The Forever Plan

by Grant, Sienna

  So, today’s ‘D’ day. The day I either make my career or kill it, because of my stupid actions. Even if I don’t win, Dylan Proctor has the power to ruin me in this business. One bad word from him and I’ll be in the mailroom working for minimum wage.

  Having the feeling of déjà vu. I once again stand in front of my full-length mirror and smooth down the green dress. I especially picked out last night, when I got pissed off from the lack of interaction from Dylan. This dress makes both my hair and eyes pop out; at the same time, it hugs every curve I have. Falling to just above my knee it’s professional, yet at the same time it gives away just enough leg to have them both drooling.

  I’ll teach them that no-one messes with Serena Davenport.

  Applying my eye-catching Mac red lippie, I give my lips a smack together and smile.

  Let’s get this show on the road.

  From the minute I caught sight of Steve in the reception area of Dylan’s office building, all I wanted to do was take my heels off and stab him in the eye with them. The smarmy smile he gives me when we both stepped onto the lift has my hackles rising,

  “Look, you may be my ex-husband and we have a history, but don’t think for one minute I’m not going to crush you like a fly in there today.” I say as I turn to give him my most evil glare. Unfortunately for him he doesn’t get the chance to respond to me, because the lift pings it’s arrival. The doors open giving me the opportunity to leave him standing there, with his jaw on the floor. Catching up with me just as I reach Dylan’s assistant, we both announce our arrival, just as the door behind her swings open. There he stands oozing complete sex appeal and confidence, which on that note, causes my earlier confidence to drop. My concentration has gone straight to what I know lies beneath that suit he’s wearing. Giving us both what I consider an Oscar worthy smile, he ushers both in, and offers us both a seat and a drink.

  Once all the mindless small talk is out of the way, Steve is the first one to go and put forward his presentation. It’s good I’ll give him that, but I’d bet my last penny he didn’t come up with it all on his own. During the time Steve is talking I can feel Dylan's eyes on me. I try to ignore him by playing with my fingers in my lap, until it becomes too much. I know Steve will catch on sooner or later. Finally braving it, I look at him at the same time he mouths, “You okay?” to me. Now is not the time for this shit. So, doing the same as I did with Steve, I throw him my death glare. He quickly goes back to being interested in what that twerp of an ex of mine is saying.

  When Steve has finally finished yapping, Dylan politely thanks him, but something tells me that Steve has just bored the shit out of him. Which in turn makes me do a small happy dance on the inside. Indicating that it’s my turn, Dylan watches every move I make, as I set my mood boards up.

  Why does he have to stare at me today of all days?

  I’m ready. I turn to look at the two men in the room. Ones got that I’m better than you look on his face. The other one is looking at me as if he wants to strip me bare right here, right now. Inhaling a deep breath, I crack on and go into work mode. Explaining everything about the product, right down to the marketing and statistics on the pros and cons. Which might I add is something Steve didn’t do.

  Finishing up, I give them both shit eating grin. I’m pleased with the way they are both now looking at me, as if they can’t believe I’ve just done all of that.

  1-0 to Serena Davenport.

  “That was very clever Serena. I’m certainly impressed with your talents.” Dylan motions with his hand to where I’ve left my mood boards. “I’m also very impressed with yours Steve. You’ve brought something refreshing to the table, I like that I have to admit.”

  He shuffles some papers about on his desk before making eye contact with us both again.

  “I now have some serious thinking to do. You have both come to me with strong proposals and I’m gonna need some time to go over them and think a few things through. Now Sandy will direct you to the conference room where I’m sure you will find some coffee and pastries; I will send for you when I’ve made my decision.”

  Giving us a sharp nod of his head, he dismisses us like we’re at bloody school. I shouldn’t complain though, I wanted it this way. I wanted a fair chance to prove who I am and what I can do. He’s given nothing away as to who he thinks he’s gonna pick. Both myself and Steve gave strong pitches to him and I’m satisfied with the way mine went.

