The CEO

by Shealy James

  Okay…okay…I can handle this. They say things come in threes. First Mark and now this, what’s next? “It’s fine, Tara. Don’t worry. I’ll figure something out. When’s my last day?”

  “Next Friday.” The words barely came out as a whisper.

  Feeling deceptively calm, I had the need to comfort her, as if she was the one losing her income. “I’m flying home Monday night anyway. Why don’t we just say I’m finished after the party on Saturday? I can always apply for teaching jobs or something.”

  Tara came around her desk and hugged me. “I’m so sorry. I’ll do anything I can to help you get a job here. If you want a teaching job, I know a few people I can contact for you.”

  “Sure. That sounds good.” I stood and walked to the door. “I need to go pick up the desserts for tonight. Do you mind if I go on home, so I can make Dr. Clarke some red velvet cookies? I don’t want him to go without if it’s our last lecture together.”

  “Of course. Go. Do what you need to do. We start setting up tomorrow for the party anyway, and we have the lecture tonight. I’ll start emailing people now to see if we can get you something set up before your last paycheck.”

  “Thanks, Tara. I appreciate everything you’ve done for me.”

  “I really am sorry, Eve.”

  I smiled sadly. “It isn’t your fault. Everything will be fine. It’ll all work itself out. You’ll see.” With that, I walked out the door, only stopping by my office to grab my purse.

  Back in my apartment, I changed clothes and started the red velvet cookies. Once they were on their cooling racks, I picked up my phone to call Grant and tell him my news, but the phone started ringing in my hand. I recognized the number immediately, but it wasn’t someone who should have my number. I resigned myself that this week was only going to continue to get worse, so I went ahead and answered the call.

  “Mark.” I answered with absolutely no emotion in my voice. Keep it together, Eve, I mentally reminded myself.

  “You called my mother! I always knew you were a bitch, but I didn’t think you would involve my mother.” He wasn’t nearly as calm. “I told you, I’m not signing the fucking papers. You’re my wife. End of story.”

  This was typical Mark, drunk and a pain in my ass. Actually, this was relatively composed for him. “Is that why you called? To call me names and remind me how uncooperative you are? I already knew that, hence the phone call to your mother, who knew nothing about the divorce, by the way. Stop being so difficult.”

  “Listen to me, you fucking cunt.” Ahh…this was more like it. “You push me in that bullshit meeting you set up with our attorneys, I’ll make you regret it for the rest of your life. When you come back into town next week, you should just come to your senses and come home. This bullshit separation should be over. You understand me? You made your vows, and now it’s time to stop dicking around and honor them. If you come peacefully, I’ll think about forgiving you. If not, I’ll make sure you come home another way, and I promise you won’t like it.”

  “Quit threatening me, Mark,” I snapped at him. “I’m not the same scared girl who left you almost a year ago. I’ve moved on, and it’s time you do the same.”

  He laughed, an evil, mischievous laugh. “You’re big and bad in Seattle, but wait until you come home. Just wait, Evie. Wait until I get my hands on you.”

  How does he know where I am? I knew Holly and Jane kept their mouths shut, but I didn’t know who else knew. “Who told you where I am?” My voice shook a little when I asked, but it was nothing to how my hands were reacting to this conversation.

  “Does that worry you, Evie? It should. Maybe I should just fly out there to get you,” he taunted further.

  “How did you find out, Mark?” I screamed.

  “I still have friends who are friends with your friends. You didn’t think I’d be faithful to you while you were gallivanting all over the country, did you? It doesn’t matter if I’m single or married. The sluts love getting a piece of this…like you used to, Evie. Remember that? When you used to like having my dick in your mouth, or when I used to bend you over the kitchen table and fuck you so hard you were sore for the next few days. Remember that, Evie?”

  My voice came out stronger than I felt in that moment. “And I regret every second of it. Fuck off, Mark. Don’t call me again.” I hung up the phone. Tears were running down my face, and I was suddenly very grateful I left my lunch in Tara’s office. I wasn’t sure why I didn’t just hang up before he had the chance to walk me down nightmare lane. Better yet, I didn’t know why I even answered. I guess the buildup of events finally made me angry enough to fight back. Turns out that was something I was about to regret.

