Page 15 of The Boss and the Wedding Mess
"Yes, I admit, she’s an attractive woman. Plenty of department heads have asked me if they could ask her out. But so far, I’ve always said no."
"For what reason?"
. If she got involved with one of my subordinates, it could cause conflicts and her work would suffer. But if you want her? Go ahead. I think you two would get along well."
"She's not my type," I dismiss, uninterested.
"Will you ever settle down?"
"Says the man who's been married five times," I shoot back, annoyed.
"It's about time. You'll be twenty-nine this year, and then what? You need a steady partner. Someone who might forgive the occasional affair, give you a few children, and take your suits to the dry cleaner."
My father has always had strange morals. "Or you find a woman like your mother, to whom I've been faithful to this day. Who would have thought, huh?"
He laughs, but I only respond dryly: "I have no intention of getting married."
"So, I'll never be a grandfather?"
"Why don't you adopt your assistant and marry her off to a man of your choice? Then she can give you grandchildren."
"Not a bad idea. At least she doesn't constantly contradict me."
He never liked that, but even as a child I had my own mind and wouldn’t bend. He loves it when people tell him exactly what he wants to hear. Those kinds of puppets are worth their weight in gold to him, but I can’t stand people with no backbone or character.
"Let's get back to business..."
I guess I’ll have to endure this for now. At least he’s given in about my employees from New York. I doubt all of them will come along. Most have families, spouses, and kids.
Two hours later, he has Miss Waverley summoned to the office.
"Give her a chance," my father says just before she walks in. I’m standing by the window while she takes a seat. When I glance at her, I notice she’s tense. She tries to cover it with confidence,but the little things give her away: the nervous fidgeting with her skirt, the staring and nodding too much, the excessive blinking. Even her ears are slightly red, a sign of rising blood pressure.
Is it because of me, or is she always this nervous?
For just a second, her eyes flick toward me. Hmm. Got it. It’s because of me. Not surprising. I wasn’t exactly kind to her. Even at the church, in her car, she apologized. But why was she in the wrong place to begin with? I’ll find out soon. Unfortunately, I won’t be rid of her that quickly.
"You’ve probably already guessed, Miss Waverley, but I’m planning to retire soon," my father begins. I pace back and forth, hands clasped behind my back, keeping my eyes on her. Fitting, really, that her name is London. Not only is the city my problem, but now so is this woman.
"Yes, sir. How can I help you?" she asks politely.
"My son will be taking over, and he needs a capable assistant. I thought of you. He, however, isn’t fully convinced of your abilities yet."
She takes it well.
"I’m sure I can convince him of my skills, sir." She stays calm, though her pulse must be racing as fast as during a marathon.
"We’d like to offer you an appropriate severance package," my father suddenly says, although that wasn't what we had discussed. London takes a calm breath and smiles.
"He wouldn't find anyone better than me," she says confidently. "The training period would consume valuable months, while I have a very good relationship with existing clients and know the daily routines of all employees." She's self-assured, I'll give her that. No tears. No drama. "I will, of course, do my best to help your son in any way I can."
My father looks at me with a smile and laughs triumphantly. "Well, what do you say to that, Alexander?"
I breathe calmly and nod briefly. "It's worth a try. Four weeks’ probation. If she can't convince me of her qualities during this time, I won't extend the contract."
"I already have a permanent position," she protests politely, confidently, and with a hint of joy in her eyes.
"I have the contract here. There's a clause: As soon as my father retires, there's a special termination right regarding your job."
