Page 60 of Perfect (mis)Match

“Prentiss, is it?”

Vincent appeared out of nowhere, startling Prentiss enough to spill his drink. He loomed over the man, a full head taller. My heart swelled at how protective he looked.

“Yeah, that’s me,” Prentiss replied, annoyed.

“I’m Vincent Forde. Strange that we’ve never met after all these years,” he offered his hand. “Piper works with me at Summit Fragrances. She started as a photographer, and I loved her vision so much that I quickly promoted her to creative director. She’s an important member of our executive leadership team. Now, what were you saying about her needing your advice? Because maybe I need to listen in as well. I mean, all I do is run a billion-dollar company—I’m sure I could use some tips.”

I wanted to applaud Vincent, but I stayed neutral and watched the sparring continue.

Prentiss cleared his throat and shifted uncomfortably. “I’m sure the tips I’ve given her over the years helped her get to where she is now. I’ve always been a guiding force in her life.”

“Guiding force, or know-it-all?” Nana Dee musedjustquietly enough that we could all pretend we hadn’t heard her even though all of us definitely did.

“Listen, I’ve taught Piper everything she knows. If she’s successful in your company, it’s because I set her up to achieve it. Trust me, before I came into the picture, Piper was a whiny, spoiled brat.”

I ground my teeth together, just the way I used to when I was younger. I’d forgotten the way my jaw used to ache at the end of the day, back when I had to deal with him full-time.

Vincent stepped closer to him, and Prentiss leaned away like he was frightened. “I think you’re wrong about that. Piper is a self-starter with an eye and vision unlike anyone I’ve ever met. And she’samazingwith people, a skill that she couldn’t have learned from you because you’re sorely lacking in it. So rather than take credit for her success while you insult her at the same time, maybe take a hard look at all the tensions in your relationship with her over the years and realizeshe’snot the problem—you are.”

Prentiss started to sputter out a rebuttal but quickly realized he was outgunned. I not only had Vincent staring him down, but I also had the combined firepower of a very angry Nana Dee and Richard.

“Whatever. I need a refill,” he muttered and stalked away.

I finally felt like I could breathe once he was gone.

“You okay?” Richard asked, his brow furrowed over what he’d just witnessed.

I nodded and tried not to look as beat down as I felt.

“Honey…” Nana Dee reached out to take my hands. “Don’t let men like him get to you. You have so many gifts, and he can’t take credit foranyof them!”

“Exactly,” Vincent said. He was staring at me, taking me in to make sure I wasn’t going to let Prentiss ruin the day. “I think we all agree that you’re exceptional, Piper. Bright, creative, dedicated…if that asshole doesn’t see it, then he’s blindandstupid.”

A stray tear slid down my cheek despite my attempts to choke down my emotions.

“Hey, hey,” Richard said soothingly. “We all know how special you are, Piper. And we’re going to be cheering you on as you keep winning. You can do anything you set your mind to, I’m sure of it!”

“Thank you,” I said softly. It sure felt good being on the receiving end of some fatherly praise.

“Agreed, and you know what’s next on Piper’s list?” Vincent asked.

“Securing some bacon-wrapped scallops?” I sniffled and mumbled.

I sort of wished he’d wrap his arm around me, but he was focused on something, orsomeone, across the room.

Vincent chuckled. “Close. Next up is making her biggest dream yet come true, with a little help from my friend.”

He pointed through the crowd, and I strained to see what he meant.

“It’s time to meet Mercedes.”

My heart stopped as I scanned the crowd to find her. “What? Now? She’s here?”

“Mercedes Horan?” Nana Dee asked. “I just read a piece about her inTime Magazine, she’s a force to be reckoned with!”

“She is indeed, and it’s time for this firecracker to meet that flame,” Vincent said. He finally focused on me. “Are you ready?”

“Oh no, absolutely not,” I backed away from him, shaking my head. “Right now? I’m a mess! And I’m not in the right headspace to pitch after all that bullshit. Oh my god, I’ve hadthreeglasses of champagne! I’m wasted!”

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