  After I calmed down, which took longer than it should have, I iced the cookies with cream cheese icing. I packed the cookies into boxes, and then I dressed for the lecture in a black skirt and a yellow and black floral cardigan. I threw on a thin black belt at my waist and black Mary Jane heels. Once I was ready with my hair pinned up and my red lips, I started on my way back to campus for my final lecture. Feeling down? Dress up.

  The text messages started while I was setting out the desserts. I didn’t enter his number into my contacts, but I knew it was Mark. He’d had that number since high school. One message after another came through with insults and crude messages. Some were personal, some were creative, but all of them were meant to hurt me. I saved every last one of them for the meeting on Tuesday. Keep it up, Mark. Those papers were as good as signed.

  Dr. Clarke approached me as soon as he arrived at the lecture. “Eve! Lovely to see you. What surprises did you bring for me this week?”

  I opened a box for him. “Red velvet cookies. Try one.”

  He took one from the box and took a generous bite. “Now, this is my favorite. I love soft cookies, and these are wonderful.”

  “Thank you. I think the cookies might be my favorite as well. Good, I may have a small box set aside just for you.” I winked at him knowing he would be thrilled with the gesture.

  “Excellent! Thank you so much. I can’t wait to see what you have for me next week.” The reminder hit me like a ton of bricks.

  “I won’t be here next week,” I told him. “The event on Saturday will be my last. Apparently Human Resources cut the position as a way of saving the college some money.”

  “What? That’s ridiculous. Do you know how much money this college brings in? And that’s because of the work that your department does keeping alumni connected, which keeps them donating. This isn’t right.” Dr. Clarke was not a happy camper.

  “I know, but what can I do? I’m sort of stuck.”

  Dr. Clarke pushed his glasses up on his nose. “Aren’t you dating the grandson of the founders? Can’t he help?”

  I grimaced. “I haven’t exactly told him yet. He has this thing about taking care of me, and I have a thing about wanting to do things on my own. It’s something we’re working on.”

  He laughed. “I see. Well, if I can do anything for you, please let me know. I wish you all the best of luck.”

  “I appreciate that, Dr. Clarke. It has been wonderful getting to know you over the last several weeks.”

  He smiled kindly. “Yes, I’ll miss our conversations as well as your desserts.” He held up a second cookie to emphasize his point then headed into the lecture as I set out the final desserts. I walked into the lecture just as he was introducing the guest speaker. I spent the entire lecture thinking about how much to tell Grant. The secrets were starting to pile up, and I didn’t like the way that felt either.

  Grant came and met me at the reception and enjoyed a few red velvet cookies himself. As Dr. Clarke was leaving, he came over and gave me a hug and wished me luck. He then turned and shook Grant’s hand and said, “Take care of our girl. She’s one of a kind.”

  Grant’s eyebrow quirked. “Yes, sir.”

  After Dr. Clarke left along with everyone else, I cleaned up the rest of the desserts. Grant came over and helped out by eating
another cookie. “What was that all about?”

  I didn’t look up because I knew my face would give me away. Pretending to not know what Grant was talking about, I asked, “What was what all about?”

  “With Dr. Clarke,” he said as he took another cookie.

  This time I had to turn my back. I couldn’t lie as easily as I could pretend. “I don’t know. He’s just a nice guy.”

  “Hmm…yeah. Ready to go to dinner?” He was dropping it? I looked up and found him passively waiting for my answer.

  “Yeah, let’s go,” I said, trying not to be suspicious or worry he would get the story out of me another way. I wasn’t even sure why I didn’t want to tell him. I had planned to tell him this afternoon before Mark called, but now it seemed important to deal with it myself. After thinking about it more, I only came to one conclusion—my stomach hurt.

  Chapter 22

  The rest of the week was relatively uneventful, and before I knew it, it was Saturday—my last day of work. I still hadn’t told Grant anything, even though the text messages continued and my job was ending tonight.

