Page 86 of A Bossy Surprise

I fish it out once more. As expected, it’s Dad. If I don’t answer, he’ll just keep calling. The man is crazy like that.

“I’m sorry, but I have to take this.”

“Of course.” Kayla smiles.

While we walk hand-in-hand toward our hotel, I answer the phone.

“I understand you’re in Vegas with that woman,” is the first thing he says to me.

I hate that he is able to track my movements like this. It’s my damn fault for taking the company jet. I know I am entitled to it, but the crew work for him and report to him. So maybe I should have thought twice about it.

“Yes, we are.”

“So you’re close. Get down here now. We need to talk. It’s important. It’s about GNN, and don’t bring her.” He says that last part a little more acerbic than I like.

I have a couple more hours here with Kayla, but at this point, I know not to argue with my dad. Plus, he said it’s important and about GNN. So I have to go.

“Fine, I’m on my way.” I end the call.

“Is everything okay?” Kayla asks.

“No, not really. I’m going to have to leave you and head to California. I have some business to attend to that can’t wait.”

“Oh… That’s too bad,” she says.

I can hear the disappointment in her voice.

“I’m so sorry.”

She smiles. “No need to apologize. This is work. It’s important, I’m sure if you could have avoided it you would have.”

“Thanks for being so understanding.” I kiss her, and we walk back to the hotel in silence.

Once there, we pack up and head out.

When we get to the airport, I get her a first-class ticket back to Cleveland. Then I get on the jet and go see my father.

When I walk into his office I see him behind his desk, still at work even though it’s pretty late. I wonder if he ever goes home. Come to think of it, I would say 80% of the time I’ve spent with my father throughout my entire life has been in this room. That’s sad.

“Good, you’re here.” He gestures for me to sit when he sees me.

“Yes, I am.”

“I’ve had a long day, so I’m just going to go straight to the point. We need to pull out of GNN.”

We stare at each other in silence then I burst out in laughter. “Okay, now seriously, what did you need to talk to me about?”

“I’m not joking. Do whatever you need to do, but we need to pull out of GNN as soon as possible.”

I shake my head. “What are you talking about?”

“I allowed you to run off and play with that company, but it isn’t working. Besides, I need you back here. So this works out well for both of us.”

“How does this work out for both of us? And what do you mean it isn’t working?”

“I mean we aren’t getting the traction we need to justify keeping that company.”

“What do you mean? I’ve only been there for two months. What kind of a miracle were you expecting for me to perform?”