Piper and the Paparazzi King

6

“Personal assistant?” Piper asked in shock.

Was he asking her to be the personal assistant to Ford Collins himself?

“That’s current. I know you were expecting something in talent relations or working in our training center. Were you not? As you probably know, Ford was injured not long ago, and he has a lot on his plate. He’s the face of our company, and Rusty and I agree he needs someone to help him, at home and at work, to lighten his load. With what you were saying, he could also help you as well to reign in your skills. Frankly, Miss Rose, you need direction. You’re all over the place with everything you’re trying to accomplish. To be honest, no other company would take such a risk when you seem so flighty.”

Piper dropped her head, fiddling with the hem of her dress. “I was just doing my best to get by. I have a lot of responsibilities back home and needed extra cash. So, I took whatever opportunities came my way. I see now that maybe I should have kept on one path, but I love this business, and I was just trying to support my family.”

“I know, dear. As a matter of fact, you remind me of myself. I was the same way when I was younger. So full of life that I would have tried anything to get into the fighting world. I was lucky I had an excellent mentor, and I think Ford could be that for you. If anyone knows this business, it’s him.”

“So, what would he teach me in exchange for being his assistant?”

“A little extra training in the ring and to know the ropes behind the scenes. This is a lot bigger world than what you are used to in the indie scene. I think you have what it takes if you’re willing to shadow him.” He gave a serious glance before he added, “If that’s not what you’re willing to do, we can’t use you. This is a dangerous business and I need someone willing to listen and take directions.”

What was he asking? Was he going to team her up with her crush? Or worse, give her the boot if she wasn’t up to the challenge. She hoped he wasn’t seeing the panic on her face. But if she was going to work with Ford, she might as well get used to it. The realization of it all was hitting her like a ton of bricks.

“I’ll do it! What would I need to do?” she blurted out, not missing this chance, even for a second. This was her big break.

“We need you to be Ford’s right hand. You will need to move here as soon as we run it by him. I’ll ask you to help with my granddaughters’ needs as well when they are in town. Do you have a problem with kids?” Wyatt questioned, realizing that was a lot to ask.

“Oh, no problem at all. I love children and they love me. I’m a child at heart, to be honest.”

That was true, but worried about how a secret crush on their daddy would potentially make things a tad awkward. She denied that she had any romantic interest, but deep down she knew Ford had a special place in her heart. Piper would have to keep her distance. She hadn’t been with a man in years, and being near him was going to be hard. Since Ford had kids, she knew she had to give him respect and not flirt or fawn over him, no matter what.

“Miss Rose, I know this is not what you expected. Ford is like a son to me, and he needs help. He’s fired every person I have sent to him for help, so it won’t be easy. You can still go on the road with him and work with talent development. We may even consider you becoming his executive assistant at some point if you show a good work ethic. I want to see what you can do with talent before I throw you to the wolves. Ford’s opinion on that comes first, and impressing him is key. I trust his judgment.” He pointed at her with his pin. “That said, I’ll want him to help you with some training before you go anywhere near that ring. You saw what Titus did to me and I won’t have you injured on my watch. I noticed some rough areas you need to work on for safety reasons.”

In conclusion, Wyatt crossed his hands, placing them on the desk while hoping this was the person they had been looking for. “So, what do you think?”

“I would be honored to. A chance to learn from the best. Who wouldn’t want that? May I ask to have permission to pick your brain from time to time? I respect your business knowledge and I want to learn.”

She was ecstatic, maybe a little too much so, but it made Wyatt finally break into a smile. At the moment she wasn’t even thinking about her crush. Just the fact she was fulfilling her dreams in the ring and out. Not to mention learning from the top guys in the industry.

Wyatt smiled, giving her a nod. “Absolutely. Ask me anything. There is one more thing. Ford doesn’t exactly like women hanging around him since his divorce. If you watch the show, you know what happened, and how my daughter brought our family drama out on the world stage. I have my wife, Beverly, to help me get through it. I am healing, but Ford is alone most of the time. He buries himself in work, and it’s become unhealthy for his mental state. He is not going to like this idea at first, but he will warm up to you if he sees you are as driven as you seem to be.”

“Yes, sir. I understand. When can I start?”

That was the hard part. He hated to admit it, but none of this was set in stone yet.

“I need to talk to Ford tonight over dinner. Beverly and I are meeting with him to convince him this is a good idea. If he doesn’t go for it, we will figure something else out for you. I’m sure he will agree he could use a hand. He needs an assistant, and we have gone through a few of them lately because he tends to be a hard ass.” Wyatt ushered her to stand and led her to the door. “I’ll have Rusty set you up in a hotel for a couple of days, and if all works out, we will find you an apartment or something close to Ford’s home. I’ll get you a company car to drive while you’re here and give you anything you need to get settled.”

“Thank you, sir. I will make sure I won’t disappoint.”

Piper was so excited when she grabbed Wyatt in for a hug. A little hesitant at first, he smiled and hugged the sweet girl back.

She reminded him of how Naomi used to be, happy and carefree. Before his daughter turned into a tyrant. Feeling this warm embrace made him miss Naomi and the girl she once was. He should have seen it back when she was dominating the show. Ford, and everyone around her, fell victim to the manipulations. He just hoped this woman could help set things back on track with his ex-son-in-law, and maybe the company as a whole.