  Last night was the perfect distraction as we went for pizza and gave half of a supreme pizza to Frank, Grant’s favorite homeless man. I didn’t know if it was the look on Grant’s face or Frank’s face that made me happier when Grant gave him the pizza. Either way, that simple gesture made me fall more in love with Grant. This time it led to a little guilt for the lies and a whole lot of lovemaking, ending in Grant’s version of the perfect wake-up call this morning.

  I was in Grant’s bed with one very sexy Grant trailing kisses all over my naked body that had been uncovered from the covers at some point. “Good morning, baby.”

  “G’morning.” I rolled over onto my back, revealing my very naked front to my very dressed boyfriend. “You’re dressed.”

  The trail of kisses continued on the other side of my body. “I am. Scott prefers me to walk around in clothes, and he’s busy making you an elaborate breakfast to help you get ready for your very busy day.”

  “That was very thoughtful of Scott. I guess I should get dressed, so I can go eat this fancy breakfast he made me. Although, I’m sure Scott wouldn’t mind if I ate in my current attire.”

  Grant growled and crawled over me to take my face between his hands. “Scott might not mind, but I will. This body is for my eyes only,” kiss, “and my lips only,” kiss, “right, Eve?”

  “Yes,” I whispered and wrapped my hands around his neck and slid my fingers into his hair. I pulled his mouth to mine and he nipped my lips before sliding his tongue in my mouth. I tasted the coffee on his tongue and a hint of the mint from him brushing his teeth this morning. As I slid my hands up his shirt feeling his hard stomach and chest, I asked, “Why are you still dressed?”

  He ran his nose down the side of my face and whispered. “My gorgeous girl is a little frisky this morning, isn’t she? Let’s see if we can’t do something about that.”

  ***

  Grant drove me to work after taking me by my apartment to get everything I needed to get dressed for the party later. Tara was already there tying bows on chairs when I arrived at noon. The room looked amazing. Black and white fabric was draped from the ceiling, creating four triangles that met in the middle. A huge chandelier hung in the middle of the room and other spotlights illuminated the dance floor. Each table was covered with a white tablecloth that draped to the floor and then a smaller black square tablecloth on top. White bone china dishes were being placed at each seat with crystal glasses and silverware. On top of each place setting I placed a white menu wrapped in black vellum. I set candles and crystal vases of all different sizes with bright white flowers atop them on each table. The only color in the whole room by the time we were finished was the greenery from the flower arrangements. Even the dance floor was solid black and lit with the Mitchell College logo in white light. It was stunning.

  Most partygoers had arrived for cocktail hour, but there was still no sign of Grant. I was standing by the windows of the ballroom watching as limo after limo pulled up and let out people dressed in elegant gowns and tuxedos. In fact, none of the Mitchells were there. Dr. Clarke was, though, and he was headed my way.

  “Eve. You look ravishing as always,” Dr. Clarke said as he hugged me gently. “This is my wife, Deborah. Deb, this is the baker of the delicious red treats I told you about.” He was so cheerful tonight, and I couldn’t help but smile at his zest.

  “Nice to meet you, Mrs. Clarke. I’m so sorry, but I didn’t bring any red velvet treats tonight. I didn’t have anything to do with the food here.”

  Deborah smiled kindly. “I must say it is nice to finally meet you. I have been hearing about those darn cupcakes all summer. You’ll have to join us for dinner one night so you can show me how to make them.”

  “I would love that.”

  Deborah saw someone she knew and stepped away as Dr. Clarke pulled me away from the crowd and closer to the window. “Listen, I’ve been meaning to call you. I called Human Resources on your behalf. I figured if they couldn’t keep you employed then I might be able to give you a grant-funded position. Unfortunately, I don’t think it will matter. I asked my friend over in HR what happened with the budget. He didn’t know what I was talking about but was willing to look into it. I was about to call Miss Tanner and talk to her when my friend called me back. It seems Harrison Mitchell called HR and eliminated the position, giving the reason of budgetary restraints. If they eliminate the position altogether, they don’t have to pay severance or unemployment.”

  Neurons suddenly started misfiring in my brain. Harrison? He seemed so nice to me, but Maddox’s words came flooding back to me. Harrison cares about the money and their reputation as much as Iris. He just handles it more privately. He can be duplicitous. Don’t underestimate Harrison. “Wait…I don’t think I’m understanding you correctly.”