  Getting up from my chair, I lean over Dylan's desk and offer him my hand which he takes willingly.

  “Thank you for your time today My Proctor, I appreciate it.”

  With them words I pull my hand back, ignoring the tingles that spread up my arm when we make contact. Turning sharply, I make my way to the door. I hear Steve sucking up to him as I walk through it and I’m greeted by a waiting Sandy.

  “The conference room is just this way, when Mr O’Malley is ready, I shall take you there.” She tells me, but something tells me her niceness towards me is a tad bit forced.

  Steve eventually pulls his head out of Dylan’s arse and joins us, to which we both follow Sandy. Upon entering the conference room, Sandy tells us to help ourselves to anything we would like to drink or eat, before leaving us alone.

  Maybe that isn’t a very good idea. If only for my own sanity.

  Ignoring his huffs and puffs he’s purposely doing to try and get my attention; I go and make myself a coffee to try and keep my hands from wrapping around his throat and strangling him. Looking at him now I wonder what the hell I ever saw in him. He’s a jumped-up scrawny wannabe who lives in his father's shadow. He has no morals or respect for anyone. It’s all about him and fuck anyone else. In his case that’s exactly what he did.

  Holding the cup in between both hands, I bring it to my lips and take a sip moaning in appreciation when the hot mouth-watering taste hits my tongue.

  No wonder Dylan complained about the coffee at my office.

  I think, this is heaven in a cup.

  “So, you think you have me beat do you?”

  I look at Steve over the rim of my cup, raising one eyebrow at his question.

  “I mean you gave it a good try, babe, but let's face it, at the end of the day we both know it’s going to be me who wins this thing.”

  Babe? Really?

  You’d think he’d learnt his lesson from the last kick to the dick I gave him, but clearly not, because right now I’m fuming at the way he’s talking.

  Walking over to the long table he’s sitting at; I place my cup down and lean my hands on the opposite side to him.

  “Let’s get a few things straight shall we Steve.” My contempt for him is clear as day the more I talk to the little weasel.

  “Number one, I am not your babe you lost the right to that when you stuck your dick in that tramp. Number two… you have no idea what a self-righteous prick you really are and you know what? You actually did me a favour by shagging around. It woke me up and made me realise that you were just holding me back. I am a hundred times better than you ever will be. I now suggest you keep your thoughts and nasty words to yourself. Or you just might find yourself unable to reproduce when I give you a repeat performance from the other night. Are we clear?”

  His face goes bright red when I’ve finished my speech. It seems I’ve angered the beast, but ask me if I care, because the answer would be a big fat fucking no. That is until he jumps up out of his chair and slams his hands on the table making me jump.

  “If you’re better than me, then tell me this Serena. How long have you been sleeping with Dylan for? Don’t think for one second, I didn’t notice the way he was eyeing you up in there. I may have my dad in my corner, but at least I didn’t have to spread my legs to get me to the top.”

  Chapter Twenty-Five

  Dylan

  It appears I’ve left them in the same room for way too long when I hear Steve’s voice.

  Did he just say Serena slept with me to get a con
tract?

  If I didn’t think much of him before, I think less of the little fucking weasel now. Standing to the side of the door, I’m hiding, and listening for a bit longer to see if he says anything else. Instead, he stands with that smug fucking grin on his face that I want to physically remove with my bare hands

  He’s just put paid to his career.

  Instead of knocking, I turn the knob and interrupt their little showdown. O’Malley quickly backs away from Serena with a deer in the headlights look.

  Guilty as charged.

  Serena chews on the inside of her lip, with her face like thunder, but she tries to push through it. I won’t let on that I know what’s just gone on between them.

  “Dylan... that was quick.” His voice is a little shaky.

  Not so cocky now.

  Standing in the doorway with my arms crossed, across my chest, I look between the two of them. Serena stands from the chair and pushes it back under the table and collects the two cups.

