Page 15 of Bad for Business
Ryker nods. “You’re wondering why you didn’t already know that, aren’t you?”
I swallow but nod my head once. Since last night, I’ve done a lot of research on Ryker and Davenport Media. There’s no way I missed an article about the passing of his mother.
He rubs his lips together before looking at the ceiling for a moment. A server comes and refills our waters but scurries away before saying anything. Maybe she can sense the solemn feeling in the air.
“My dad tried having any news of her death scraped from the web. There’s her obituary, of course, and articles highlighting all the incredible philanthropic work she did, but for the most part, only people who knew her personally knew about her passing away. That’s what she wanted. She didn’t want the world to know who she was in death, but wanted the world to remember what she brought to life.”
My mouth feels dry. I don’t know what to say to him. I lost my mom as a teenager, and it was the hardest thing I’ve ever gone through. His loss is still so fresh. The sudden increase in his recklessness makes more sense now.
“Don’t feel sorry for me. I’m handling it.” His voice is rough. I don’t say it out loud, but Iamfeeling sorry for him. It’s hard not to. Just by his demeanor, it’s obvious the death of his mom hit him hard.
“Okay,” I finally respond, not knowing what else to say. I want to find out more, but it’s clear he doesn’t want to talk about it any longer.
It’s quiet—too quiet. Something I never thought I’d say when it comes to him. My eyes bounce around the restaurant, wondering where our server is. I told her we wanted some timebefore ordering food, but she’d be a welcome distraction from the uncomfortable tension happening right now.
He clears his throat. “For someone who tracked me down to go over a plan, you’re really lacking in the planning department right now.”
I hurriedly straighten my spine and flip to the page with the board members again. For a moment, I’ll hold off on talking about the headlines. Now that I know the reason that so many of them started popping up eight months ago, I feel bad about bringing them up.
“Right. Back to the board members. We need to be strategic about how we approach the summer with them. You don’t want to make it too obvious that you’re trying to impress them. It needs to feel natural.”
Ryker nods. “Don’t be obvious. Got it. What else?” He smiles, and it makes me shift uncomfortably in my seat. I can’t tell if the smile is real or if he’s having to force it.
“Well…” I clear my throat to buy myself time. “People will wonder why I’m with you all summer, so it’s going to be obvious you have a publicist.”
Ryker lifts a shoulder nonchalantly. “Or I don’t have to have a publicist for the summer. You being here is a little obvious about there being a plan now that you mention it.”
I roll my eyes at him. “You’re not getting rid of me. We can use it to our advantage. We’ll lie and say you’re the one who sought me out. That you’re wanting to make sure you’re media trained in case anything comes up over the summer as you prepare to take over the company.”
“It was worth a shot.” He points to the first picture on the list of board members. “Let’s talk about the members, then. Tell me about Marty Schuler.”
TEN
CAMILLE
I let outa long sigh as I stare down at my vibrating phone. It’s my dad. After traveling this morning and dealing with Ryker for the rest of the day, he’s the last person I want to talk to, but I swipe to answer anyway.
“Hello,” I say, sitting back in bed. It’s ten in the evening, but work never stops for Dad, so I’m not shocked by the late-night call.
“Camille,” he begins, no hint of warmth in his voice. He addresses me the same way he addresses his clients or employees. I guess, technically, Iamone of his employees. That doesn’t mean it doesn’t sting a little. “How did the first day go?” he asks.
I press my lips into a line as I think about his question. He doesn’t need to know that the first day here didn’t go as planned. I should’ve known Ryker wouldn’t be as thrilled to plan with me, but it all worked out in the end. Even though I had to track him down at the club, I’m feeling good about our next steps.
“The first day went well,” I answer. It’s not really a lie. It definitely could’ve gone worse. Ryker didn’t completely embarrass himself or spill any secrets again, so a win is a win.
“I think this entire thing will be a lost cause,” he mutters. He throws it out so casually it takes me by surprise.
“What?” I ask, sitting up straighter.
“This boy is immature. No one will ever take him seriously. Just do your best this summer at keeping him from being a total shitshow, and we’ll cash in on what they’re paying us.”
My jaw hangs open as I try to process his words. I’ve suspected that he might not have a ton of faith in Ryker, but this is more than that. He thinks Ryker is a lost cause but still wants the payout.
“I think he’s fully capable of impressing his board. It’ll take time, but I know we can do?—”
“It’s me you’re talking to, Camille. You don’t have to bullshit. Not even his own father believes in his capability to take over the company. You’re setting yourself up for failure if you believe anything different.”
My mouth snaps shut at his words. I’ve never heard my dad talk like this. We’ve taken on clients with far bigger scandals than Ryker. We’ve found a way to get them out of trouble, to turn their career around. We’ve made people with reputations that were splattered with mud squeaky-clean. I don’t understand why he doesn’t have any faith in Ryker.
