Page 20 of Room One Hundred and Twenty

No, I won’t be worried. While I’d much rather blend in with the wall and stay unnoticed, I don’t want to risk looking weak in front of the guy. First impressions are important to men in their standing, I’m sure.

With the line moving along and the conversations in the lobby growing louder with more people flooding out of the elevators, I make myself more useful. Can’t go letting both women fend for themselves.

Twisting around, I plant a smile on my lips and get right back to it.

Rhett

I’ve lost count of how many employees I’ve found with sweets in their hands in the lounge areas throughout the building. All have the same brand. The little shop in the lobby must be relishing all of these sales. I’m pretty sure we even have people from the streets requesting entrance.

Happy employees mean happy results. I should be happy right along with them. So, why in the hell am I so annoyed?

In the back of my mind, I know the answer. This woman, she’s a distraction. Sure, she might be a successful business owner from the looks of it, but she’s catching too much attention. Not by the employees, but by the two men who are meant to be helping me hold everything together.

Leaving my office, I spot Lucy sitting behind her desk. There’s another one of those cupcakes, half-eaten on the corner. Catching her gaze, I notice the way she straightens up and purposely looks busy. She manages to clutch a stapler, stapling two random sheets together.

I hope when I sign her checks, she’s being paid for more than the occasional flirt with Jake. She answers calls and races around whenever we need something immediate.

“I’ll be out for a short moment. Send any calls to my assistant.”

Nodding her head quickly, she struggles to meet my gaze. Despite hiring her to manage this desk for over two years now, she acts like anyone else I talk to. Skittish like a vulnerable animal in the wild.

“Yes, sir.”

From the way she swallows, I’m surprised I can’t hear her gulp. Almost like she’s expecting me to scold her, she braces herself. Normally, I would.

Right now, I’m distracted. Frustrated, even. I’m not one to aim my feelings toward the innocent.

Not wanting to make her shake in her high heels, I turn and make my way toward the elevator. Once the door slides open, I step inside with a sigh.

Pinching my brow to ease the sour expression on my face, I try to smile. Try to look pleasant even slightly. Knowing damn well my face will makeanyonerun, the curve of my mouth doesn’t linger for long.

Looking out through the glass, I take in Seattle. It’s a cloudy day with the promise of rain in the forecast. Stepping closer to the glass, I look down at the city. Feeling like I’m on top of the world here, there’s a reason why I had them install these glass elevators. There was a time when I loved looking down on the world. Hell, the view fueled me to stay in my position.

Lately, the fire that normally burns has felt like it’s been doused by a bucket of water. Maybe it’s boredom that’s making this unenjoyable. Or, maybe the ten years I’ve been in my spot is too much repeating for my liking.

Each day is filled with meetings with men who try their hardest to say the right things. Even when they fuck up and fail me, they think they can sprinkle a little sugar on a pile of shit to make it easier to consume.

No wonder I’m in a foul mood all of the time. This place, the people inside, everything drives me crazy.

Jake wants me to relax, to have fun. Nicolas tries his best to stick at my side and offer up a shoulder whenever I hit my breaking point. A few months ago, I never thought I’d even crack.

I haven’t mentioned retirement to either of the men at my side. Hell, I assumed I’d have another decade in me, maybe even two. Despite being at the top, I’m not happy. Something is missing.

It’s not money. Hell, my accounts are full. I pay a broker to manage my stocks. Financially, I’m set until I hit my deathbed. In my forty-two years of life, I hope I’m nowhere close to that point.

It’s not power. At the top of this company, there’s nowhere else to go. I can make whatever orders I want and it’ll happen. A hungrier person might abuse the position I’m in. Thankfully, I make smart decisions and know when to involve myself.

What else do I need in life? Sure, I don’t have much of a social life, but changing that will only provoke headaches. My definition of a fun time is catching late hours at the office, or taking on a bottle of brandy in the comfort of my home. I don’t need to be surrounded by people to feel complete.

Even if I were dropped into a social setting, I’m sure I’d scare everyone who crossed my path anyway.

The doors slide open and the rush of nervousMr. Landersanfrom a group of waiting employees makes me turn away from the view outside.

“Good morning.” Offering a nod, I drift past them into the lobby area. Reaching my destination, I make a pit stop at the coffee shop only a few feet away fromEllie’s Sweet Treats. Keeping my eyes forward, I order a black coffee.

No cream, no sugar. Nothing but untainted bitterness.

I need to look like I have a purpose. If I plant myself against the nearest wall, I can only imagine the panic it’ll cause. Watching my employees means I’m hunting for something to be wrong. That’ll make them think something happened.

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