  “It’s okay leave it. Sandy will look after that.”

  With a small smile she picks up her handbag. I’ve seen this look and I know she’s fuming from whatever has happened in the short time they’ve been in the same space.

  “If you’d both like to come back to my office.”

  Back in my office, I take a seat in my large chair. Placing my elbows on the surface and drum my fingers together, working out how I’m going to do this.

  They both take their places back in the chairs that they left not thirty minutes ago, and wait for me to start…

  Picking up the brown envelope I left on my desk earlier, I turn it over covering Serena’s name and push it off to the side.

  Sweeping my eyes over O’Malley, I bite back my annoyance and dislike I have for him. I have to be professional.

  “Okay. First, congratulations on such a great proposal from you both. You should be really proud of yourselves. Although, I will admit Ms Davenports grabbed me that little bit more.”

  O’Malley turns his head to look at Serena, the disgust on his face perfectly clear. Before he can say anything, I justify my decision even though I don’t have to…

  “She gave me more research into the product. She also gave me the pro’s and con’s and that is a big difference. I have my name attached to a lot of projects Mr O’Malley. The last thing I need is bad press.”

  Narrowing his eyes at her, he turns to back at me. Right now, I’m having to hold myself back from pulling the little wanker across the desk and beating the shit out of him for what he said earlier. He doesn’t realise how close I came to wrapping my hand around his throat and smacking him in the face. Serena still doesn’t look at him. She’s staring right ahead, but not looking at me either. A watery glaze is covering her pretty eyes, they’ve lost the sparkle I’ve got used to seeing. I think the best thing right now is to get him out of my office.

  “So, without further ado. I’d like to offer the contract to Serena Davenport from Boston Atomic. Congratulations.”

  I stand handing her the envelope to her and use my other hand to shake hers, sealing the deal.

  “I will be in touch with Jack and go over the terms of the contract, as to how we’ll work and go over the fine tuning.” She nods, smiling taking the envelope.

  “Steve, thank you for your efforts, they haven’t gone unnoticed.” I hold out my hand and he feebly shakes it.

  “Thank you for the chance to prove myself to you Mr Proctor, I really appreciate it.” Removing his hand, he picks up his briefcase and turns to Serena. “Congratulations…”

  A big smile lights up her face as she shakes his hand and thanks him. He doesn’t waste much time before he’s scurrying from my office with his tail between his legs.

  I wait for him to leave through the door, but he looks back first. I can see him weighing things up and with one last glare at us both he finally leaves the room.

  “I can’t believe I beat him…” She smiles, behind the nibbling on her lip. “Thanks.”

  Seconds pass and she still hasn’t shifted her gaze as she stares at me.

  “Shall I let Jack know to be expecting you.”

  “If you want to give him the news then yeah, that’s fine with me.”

  “Thank you, Dylan.”

  “Hey you did the hard work. I just needed to be impressed, and impressed I was, very much.” I step up closer to her now that we’re the only ones in the office.

  A flush begins at her chest and works its way up her neck until it reaches her face.

  “I better get going.” She blows out a breath as she steps away from me. I think she was hoping that I wouldn’t see that but I don’t miss a trick, not when it comes to her. As she teeters on her high heels, she walks from the office with confidence. A trait she seemed to be lacking when she came back into the room, after waiting for the decision.

  Feeling rather pleased with myself, I grab my briefcase and put all the paperwork in it that I need for Jack at Boston Atomic. I check my calendar to make sure I’ve got nothing pressing that needs dealing with right away. I’ll be honest, I got a lot of my work done over the weekend, so I’m ahead of myself…. Now to sort out some other pressing issues.

  Shoving the door of O’Malley and Son open, I stride towards the huge reception desk that takes up the whole corner of the lobby.

