops. “Have you talked to them?”

“Of course not. Don’t insult me.”

Then why is he so certain?

I suck in a breath with dawning realization. “You don’t know whether I’ll get the job, but you’re worried I won’t. You’re worried that if I don’t get the CMO position, it will reflect poorly on the Stanhope name because Stanhopes never lose.”

His expression sours. “You’re not ready. Eventually, you may be ready to take over the CMO position, but you’re not ready now.”

“I disagree.”

“You haven’t shown the requisite maturity, Cameron. You’re not serious enough.”

I nod. “So, we’re back to that. What would convince you, father? Do I need to be as cold as you and Archie? As calculating as Grace?”

“It would be a start.”

“It’s not who I am.”

“That’s clear.”

“And it doesn’t mean I’m not fit for the position.”

“Grow up, Cameron. Half the job of a Stanhope is to drive business by attending society functions and networking. You might not have to shake as many hands as Archie or me, but you still represent the company. Yet you’re too busy flirting and hopping from one woman to the next.”

“I’m in a relationship,” I say through clenched teeth.

“With that woman?”

“Her name is Monica.”

“And you think she helps your case? She’s a nobody, Cameron. She has no social contacts, no connections, and no upbringing.”

I surge up. “Don’t talk about my girlfriend that way.”

“Oh, stand down. I’m sure she’s a fine person, but she’s not for you.”

“I get to decide who is and is not for me.”

He shakes his head. “Spoken like a child. This is the real world, Cameron. To be successful, you need a partner, someone who will bolster your status, not bring it into question.”

My nostrils flare as I gesture toward the door. “Father, it’s time for you to leave.”

“You say you want the CMO position, but you’re not willing to do what needs to be done to get it. You had an opportunity in the Hamptons, and you blew it.”

I sit back down. “Are you talking about Vanessa?”

“Of course. She’s perfect. She’s what you need, someone to impress the board.”

“I’m not interested in Vanessa.”

“That’s irrelevant. Tell me, who do you intend to bring Wednesday night? Monica?”

My father is hosting the Coronet Society Dinner on Wednesday night. I intended to ask Monica last night to go with me, but I got sidetracked when she walked into the kitchen and gave me a kiss hello that made me forget my own name.

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