“And that’s pretty much what I wanted to talk about tomorrow.”
“You’re getting married?” Charles asked.
“Fuck no! Where the hell did you come up with that?”
Charles replied, “We were talking about families.”
“And I was talking about the need to fill the gap in the office,” he blurted.
“Feeling the pressure?” Charles asked.
“I think we all are. There is only so much we can ignore before things slip through the cracks. But we can talk about it another time.”
“You’re right. We do need to talk about the company. Rosslyn and I had a similar conversation a few days ago. It’s weighing heavy on us running two companies and raising a family. Changes need to be made. Let’s talk about this when I get back in the office.”
“Is she thinking about closing Grayson Corp?” Jordan asked. He still couldn’t understand how Charles married the Lawsons’ major competitor and how it still all seemed to work. Maybe it isn’t.
“Table this conversation for now. I don’t see any reason to rush into making any changes. I better go. Penelope is awake. Call me if anything urgent arises.”
“Will do,” he said. Ending the call he slipped his phone back in his jacket. It seemed everyone was wrapped up in something that wasn’t business related. Jordan hadn’t been ready to present his ideas tomorrow anyway, but now he wasn’t sure if he’d even have time to work on them. Either his brothers had more confidence in him than he thought, or they weren’t as invested in Lawson Steel as they used to be.
He was happy for his brothers, but sometimes he wished things were the way they had been before. They’d bust their ass all week, and all get together for drinks over the weekend where they still talked work. Now the only time they are all together is some occasion planned by their wives and talking business was strictly forbidden. They were lucky that Jordan didn’t have such distractions. Someone needed to be at the helm. Companies crumble quickly when no one was watching.
He at least had enough work to keep his mind off Marvin. But no matter how much was on his plate, nothing was going to stop him from thinking of Gianna. Even as he parked his car in the company garage, he knew no amount of work was going to accomplish that.
Marvin wasn’t the only one who wanted to see Gianna. Jordan had backed off as she’d asked. It’s very possible those feelings had changed over the years. He wasn’t about to call her to find out. Besides, he wanted to see her, not just talk to her. What harm was there if they so happened to bump into each other while she was meeting with Rosslyn at Grayson Corp?
Guess I’ll find out tomorrow.
3
Gianna couldn’t believe how late Bobbi had stayed last night, but it was all worth it. She wasn’t sure there would be much making it to the consignment shop as Bobbi seemed to have fallen in love with just about everything. Even if Bobbi didn’t have any place to wear some of those glamour gowns, at least she’d be ready if an occasion arose.
As long as it is not like how I acquired them.
At first she’d thought it would be just handing off boxes and bags of things to Bobbi to take home and go through. Somewhere along the line, Bobbi decided it would be fun to play dress-up. It was wonderful seeing Bobbi’s eyes light up with each new outfit, but for Gianna, it was taking a trip down memory lane. Granted, most of the memories were good. People, even to this day, were so amazed at how she snapped back and moved on so…quickly. Simple when there wasn’t any real heartbreak. There was just one thing that even today still haunted her…forgiving myself.
Everyone had questioned why she held onto all those outfits. She never parted with them because it reminded her never to be so foolish again. It wasn’t something anyone understood because they were still ignorant to the truth. And as far as she was concerned, they always would be.
But it was time for those things to go. It’d been twelve years and it wasn’t like she had her nineteen-year-old body any longer. Why not give them to someone who really needed them? Now she hoped Bobbi stayed employed long enough to put them to good use. She couldn’t wait to see which outfit Bobbi decided to wear today.
I should have that answer any moment.
Gianna got out of the taxi and rushed into Grayson Corp. It wouldn’t do her any good if Bobbi was doing a great job, and she was the one who showed up late. Pulling the door open, she stopped dead in her tracks. She’d seen plenty of pictures of him over the years. The Lawson family was always making the news in some fashion. He had aged slightly, but in a way that only enhanced his already drop dead gorgeous looks.
