Even more surprising, Vivien seemed to be in a very cheerful mood. A wide toothy smile spread across her face when I bid her “good morning.”
“Can I get you a coffee?” she asked sweetly.
My brows jumped up. That was a first. I always had to ask her several times to fetch me a coffee, and when she finally acquiesced, it was always accompanied by resentful pout. Most of the time, it was just easier to get the coffee myself.
“Thanks,” I replied. “I’d really appreciate that.”
She stood up from her desk, and for the first time, I could see her entire ensemble. Surprise again. She was dressed for success in a chic little black suit that was not that dissimilar from mine. She was wearing sheer black stockings, black suede pumps, and a red velvet headband that held back her inky mane.
“I’ll be right back.” Her feline eyes twinkled.
As she stepped away, I marveled at this all new and improved Vivien. Had she finally turned a corner?
I strode into my office and, once seated at my desk, turned on my computer. My stomach churned. Just as I’d expected, there was a slew of inquiring e-mails in my inbox—seven hundred and fifty-three new messages to be exact. My heart pounded. I felt anxious and overwhelmed. I took a long deep breath to steel myself. On the exhale, I shouted, “Fuck it!” I wasn’t going to open or respond to any of them…except Kevin’s confirming the company-wide meeting in the theater at eleven.
Five minutes later, Vivien was in my office with my coffee. She placed the steaming mug on a coaster on my desk. A quick peek told me she’d prepared it just the way I liked it with a lot cream.
I took a sip. The aromatic brew wafted up my nose as the hot smooth liquid traveled down my throat. I thanked Vivien again and took another sip.
“Gloria, I just want to apologize for my behavior lately.”
I almost spit out my coffee. An apology? This was not the Vivien I knew and despised.
She continued, her raspy voice soft and sincere. “I know you’ve been under a lot of stress, and I should have been more sensitive to it.”
“Yes, that’s true.”
“I know you’re super busy today with the stock crisis and all, but I was wondering if you could meet me for a drink at The Ivy right after work. I’d like to have a conversation with you about my future here and bettering our relationship.”
I lowered my mug to my desk and mulled over her words. I was perplexed by her sudden change in both attitude and attire. One thing I was sure about was that if I didn’t choose to meet with her, Daddy would know about it. I just didn’t need more of Victor Holden in my life.
“Please. It would mean a lot to me, Gloria.” The corners of her pink gloss-coated lips curled up into a demure smile.
Another thought crossed my mind. Maybe she could tell me why her father had been among the first to sell off a boatload of shares. He still hadn’t responded to my e-mail and he wasn’t answering my calls.
“Sure,” I finally said. “Why don’t we say at six thirty?”
Vivien’s smile broadened. “That would be perfect.” As she pivoted toward the door, she added, “Just let me know if you need anything else, especially for the big meeting at eleven.”
I twitched a smile. “Thanks. I will.”
As she strutted out the door, my lips returned to my coffee cup. Sipping the tasty brew, I found it a little odd that Vivien had chosen a restaurant bar close to the hotel where Jaime Zander was staying. It was probably just a coincidence. To the best of my knowledge, neither she nor her father knew that Jaime was in town. And the truth was, The Ivy’s charming Caribbean-inspired bar was a favorite watering hole for many of our employees, from top executives right on down to ambitious assistants. It was a place to chill and seek hook-ups. I let it go, and focused on what I was going to tell my anxious employees at the eleven o’clock company-wide meeting.
It took me a half hour at my computer to come up with the words I wanted to share. After a lot of cuts, pastes, and deletes, my speech ended up being short and to the point. I just needed to communicate to my hard-working employees that they had nothing to worry about. No one was getting fired and I was going nowhere. As I read it over, memorizing the words, Kevin, clad in black leather jeans and a tight tee, came running into my office. Holding a large Gloria’s Secret pink shopping bag in his hand, he was breathless and wide-eyed. “Glorious, you’ve got to see this!”
Panic gripped me. There must be a shitload of newspapers inside the bag reporting on the stock crisis and my demise.
