Page 5 of Bad for Business
Ryker looks over at his dad. “I’ll go to the Hamptons house and I’ll be on my best behavior. I’ll do whatever I’m told, so sending someone to watch over me like I’m a child isn’t necessary.”
His dad shakes his head and lifts his hand to stop Ryker from saying anything else. “I’ve already decided. We’re paying Troy a lot of money to fix this, and we’re trusting his judgment. It’s been decided, Ryker. Time to accept it.”
Ryker sits back in his chair with a defeated sigh. I watch him carefully, noticing how he seems to carry the burden of wanting to earn the respect of his father the same way I do.
If only he’d been thinking about his father and what it would do to the empire that is Davenport Media when he was sharing confidential information. Then we wouldn’t be in this mess.
“What’s the full scope of the plan?” I ask, crossing one leg over the other and pulling out my phone to take notes.
Dad lifts a single eyebrow. It’s not much, but it’s a start. Maybe he’s satisfied that I’m not arguing any further.
“We’ll take the time to create a schedule for the summer events that Ryker will need to attend to portray him in a positive light to the people who need to trust him. But for now, you both will fly to the Hamptons tomorrow and lie low for a little while. If you feel like Ryker is on his best behavior, the two of you will start spending your days at Pembroke.” Dad looks at Ryker. He points a finger across the table. “While there, you will act accordingly. Use that charm you have forgoodthis time. Prove to them you have good judgement. That you’re an adult and can handle things. Have adult conversations, and for the love of God, don’t give up any more secrets. The only time I want to see your name on the internet is for things that portray Davenport Media in a perfectly shiny light. You got that?”
Ryker’s eyes go a little wide as he nods. I try not to smile at his reaction to my dad. It’s kind of funny to witness. I can only hope he’ll listen to me the same way.
“So this is it? There are no other options? I have to spend the summer with him?”
“Yes.” Dad unfolds his hands from his lap and places them on top of the wood table. He pushes his chair back, showing that he’s done with this conversation.
Dad stands up and leans across the table to shake Ryker’s father’s hand. “We’ll be in touch. Ryker’s in good hands.”
I straighten my back slightly.
Was that a compliment?
Before I can think too deeply into it, I’m pushing out of my own chair and hurrying after my father. Although he might feel like the conversation with the Davenports is over, I still have questions for him. I should probably tell Ryker and his dad goodbye, but I don’t think about it until I’m already out the door. Plus, I don’t want to miss discussing this plan with my dad further.
“Dad,” I call softly, following him down the hallway.
He takes a sharp right into his office, leaving the door open so I can follow him inside. I shut the door behind me, not wanting anyone else to hear our conversation.
“If you’re coming in here to get me to change my mind, it isn’t going to work, Camille.”
He takes a seat at his desk. I stay standing, folding my arms across my chest as I stare at him. “I just don’t understand how that’s the best option. I get that the video is bad and that they need people to have faith in Ryker, but this seems a little extreme.”
“It isn’t extreme at all. This is different from what we’re used to. The people on the Davenport Media board would rather Ryker had been caught in some scandal with somebody’s wife or announced as the father to some celebrity’s baby. But that’s not what happened. He was dumb enough to let some reporter get the best of him. She got important information out of him, and that makes him look weak. They don’t likeweak.”
I nod as I mull over Dad’s words. He’s right. While many of our clients do work under the impression that no publicity is bad publicity, the Davenports are different. They’re in a whole different tier of clientele—and wealth. It makes sense why Ryker needs our help. I just hate thatIhave to be the one to do damage control.
“I’m trusting you to handle this,” Dad notes, his fingers steepling under his chin as he stares at me.
“If I do it, will you make me partner at the firm?”
He shakes his head, the sound of his laughter echoing off the walls of his large office. “If the Davenport Media board is ready to accept Ryker as head of the company by the end of the summer, then yes, I’ll make you a partner.” His tone is full of humor. It’s as if he doesn’t believe there’s any chance that’ll happen.
I frown, wondering why he seems so pessimistic. Shouldn’t he want Ryker to be accepted by the board? Does he think that’s a lost cause? The questions are at the tip of my tongue, but I keep them to myself.
His doubt only fuels me more. There’s nothing I want more in this world than to become a partner at this firm. I want to prove myself to my dad. I know he wouldn’t make anyone a partner that he didn’t respect. And his respect is what I’ve been trying to earn my entire life.
I stare at my dad for a few more moments, taking the time to collect my thoughts. I want to know why he’s laughing at the thought of Ryker being accepted by the board by the end of the summer. From the brief meeting I had with the Davenports, that’s exactly what it seemed like Ryker’s father wanted. Why does Dad not seem so confident?
“I want your word,” I say, keeping my voice firm and calm. “When, at the end of the summer, the board is ready to accept Ryker with open arms, you’ll immediately make me partner.”
Dad smiles. “If…” He emphasizes the word, dragging it out slowly. “…you manage to get the Davenport Media board to take Ryker seriously by the end of the summer, the partner position is all yours. You have my word.”
I push my shoulders back and give him a confident grin. “I’ll get it done.”
He shakes his head and dismissively waves his hand in the air. “Now, get out of my office. You need to pack and prepare. Don’t be late to the airport tomorrow.”