Yet, the look in his eyes said he wasn’t as surprised to see her. And why doesn’t that shock me? With a huff she asked, “What are you doing here Jordan?”
He looked down at her. “Leaving a meeting. How about you?” he asked.
She always knew there was a chance of running into him. The Lawson family had their hands in just about everything in New York City. When she’d first taken on Grayson Corp as a client, she knew they were the Lawson’s competition, but had missed the fact they were related. When Rosslyn showed off her wedding picture, Jordan was the first face she saw. Seeing him now only added to the stress she was already feeling. Rosslyn hadn’t given her any hint as to what she wanted to talk about. Although she felt confident in their business relationship, that didn’t mean deep down she wasn’t afraid to hear the words that her contract was coming to an end.
Think positive Gianna. Today’s going to be a good day despite seeing him.
Holding her head up she looked directly in those gorgeous eyes of his and said, “I’m going to one. If you’ll excuse me, I don’t want to be late.” She went to slip by him but he blocked her way. She waited, but he didn’t move. In a firm tone she said, “I’m serious Jordan.”
He ignored her and said, “It’s good to see you again.”
“That’s nice. Now if you don’t mind,” she hinted.
“Have coffee with me,” he said.
She couldn’t believe it. They had nothing to talk about. “Jordan, I don’t have the time. And furthermore, what would we have to discuss anyway?” she asked.
“Marvin. He’s in town,” Jordan said.
She snorted. “So I’ve heard.”
“I take it Mary-Lou called you?” he asked.
“She did. I have no idea why you two were even at that bar. It doesn’t strike me as a place you’d hang out at,” she stated. Why was she even prolonging this conversation by asking questions? She was feeding right into what he wanted. But she wasn’t that foolish young girl any more. She had no issue with turning down his invitation.
“I was there because Marvin asked me to meet him. If you’d like to know more, then have coffee with me,” Jordan said.
Anytime she’d thought about Jordan and what it’d be like when they finally bumped into each other, it wasn’t ever him wanting to talk about Marvin. She’d moved passed it all, but somehow it always came back to that damn day. If Jordan had asked her for coffee for any other reason, maybe she’d have accepted. But unfortunately that wasn’t the case. Just like he didn’t come to my rescue years ago because he wanted to. Marvin had sent him. For all she knew, Marvin was having Jordan step in again. “What makes you think I want to hear anything about Marvin?”
“Because he was here asking about you,” Jordan said in a flat tone.
And I don’t care. She looked at her watch and she was cutting it too close. Jordan obviously wasn’t going to take no for answer. “Fine. Coffee. Not now. Not today. I was serious. I have a very important meeting and right now, you’re preventing me from attending it. I’ll call you when I have time.”
“Do you want my number?” he asked.
Just like that damn clothes she’d hung on to for years, she also kept Jordan’s number. There had been several occasions when she was tempted to call. Thankfully she’d always resisted. He would only be another complication in an already complicated situation. “I have it,” s
he replied.
Jordan cocked a brow then nodded. “Then I won’t keep you any longer. Good luck with your meeting.”
He moved slightly to let her pass, but not so much that she didn’t need to brush up against him as she did so. A shiver ran through her. She cursed her body for defying her wishes. It’s not like it was the first time this had happened. Even years ago when she was supposed to be dating Marvin, she’d been attracted to Jordan. But that’s all it was, a physical attraction, nothing more. Besides that, Jordan was all business. At nineteen, that was…boring, but right now she wasn’t much different. Even as she walked away, Gianna couldn’t help but wonder if he had changed any.
My reaction to his touch sure as hell hasn’t.
She snickered to herself as she entered the elevator and pressed the top floor. Gianna might not have wanted to bump into Jordan, but he did accomplish one thing, made her think of something other than her meeting.
The elevator doors opened, and instantly Liz greeted Gianna. “Good afternoon Gianna. You just missed Bobbi.”
“She left?” Gianna had bit back the word that had been on the tip of her tongue. Quit.