Kevin dug inside the bag and my eyes widened. He proudly held up our newest addition to the Gloria’s Secret product line—the prototype vibrator for the line of sex toys we were launching in the summer.
“Oh my God, Kev, let me see it.”
He handed me the vibrator. Curved slightly like a banana, it featured a sleek shiny white base with control buttons that give way to six inches of sparkly hot pink stimulation. Holding it in my right hand, I curled my left hand fingers around it and ran them up to the rounded tip. Easy to hold. Smooth to the touch. Not too hard, not too soft. Cock-like. Whimsical yet seductive to the eye. Based on extensive research, I’d never seen one like it.
“Don’t you love it, Glorious?” gushed Kevin. He was literally doing a “happy dance,” shuffling from one foot to the other.
“It’s fabulous. I think women are going to love it. Men, too!”
“Totally agree. I’m going to send out a press release this morning.”
“No, don’t.”
Kevin’s grin morphed into a frown. “Why not?”
“It’s not a good time with the stock crisis. Plus, we need to focus group test it first. Make sure we’re giving women what they want.”
Kevin nodded. “You’re right. There are two dozen more. I’ll make sure Consumer Insights sets up the groups.” He laughed. “I don’t think we’ll have any problem getting respondents.”
For the first time in god knows how many hours, I laughed too. It felt good to dispel all the doom and gloom—even for a short minute.
“Do you want to hold on to the vibrator?” Kevin asked before heading to the door.
“Yes.”
He set it upright on my desk and sashayed off. My eyes stayed fixed on the slick erect fixture, our stunning new sex toy. There was only one way this company and I were going—and that was up. Suddenly, a brilliant idea hit me. I e-mailed Kevin. Already back in his office a few doors down from mine, he immediately e-mailed me back: G—That’s genius! I’ll make it happen. xoK
At 11 a.m., I was standing on the stage of our packed state-of-the art theater, a former screening room, where we often held large sales presentations, product announcements, and pep rallies. Every seat was taken. My eyes swept across the audience of employees, taking in the anxious expressions on their faces. It made me proud how much diversity there was among them—all races were represented as were ages. Our company policy was not to discriminate against anyone, regardless of age or socio-economic background. We were a proud equal opportunity employer.
Behind me, the large screen we often used for sales presentations and commercial screenings was pulled down.
I began by thanking everyone for coming. My welcome was followed by a loud applause. And then I steeled myself.
“By now, you all know that that we have been experiencing a stock crisis. I am here to tell you that it is unfounded. Our company is as robust as ever—thanks to all of you and your fellow employees around the world.”
Applause.
I cleared my throat and continued. “Many of you have IRA’s and shares of Gloria’s Secret stock. Do not worry. I promise you that the price of the stock will soar even higher than it was before. You will all have money for your children’s education and your retirements.”
More applause, even louder.
Tears pricked my eyes. I took in a deep breath. “And I’m here to tell you that I’m going nowhere. No one can bully me and force me to leave the company I bui
lt with my own blood, sweat, and tears.”
To my astonishment, employees rose to their feet in a standing ovation. Throughout the theater, they were cheering, “Go, Gloria!”
It took all I had to battle tears. I was so overwhelmed by their enthusiastic response. I had always been there for my employees, and now they were there for me. My eyes circled around the theater, landing on the faces of so many who I personally knew—from sales execs and seamstresses to tech gurus and janitors. In the front row, Kevin was applauding wildly, but standing listlessly next to him was Vivien. In contrast to her earlier cheerleader behavior, she now seemed to be feigning enthusiasm, if any. Her fingertips lethargically tapped together and, I swear, she was rolling her eyes. When she caught my eyes on her, she pasted a big plastic smile on her face and applauded with zeal. Strange.
I moved on to the final leg of my speech, trying to quiet the audience with downward waves of my hands. “I’m going to end this little speech on an up note.” An image of the vibrator flashed onto the large screen behind me.