  “I’m saying your boyfriend’s father, who also happens to be the founders’ son, called to get your position eliminated. Why would he do that?”

  I blankly stared in front of me as my mind was sufficiently blown. “They’re trying to get rid of me.”

  “It appears that way. You might want to talk to your boyfriend. It looks like your chance will come sooner rather than later.” He nodded toward the window.

  I looked out the window only to find a perfect-looking Grant dressed in his Armani tux climb out of the limo. He straightened his jacket and turned when a hand reached out for him from the car. Expecting to see Daphne, I watched as he held out his hand. A thin, bare leg from a high slit in a dress stepped out first. I noticed the killer heels and thought that was strange of Daphne to wear such tall shoes. Then her head appeared. It was blonde and beautiful and definitely not Daphne. It was Katherine…Kitty.

  Grant held out his hand for her, and she smiled widely as she placed her dainty hand in his big paw. Jealousy sunk like rocks in my gut, and I felt my lunch churning in my stomach. Katherine’s arm slid into the crook of his, and I watched as she smiled up at him like they were the picture-perfect couple. Harrison and Iris followed them out of the limo, and I knew right then they had made this happen. None of this was Grant, but that didn’t make it hurt any less. They would do anything to get rid of me, just like Mark would do almost anything to keep me. Suddenly I felt my lunch trying to make its reappearance, and I knew I didn’t have much time to find some privacy.

  “You all right, Eve?” I had forgotten that Dr. Clarke was still standing there with me. He had been watching the scene unfold as well. “You look a little pale.”

  “No. I’m…I need to go. Thank you for helping me.” I patted his shoulder quickly and ran upstairs to the dressing room before I emptied the contents of my stomach over and over into the toilet.

  By the time I was finished throwing up, my body was covered in sweat. I looked in the mirror and saw my brown eyes were red, with mascara all around them. I was glistening with sweat, and pale just as Dr. Clarke said. My whole body was still
shaking from vomiting. I couldn’t go back down there. Heck, I didn’t want to go back down there. Knowing there were people who were actively trying to get rid of me made me want to run. Up until that moment I was sure Grant was worth the fight, and really, he still was. I was the one who wasn’t worth it, not when I was such a mess.

  I slipped off my dress and left it on the floor, not caring what happened to it. I threw my jeans and t-shirt on from earlier over my black corset and lace panties I had worn for Grant. After I slid into my chucks and threw the rest of my stuff in my bag, I snuck out the back door and practically ran the few blocks home. My phone was off because the text messages kept coming several times a day from Mark, so I wouldn’t have known if Grant or Tara called me. Honestly, right then I didn’t care.

  Back at my apartment, I sat on my bed for a minute. I needed a break from Tara, from Grant, from Iris, from Kitty, from Harrison. I needed my family. With that one thought, my decision was made. I packed a bag and called a cab. In the car on the way to the airport, I called Delta. With the excuse that I had a family emergency, I was able to change my flight from Monday night to tonight. It boarded in an hour. I had to hurry through security, but with only a carry-on slowing me down, I was able to get to the terminal in hardly any time at all. Ignoring the missed call and text from Grant that popped up, I texted my sister telling her I was on my way and would be landing before six the next morning. She replied letting me know she would be there to pick me up. No questions asked.

  Finally, on the plane I settled into the middle seat I ended up with from scheduling a last minute flight. I didn’t mind. Both of my neighbors fell asleep as I sat there and allowed my thoughts to torture me. When had Grant noticed I was gone? Was it when Tara went up to get her stuff and saw my dress? Did he and Kitty dance the night away? Did Iris make sure his and Kitty’s place cards were next to each other? Or did he panic when he couldn’t find me? Did he leave and go to my apartment? I knew he didn’t leave right away. He would have made it there before I left. There were so many people there, and they all would have greeted him. He probably didn’t notice I wasn’t around until everyone sat down to dinner. I knew how upset he was the first time he couldn’t find me. This time would be worse since he wouldn’t be able to track me while my phone was off.