Liz chuckled. “No. Reluctantly, she went down for her lunch break. I actually had to force her.”
It was hard to read Liz, because she was always smiling and laughing. She wasn’t sure Liz would be able to deliver bad news with a straight face. “How is she working out? Any issues?” Gianna asked, internally crossing her fingers.
“Are you kidding me? She was so eager to get started and she was like a sponge soaking it all in. I’m sure that’s no surprised to you.”
Actually, it’s a relief hearing it.
Gianna smiled and said, “You have my number if anything changes.”
“Don’t think I’ll need it. Oh, Rosslyn is just finishing up with a meeting. Hope you don’t mind waiting a few minutes.”
“Not at all. I have a few emails I wanted to get out.” She walked over to the couch, sat down and pulled out her laptop. She always came prepared when meeting with Rosslyn. She was smart but it was going to take more than just a few years to learn everything there was to running a multi-billion dollar business. Gianna wasn’t the one to give her any advice. She was still getting used to the idea that she was running her own company. Today & Tomorrow wasn’t anywhere near the same level as Rosslyn’s, but she needed to be just as diligent on driving it.
She reviewed a few more resumes and it was one out of ten that showed potential. How could she expand her business and take on more clients, if she couldn’t find reliable staffing. It would ruin her reputation if she got a client and then couldn’t deliver.
The news that Bobbi was holding up to her promise last night felt like a huge weight being lifted. Yet Gianna remembered what it was like to be that age. It didn’t take much to be derailed. All it would take was the wrong person to distract her.
Not everyone is as gullible as I was.
Bobbi, although sweet, also seemed to be street smart. Invaluable combination. That didn’t mean, as an employer, she wouldn’t keep her eyes open. Yes she was protecting her investment, but she also liked Bobbi. There was nothing wrong with people watching out for one another.
She chuckled softly and Liz said, “Work isn’t that fun for me. What are you doing over there?”
“Just reviewing some resumes,” she replied. She wasn’t going to mention Bobbi’s name. Liz might be the most easy going personal assistant she’d ever come across, but she knew her stuff and was very loyal to Rosslyn. She didn’t want to give the impression that Bobbi couldn’t be taken seriously.
“Are you short staffed?” Liz asked.
This was proof how attuned Liz was. “Not at all. But it’s always good to scan for potential employees. I’m sure you do that constantly at Grayson Corp.”
Liz shrugged. “I leave that to human resources. I’d be horrible at it.”
“Why do you think that?” If Liz wasn’t skilled, Rosslyn never would have her in such a position.
“Have you ever heard the term ‘use your HR words’? Liz asked.
“I have and need to remind myself of that often.”
Liz laughed. “I am so horrible at that. Sometimes I think my filter is broken. I don’t spill confidential information or anything like that, and you can tell me a secret and I’ll take it to my grave. But let someone come at me with a bad attitude and bam! The switch is flipped and watch out. I have even been told I have a…potty mouth,” she winked.
Gianna smiled. “I have a dear friend Mary-Lou that exact same way. Of course in her line of work, she comes across a lot of…difficult people.”
“Really? What does she do?”
“Bartender. And on some nights, I swear she is also the bouncer. I’ve seen her in action. She goes from the sweetest person you’d ever meet, to grabbing a guy twice her size and tossing his butt out of the bar.”
Liz’s eyes widened. “Oh my God, she sounds amazing. Maybe the three of us should all get together some night.”
Bobbie had just returned and asked, “Is someone having a party? Count me in.”
Before Gianna could tell Bobbi they were just joking around, Liz added, “Yes Gianna is. And the more the merrier. This is going to be so much fun. Should we make this a girls only party or invite the guys too?”
“I don’t have a boyfriend,” Bobbi replied.
Good. Less distraction. But lack of boyfriends wasn’t her concern. She could see Liz’s mind was going a mile a minute. She needed to put the brakes on this quickly. “Let’s not get carried away.”
Rosslyn’s door opened up and she said, “Carried away with what?”
