Page 9 of False Start

"I just figured you were aclownor something, because only a clown would turn in the deck you made for Trico Computing and think it was anything other than a joke."

He throws my report down, and the glossy pages spill across his desk and onto the floor.

"I…" I clear my throat, not sure whether I should defend myself or just shut up and take the reaming. "I validated my calculations twice against Trico's last 10-K, sir. All the models project growth of 17% for their current product line, and 22% if they're first to market with the generative AI enhancements."

Robert releases a long-suffering sigh, and I tense.

"But youfailed," he lingers on the word, "to incorporate their impending partnership with Linwood Processors. The crystalline chips will substantially boost the processing power and speed of their curved and 3D monitors. With the Linwood partnership, their product will be incomparable; growth won't be less than 40%."

My eyes widen at the news, and Robert chuckles mockingly.

"Linwood made the announcement at 9:00am this morning. The market is already buzzing."

I clench and unclench my fists to keep from punching a wall.

"But that was just thirty minutes ago, sir. The presentation is at eleven."

Robert scoffs, pushing the remnants of my report into the wastebasket next to his desk.

"The client offered to move the meeting, but I told themyou peopleare like human calculators. Ninety minutes is more than enough time to re-run the regressions and update your conclusions." He lifts a challenging eyebrow. "Unless you're saying you can't handle it."

"I can handle it," I almost growl. I'm grinding my molars so hard, my head is pounding.

Robert drops into his seat and starts dialing his desk phone.

"Excellent. Have a new draft on my desk at the top of the hour. I want to double-check this time so you don't have us looking like fucking idiots."

I bite back a reply and walk to my desk, fuming.Fuck!I spent all last night at the office finishing this fucking report and one press release turns it into garbage. Nothing that big happens without months of talks; I can't believe I never caught wind of anything.

As soon as I retake my seat, Silva rolls his chair towards mine.

"I'm guessing you missed the Linwood release this morning?" I scowl at the latest bottom-feeding weasel who thinks he can take me out.

"You knew?"

Silva raises an eyebrow.

"Of course. What kind ofjabronimisses one of the biggest partnership announcements in months?"

My hands are fists at my sides, itching to pummel this asshole.

"Hope you don't choke on that Trico presentation, Park," he says with a shit-eating grin.

"I don't know much about choking myself, but I'll be sure to ask your mom about it the next time she's sucking my dick."

He glares daggers at me, and I turn to my computer.Human calculator, my ass!It's a good thing I work well under pressure.

I'm not home until well after midnight, but it was worth it, since I stayed to get right to work with the Trico team after our call. Theylovedmy presentation, and I loved wiping the smug looks off Robert and Silva's faces.

I stroll to the kitchen, feeling light on my feet despite exhaustion, and drop my keys, phone, and messenger bag on the counter. My usual dinner on late nights is a meal replacement shake, but I still have a couple slices of pizza left from my date with Denise.

I shake my head. It wasn't a date. It was just some hangover food after a roll in the hay—or four. A roll I still don't remember;stupid whiskey! Too bad I can't forget those perfect tits…or those hips.

That reminds me: I still need to change my sheets, especially if I plan to have "company" later this week. I might be the biggest womanizer of all my brothers, but I'm not completely without class.

I walk to my bedroom, intent on stripping my bed, when the buzzer sounds. Did I forget a booty call? I jog back to the intercom.

"Hello?"

---