Page 3 of The Fake Dating Plan

“I’ve never not been upfront with you, no matter what you think.”

If that was the case. “Then Miss Harris, you and I have a deal.” I stood up and put my hands in my pocket to resist touching her. “My people will be in touch with you.”

She gave me a smile for the first time. It was full of relief. “Thank you,” she said.

As I watched her leave, I wondered if she knew what she had signed up for. Or that she had just signed a deal with the devil.

2

As soon as I marched into the office, everyone’s eyes went to me. All fifteen pairs followed me as I went to my office. I guess the reason I was absent was no longer a secret. With an office as gossipy as Steel Cute’s was, it wasn’t a surprise. It took longer for people to be aware of the troubles we were having.

I knew what was on their minds, but I wasn’t ready to assuage their worries yet. I wasn’t sure what I agreed to. Or the repercussions that would come. He didn’t mention the thing he wanted in return. “I’ll let you know.” Talk about vagueness. Typical of Ax. He loved to spring surprises on me. Good and bad.

I scanned the anxious faces. Maybe I should call a meeting. That’s the professional thing, right? Or just say it? Before I could decide, Laura shouted, “Did you get it?” as I was about to open the door to my office. Everyone’s hands froze at whatever they were doing, all work forgotten, their gazes on me. Kira, my assistant, looked close to tears. I had to let them out of their misery.

“Yes,” I said, and before I finished the word, everyone erupted in cheers. I couldn’t help but smile. I had done it. I had saved our little company. Laura rushed to congratulate me. Kira threw herself onto me and gave me a bear hug.

“I can’t believe it!” Laura said. “What did you say to him?”

I skirted around her question. “He was difficult but I persuaded him in the end.”

“What about…” Laura looked around, realizing that there were ears around, and opened my office door, pushed me in, and closed the door behind her saying, “Tell me all about how you wooed him.”

“You know they can still hear you. And see you. The walls are made of glass.”

“Do you want to go to the boardroom?” The boardroom, while also having glass walls, was the only room where you couldn’t hear anyone talking. The idea of industrial open space offices with few walled offices was cool when we started, but it was becoming more of a disadvantage as we grew. Getting bigger offices with walls was on my wish list.

“It’s fine,” I said to Laura. “What do you want to know?” I crossed over to my desk, threw my purse on the chair next to it. I missed the target, and it plopped on the floor. I slumped down into my chair and kicked off my shoes. Stilettos were a huge mistake I’m never repeating. I took a deep breath as I felt blood rushing to my feet. It was the first time I felt the weight lift off my shoulders.

“Well,” she crossed her arms, “What happened? What did he say? Is Axel giving us money? I couldn’t see that happening in a million years, especially after you know…” Laura was the only person in this office who knew of my relationship with him. Most probably thought I approached him because of KMVH’s reputation for helping other smaller companies.

“I gave him an offer he couldn’t refuse.”

“That’s it? What a load of bullshit. I’m surprised that man didn’t shoot you the minute he saw you.”

“I didn’t think it would work, but it did.” She still looked like she didn’t believe me. I didn’t believe how he agreed so readily. I added, “It’s probably because he hates Heron.”

“You think so?”

“Heron’s company has a tendency of getting a controlling stake in big old companies, and shaking them up. Mostly to the detriment of the industry. The entire luxury goods industry hates him.”

“This isn’t the first time we’ve looked into Heron. But what’s that got to do with Axel Reid.”

“Ax hates him more. He’s always commenting on every Silvester Heron related news. He hates that old man’s guts. So why not take something from his nemesis, Heron.”

Laura's face slowly relaxed as she accepted my explanation. “And he said yes when you told him Heron was the one you wanted to buy out?”

I nodded.

“And that was it? He asked nothing else?”

I wasn’t about to tell her about the promise I made to Ax. I wasn’t sure what I promised him. “Our business stands on its own merits, regardless of what the banks or venture capitalists say. A person who understands our industry would be a fool to pass over the opportunity.”

“But what about Ax? Are you sure he wouldn’t do the same thing Heron did to us a few years down the line?”

Who knew what Ax would do? But at least I had saved the business for the time being. “Better the devil you know, right?”

Laura took a deep breath. “Right. You’re right!” she screamed, as if she was finally realizing what had happened. “We just got another investor! You’re amazing. We should celebrate.”

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