“Introducing Gloria’s Secret latest breakthrough—My Secret Vibrator. We’re going to blow the competition out of the water. There’s only one way we’re going—and that’s up with a bang!”
The audience went wild. Shrieks and gasps accompanied the loud applause.
A big smile broke out across my face. “Thank you all. Now get back to work!”
I ran down the steps to the stage and darted out the side door of the theater. I could still hear clapping and cheering. Kevin met me in the hallway and gave me a big bear hug.
“That was fan-fucking-tastic, Glorious!”
“Thanks, Kev,” I said humbly. I was emotionally and physically drained.
We walked back together to our respective offices. After dropping him at his, I continued on two more doors to mine. Vivien had beaten me back. She was filing her nails but quickly tucked the emery board under her desk mat when she set her eyes on me.
That big fake smile flashed on her face. “Oh, Gloria, you were amazing. I want to give a speech like that when I’m CEO.”
Although there was sincerity in her voice, her comment sent a shiver up my spine. I gave myself a mental kick. I was just being over-sensitive, maybe borderline paranoid about the tenacity of my job.
I simply said, “Thanks. Any important new e-mails or phone calls come in?”
Vivien leaned into her computer screen and shook her head. She gazed up at me. “Gloria, by the way, I forgot to tell you. I have to leave early today right after lunch. I have a doctor’s appointment. It’s all the way out in the Valley so it’s unlikely I’ll be coming back. I hope you’re okay with that.” Her eyes stayed locked on mine as she awaited my response.
“Not a problem. I hope everything’s all right.”
A sweet smile accompanied a flutter of her fake lashes. “Oh, yes, everything’s just fine.”
I couldn’t help furrowing my brows. She was probably going to one of her “beauty” doctors —for dermabrasion, Botox, or lip filler. Now that I knew she was older than the twenty-nine years she claimed to be, perhaps she had a genuine need for these treatments. I forced myself not to say another word. She was being supportive, and I needed Daddy’s little girl on my side. Besides, at two o’clock, Jaime Zander was scheduled to meet with me. In light of their tumultuous, borderline incestuous past and her recent come-ons, I was glad she wouldn’t be here.
Once inside my office, I bounded to my desk and immediately started responding to the e-mails I’d received directly. Already several hundred more were sitting in my inbox pursuant to my speech. One by one, I painstakingly went though them. Virtually all of them were supportive, bringing much needed joy to my heart. I typed away feverishly, intermittently checking the price of Gloria’s Secret stock. Damn it! It had tumbled another five points. Maybe my speech had cheered up employees, but it did nothing to shake off investor anxiety. I took a break from the e-mails and slumped down in my chair. I was in no mood to meet with Jaime Zander—nor did I have the time. I had no choice; though it was already 1:45, I needed to cancel our meeting. I whipped out my cell phone and texted him.
ME: Must cancel meeting
JZ: Don’t. That’s rude.
ME: I have a crisis.
JZ: I know. Hang in there.
ME: It’s intense.
JZ: You’ll get thru it.
ME: You have no clue.
JZ: I do. Trust me.
Again, those unnerving two words “trust me.” I steeled myself as I responded.
ME: PLZ don’t come.
JZ: Too late.
ME: Huh?
JZ: I’m here
Shit! My intercom buzzed. Sure enough, it was Claudia announcing Jaime Zander’s arrival. My heart raced at the mention of his name. I mentally kicked myself for letting him have this effect on me, but there was nothing I could do about it. I told Claudia that I would meet him in reception myself. Composing myself, I rose from my desk and, in slow motion, trod over to the large ornate standing mirror in the corner of my office. I studied myself. My reflection frightened me. I looked dissipated. My complexion was wan, and dark shadows circled my two-toned eyes. I adjusted my chaste suit and quickly re-braided my hair, letting it fall around my shoulder. I had to confess: I wanted to look my best for Jaime Zander. Before heading out the door, I reapplied some red lipstick. I frowned. No matter how hard I tried, Gloria Long, the powerful leader, looked more like a wounded soldier.