  Extravagant, I think as I look at the place from first impressions. Two of the girls are talking at the desk as I come to a stop at the high counter

  “Oh my god that’s him.” I hear one of them say, but I don’t take a blind bit of notice of them. I’m too fucking angry to notice anyone, apart from the one who’s fired up my fury. I managed to hide my anger from Serena. Even when Steve was sucking up to me but now, I’m on my own, it’s back full force. All I have to think about is the look on her face before I told them the outcome, the glazed look in her eyes and that’s enough.

  It wouldn’t be so bad if it was about me, but it’s not. It’s his way of damaging Serena’s reputation and that doesn’t sit well with me. Not only that, I’ve already warned him once before.

  “Steve O’Malley.” I order the receptionist. She picks up the phone and waits.

  “I’m afraid he’s on a call at the moment, you’re welcome to take a seat and wait.” She puts the phone down and tells me with sickly, sweet smile. I don't want to name drop, I fucking hate doing that shit. She already knows who I am anyway...

  I haven’t got time for this shit.

  “Which is his office?”

  “You can’t go in there, he’s busy.”

  “Sweetheart, I can do what I want.”

  As I march down the corridor, I look at the name plaques on the oak doors until I reach his.

  Looking through the glass in the door first, I see him on the phone and burst in there making the little prick jump.

  “I want to know why you’re spreading rumours around.” I growl as I enter the slimy bastards little shoebox sized office. Swallowing hard, he tells the person on the other end of the phone, he’ll call them back.

  “Dylan,” he greets me with a shake in his voice, “What can I do for you?”

  Storming around the desk I drag him up from his chair with both hands as they fist his shirt. I slam him against the wall, putting my forearm across his chest keeping him in place.

  “Listen to me O’Malley. I don’t care what you think you know or what you’ve heard, but if I ever hear you badmouth Serena again, I’ll fuck you up. You’ll never work in advertising again do you get me?” Removing my arm, I grab his shirt again and slam him against the wall.

  “I don’t know what you’re talking about.” He squeezes out.

  “My conference room. I heard what you said to her.” His face pales when he thinks back. “Yeah remember now?”

  Frantically nodding I drop him.

  “I don’t know what the fuck she ever saw in you.”

  Brushing off my hands and straightening
my suit jacket, composing myself, I walk from the now crowded office. Leaving him red-faced, running down the stairs to my car to burn off some energy.

  Next stop Serena….

  Loaded with a bottle of champagne and my briefcase, I wink at the girl on reception at Boston Atomic.

  “I’m here to see Jack sweetheart.” I call back as I charge through the doors like a man on a mission. Reaching his office, I tap on the door and wait. When I hear his scratchy voice shout to come in, I walk in with a smile, holding the bottle in the air.

  “Got some glasses?”

  “Dylan. Come in, sit down. Look I just want to say you’ve made the right choice. She’s brilliant at what she does and she won’t let you down.”

  “Jack stop worrying, I know I have.”

  He brings two champagne flutes over and places then down.

  “I’ve got some paperwork for you to sign and I’ve got some more for Serena, where is she?” I ask looking out through the open door.

  “I’ll get her to come down.”

  He rings Serena's office and in less than a minute she’s standing in front of me.

  “Dylan. I didn’t expect you so soon?”

  “Well, I don’t like to have things up in the air. I like loose ends dealt with.”

  Pressing my lips together I attempt to hide the smirk that’s threatening to break free. Using my index finger and thumb, I untwist the wire at the side of the bottle. I notice that Serena hasn’t taken her eyes off me once. Then with a slight bang, the cork pops out. I pour three glasses of bubbly and congratulate our new partnership.

  “So, Jack if I leave that paperwork with you for tonight, I’ll pick it up.”

  “I’ll get someone to bring it over for you.” Jack replies kindly.

  “Okay, so...” I turn to Serena. “How would you like to have dinner? You know we can celebrate?”

  “You know I’d love to, but I have so much work to catch up on…”

  “She’s got the rest of the day off Dylan. Go celebrate Serena, that’s an order.” Jack cuts in.