Page 17 of Last Shot at Love

Turning, I found myself face-to-face with Tony Harris, the CEO of one of my company’s smaller holdings. His ruddy red cheeks matched his hair—which he’d combed over to hide a growing bald spot. Tony chuckled over his joke, patting the white dress shirt straining over his stomach.

“Mr. Harris, how good to see you!” I lied through my teeth, purposely ignoring the ‘husband’ comment. “I look forward to hearing how our new policies are being implemented. Be sure to find me before the evening is over.”

Not giving him a chance to respond, I moved toward the largest group of people who stood by the floor-to-ceiling windows that looked out at the sparkling lights of the city.

As I made my way into the circle, several people greeted me with warm smiles.

Douglas Archer stepped forward, raising his champagne glass. “I’m so glad you joined us, Beryl. Our stocks have already doubled in value since Chiroptera acquired us. The stockholders are thrilled, and it is thanks to your skill!”

“I’m so pleased for you, Douglas. I’ve seen nothing but positive reports over the past six months.” I politely tapped the rim of my champagne flute against his, and the other glasses lifted in my direction.

Smiling, I listened to the various CEOs share their own stories of company growth. I made appropriate sounds of delight and surprise while they spoke, even though I was well aware of each company’s growth and current value.

My company, Chiroptera, was a large investment firm. I acquired companies that were doing well but had the potential to do far better if given access to funds for expansion and an experienced managerial team to guide them.

Sometimes, Chiroptera arranged mergers, matching companies that complemented each other’s offerings or products. The combined companies would create a boost in profits and make the stock appear far more attractive to potential investors.

My team and I created detailed growth plans for each acquisition to increase their profits. When the companies had blossomed and multiplied their value, Chiroptera would begin searching for another investment firm interested in acquiring assets. This allowed the companies I owned to continue growing under the guidance of another investor.

While I had an amazing team of skilled experts, I personally followed up on a daily basis with each of my assets, checking reports for growth, stock worth, and analyzing overall company statics.

Other parts of my life might be sorely neglected, but I was dang good at my job.

“I’m trying to convince him to take some time off to visit our vacation home in Costa Rica, but I can hardly drag him away.” Mrs. Archer, a tall brunette with a breathtaking smile, laughed and squeezed her husband’s arm. “He promised we’d take a long vacation after the deal closed, but I think he’s working twice as hard now.”

Douglas patted her arm. “It’s hard to pull myself away when the growth plan Beryl laid out is showing such incredible results!”

I agreed with Douglas; why take a break when things were going so well? But that didn’t seem like the most appropriate response.

Summoning a laugh, I gave his wife a pained smile. “I think you’re right. Douglas needs to take you on a vacation as a thank you for everything you’ve put up with.”

Mrs. Archer beamed up at her husband. “Did you hear that, Dougie? She agrees we both deserve a break!”

“And what about you?” Lennie, the grandfatherly CEO of a small natural supplement company we’d acquired, shot me a playful frown. “Last time we chatted, you were heading to Japan for a getaway. Did you enjoy it?”

“Yes! It was lovely—”

I was cut off by Roger Tyne. “I know that’s a lie because you spent your time there working on a merger for my company.”

The gathered group laughed, and I shook my head at the good-natured ribbing.

“How does your partner deal with your long work hours?” the blonde bombshell at Mr. Tyne’s side asked, her eyes filled with sincere curiosity rather than judgment.

“That is something I don’t have to worry about since I don’t have a partner to notice my work habits. Goodness knows I don’t have time to care for a pet, let alone a partner.” I kept my tone light, trying not to give away my twinge of frustration at yet another reminder of my marital status.

They didn’t mean to offend with their curiosity, but the constant reminders and questions were becoming old.

“You’d better make time for love, Miss Beryl. There will be a day when you’ll find yourself wishing there was more in your life than just work.” Lennie’s kindly blue eyes met mine. “And for Pete’s sake, take an actual vacation. You’ve more than earned it.”

“I’ll keep that in mind, Lennie.” Lifting my glass, I sipped at the bubbly champagne.

To my relief, the conversation drifted to other topics for the next hour. When my feet began to ache, I found a table in the corner to sit down for a few minutes. Pulling my phone from my clutch, I flipped through emails, wanting to make sure I hadn’t missed anything of importance.

“Beryl?”

I glanced up at the dark-haired man, who grinned down at me.

“Do you mind if I sit? I had a couple of questions I wanted to ask before we close in three weeks.”

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