“Gianna is having a party. Want to come?” Liz asked.
Rosslyn look at her and said, “I’d love to. Unless it’s tonight, because my little Penelope still isn’t feeling well.”
“No, it’s not tonight,” she replied. Not sure when I’m going to fit it in. Grateful for the opportunity to change the subject she said, “Sorry to hear your daughter is still sick.”
“I think she’s just teething again. Every time she cuts a new tooth, she spikes a fever the night before. The next day, she’s just cranky, but sure enough another tooth pops out. I called my pediatrician, and they say it’s a coincidence. That’s not the case if you speak to my father. He said I was the same way.”
“Well that’s good, I guess.” Gianna didn’t have any children and really never babysat either. She wasn’t worried about her lack of experience with them. Since she was single, thirty-one, and not even dating, it didn’t look like children were in her future anyway.
“It is. And Charles and I would love to come. We’ll use it as a date night. When you have a little one running around, everything becomes a date night,” she chuckled.
She was stuck. It was official. Gianna was having a party. The problem was her apartment wasn’t very big. She was one of the lucky ones that didn’t have a studio, but still, it was far from ideal for hosting a party. But there was no issue with having a few friends over. “Well I’m glad your expectations aren’t high, because it’s going to be something casual.”
“Sounds perfect. Most people don’t know this, but I’ve never been a city girl. Give me a reason to wear my jeans and t-shirt and I’m thrilled. Charles on the other hand, takes off his tie when he’s dressing down. If he only knew how darn good he looked in jeans.” Rosslyn had a dreamy grin and Gianna knew they had lost her for a second.
Liz’s laughter broke the moment. “Now that I’d like to see. Maybe you can tell him it’s a country themed party and we all have to wear jeans.” She turned to Gianna and asked, “What do you think? Make it a western theme?”
“Sure, why not?” She smiled as she lost total control. Gianna hadn’t even gotten into the office to meet with Rosslyn yet and things were blowing up.
“And you really don’t mind if I come?” Bobbi asked.
“Of course not,” Liz replied.
Maybe you should have t
he party at your place Liz.
“And you can even help me plan it Bobbi,” Gianna added.
Bobbi looked around and said, “I don’t know anything about planning a fancy party. I mean, I’ve never even been to one.”
Gianna noticed how nervous Bobbi appeared. It was funny, because Gianna was in the same shape. She’d been living in the city for more than a year, but still hadn’t unpacked all her boxes. The pressure was on. She was about to host a party and her biggest client was coming.
“It’s really not a party Bobbi, it’s friends getting together. Nothing fancy.” She had set the stage for what they could expect.
“You mean like last night when you gave me all those clothes?”
She smiled at Bobbi. No one needed to know that fact, but it was too late now. “Yes, just no fashion show.”
“Then I guess it’s set. We’re having a party Saturday,” Liz said, filled with excitement.
“Yes we are,” she forced a smile. No one seemed to have noticed any of her discomfort with this. Good. She was going to need to keep it going Saturday too.
“I make a mean pulled pork and corn bread. That will go with the country theme. Maybe while you and Rosslyn have your meeting, Bobbi and I can come up with the menu,” Liz stated.
“I know this is your party Gianna, and Charles and I would love to come to your place, but it’s supposed to be beautiful out this weekend. Would you consider having the party at our place?”
“You have so much going on already. I couldn’t impose on you for this,” Gianna said. What she really wanted was to turn back the clock and erase the entire conversation.
“It’s no imposition. But I don’t want to step on your toes either if you really were looking forward to hosting the party at your home,” Rosslyn replied.
What could she say? No would be rude. Yes would be disastrous. Use your HR words Gianna. “I’d love to, but only if you still allow me to do my part.”
“Definitely. I know my sisters-in-law would love to come too. We can do a potluck country dinner theme.” Rosslyn turned to Liz and added, “Can you start the list and put me down for potato salad.”
The Billionaire's Revenge (The Blank Check Series Book 6) Page 4