When I dragged myself to reception, I found Jaime seated on one of the white leather couches, making small talk with Claudia. He was wearing loose, low-waisted drawstring pants that exposed his toned thighs beneath the lightweight linen fabric, and a white V-neck tee that flaunted his tanned biceps and taut chest. On his feet were casual red topsiders that he wore sockless. His collar-length, windblown hair was parted in the middle, and he had shaved. But there was still fine layer of stubble outlining his strong, dimpled jaw and circling his kissable lips. My heart fluttered. Mr. Sexy Laidback looked swoon-worthy, something that was not lost on Claudia. Or on me. I so wanted to run my hand over his face and then through his tousled hair. Bantering with him, goo-goo eyed Claudia twirled her flaming red curls around her fingers. Her flirtatious behavior elicited a small pang of jealousy that made me uncomfortable. Confession: I’d never been jealous of other women until I met this magnetic man.
“Hello, Mr. Zander.” I forced my voice to sound very businesslike.
Jaime’s denim blues twinkled when he saw me. He jumped up from the couch and met me halfway. I had the burning urge to fall into his taut, sculpted chest, but refrained. He tipped up my chin. From the corner of my eye, I could see Claudia gawk.
“You look stressed, Ms. Long.”
“I am. I’m under a lot of pressure.”
“I know. The stock sell off has been all over the Internet and news.”
“I don’t know how to stop it.”
A tear leaked out of one eye. Jaime gently brushed it away. The mere touch of him was making me weak with desire.
“I hope you understand I don’t have a lot of time right now or energy. I can give you a quick tour.” I immediately regretted my offer, as the size of the Gloria’s Secret complex with its manufacturing plant and design showroom was daunting.
He affectionately tugged at my braid. “Why don’t we start in your office?”
Suddenly, I felt lightheaded. I don’t know if was the stress, the scent of him, or the very sight of him. Or his touch. My knees buckled.
“Angel!” he cried out as he caught me and scooped me up in his strong arms. I swear Claudia practically swooned herself when I looped my limp arms around his neck. The edges of his silky hair and brought me back to the moment.
“Thanks,” I murmured.
“Gloria, you need to chill. Tell me the way.”
I released a sigh and sunk into him. I might as well enjoy the ride, drained as I was. As I led the gorgeous, sexy as sin god back to my office, I couldn’t hel
p noticing every female eye on him. His magnetism was a force to be reckoned with. I knew from first-hand experience. I flushed with embarrassment.
“Do you know that every woman we pass has her eyes on you?”
“Yeah. But I have my eyes on only one. You.”
My breath hitched. At the door to my office, he smashed his lips onto mine. I was too worn out to resist. I only wished that Vivien could be here to witness his kiss. On second thought, I was glad she wasn’t.
He crossed the threshold of my office, slamming the door behind him and locking it.
Once inside, Jaime sat down with me on his lap on a pink velvet love chair, never losing contact with my lips. Damn it. I was losing myself in him again. I couldn’t let this happen. I had too many other fires to quell. With difficulty, I broke away and caught my breath.
“Mr. Zander, this was not an appointment to fuck me.”
“Who said I was going to fuck you, Ms. Long?” he responded as his eyes took in my hot pink and white boudoir-like office. They lingered on my desk.
“Is that what I think it is on your desk?”
Though slightly embarrassed, I nodded with pride. “My Secret Vibrator. It’s the prototype for our new product line.”
“So you’re doing a line of sex toys. That’s brilliant, Gloria.”
Lifting me off his lap onto the petite couch, he strode over to my desk and then returned with the sex toy in his hand. He loomed in front of me. I was melting under the gaze of this sexy beast.
He studied the vibrator, gliding his other hand up and down it. “It’s an erotic work of art.”
“Thanks. We put a lot of research into the design. We wanted it to be curvy and seductive with a bit of whim like the rest of our brand.” I admired the hot pink vibrator with its sleek white handle and signature pink heart switch.
“Have you tested it yet?”
“We’re doing some focus groups later this month.”
Gloria's Revenge (Gloria Book 2) Page 7