16. Grayson
1197 Words
GRAYSON
The more I searched the more dead ends I came across. It was looking more and more like the Blacks truly were the only way in, but there was no way in hell I would let myself be strapped to an incompetent fool like Raymond Black.
A knock interrupted the peaceful silence of the air conditioning in the office running. The sun had been scorching all day, it was the little reprieve.
“Yes? Come in.” I called, knowing without asking that it could be no one else but Alicia.
“Sir a lady, Camila Arson would like an attendance with you.” She pulled a pad to her chest as she looked between me and the door.
Not today. It was one thing to try to approach me in my home but I had hoped she had half a brain to realize that my office was off limits. “She can’t. Tell her I’m in a meeting or something.” I waved off, striking off the Hawthornes from my list of alternatives for the Raven project. They had sketchy deals and were on the verge of bankruptcy but somehow found a way to doctor their books so it doesn’t look like it.
“But sir, she said it was ur-”
“Alicia.” I warned and pinned her with a look I hoped would shut her up. It did. “Tell her I’m in a meeting. I won’t repeat myself.”
“Okay si-” She didn’t get to finish that statement because the door slammed on its hinges as Lila barged right through.
“I can’t believe you were going to use the meeting card.”
“Of course, stroll right in.” I drawled, adding the Ridleys to the new list of alternatives.
“Ma'am you ca-”
“It’s fine, Alicia, you can get back to work.” I leaned back, ready for the attack. I swear I would freaking bang my head on the desk if she was here to tell me more bullshit about how Lila was the one or how for some absurd reason she believes she wasn’t after the family wealth like everyone before her.
“So mind telling me why the ex wife was in your house yesterday?” Of course, Camila rushed to the one person who was trying to force her into the family.
“None of your business, Lila.” I drawled, fighting the urge to roll my eyes at how predictable they were both being.
“It is in fact my business. You were lucky enough to get a divorce before she could suck you dry, why would be so crazy as to go back in.” She made herself comfortable on one of the seats as she did what she did best, nag me. She’s lucky I still cared for her way too much to shove her out of the office.
“Like I said, it’s none of your business. Now, if you don’t mind I was busy before you let yourself in.”
“Wait,” she pointed an accusing index finger at me, “don’t tell me this is about to be another first wife situation. Haven’t you learnt anything?!” She shrieked. If that didn’t make me mad, her next words did, “Don’t tell me you’re that gullible Gray.”
I gripped the paper tighter. Lila was annoying, I should be used to it already, but she knew how I felt about bringing up the first wife, yet she did anyways, and for what? Her friend who couldn’t hold an engaging conversation for more than two seconds.
“Lila I honestly don’t have the time to deal with your nagging.”
“I’m nagging? So just because I don’t want you in over your head again I’m nagging?”
“Lila, just get out of my office and go do…what is it you do with the black card again? Oh yes, same thing the gold digging ex does, shopping.” I knew I was being extra petty and generally an ass, but she had it coming, bringing up the first wife like that, with Camila watching, just to manipulate me, she had it coming
“Grayson.”
“Bye Lila and please, take your friend with you.” I focused on the paper in my hand, and away from the laser glare she directed my way.
“Mr Archer that’s a little r-”
“No.” I cut off, my voice monotone as I droned, “The only reason you’re here is because my sister can’t seem to take a hint. My advice? Hold on to what’s left of your dignity and use the door.” Her cheeks became red with anger? Shame? I wasn’t sure, but it didn’t give me the same joy toying with Adeline did.
“Do have a safe trip.” I matched the man’s firm hold before biding him goodbye.
“Was that the last one?” I turned to Alicia, beyond exhausted. The entire day had been packed with meetings, I was exhausted, but that wasn’t enough to stop the annoying thoughts of Adeline from running freely in my mind. I hadn’t seen her since the study, since she accused me of leaking the pictures. The irony of it all was laughable.
“Yes, that was the last meeting of the day,” she swiped through her pad, “Sir, are you sure you don’t want to do anything about the tabloids?” She had a worried look on her face that was just adorable.
That’s it! “Alicia you genius!” Why hadn’t I even considered it. The blogs weren’t attacking me, they were attacking Adeline and it was getting worse. Of course, I was putting my name at risk the longer it stayed out there, but I could use it to my advantage. Of course I could just stop the tabloids, but I wasn’t just going to made her problem go away, she had to earn, but for now, I would use her desperation to my advantage.
I dialed the number with new found certainty. She was going to extend the contract, she had no choice or atleast, she wouldn’t. She may not be into gambling like her father, but I would get her to make a deal just like he did.
“Hello!” She greeted with excitement in her voice, one she never shared with me before.
“Hello Adeline.” I drawled and leaned deeper into the seat.
‘I’ve figured out the solution to our blog problem.” I said, baiting her. If I told her anything else, she would tell me to go screw myself.
“What about the blog problem?”
“I think this is a conversation we better have in person.”
“I might not have the time.” She ws quick to turn it down.
“Well, make time. Unless you would rather have a few more weeks of being the most hated slut.”
She let out a sigh and groaned, “Fine but it better be worth my time.”
“Isn’t it always?”
- Writer
