Page 88 of A Bossy Surprise

“You really want to drag the board into this?”

“I don’t want to have to do that, but I will.”

“If we put this to a vote with the board, you will lose. They’re more loyal to me than they are to you.”

“Although that is true, they are even more loyal to something else, and that is their bottom line. Maybe GNN’s success isn’t good enough for you, but I can almost guarantee it will be good enough for them.”

“Son, don’t challenge me like this.”

“I am not challenging you. I am simply standing up for a business I have faith in.”

He is silent for a moment, then says, “I actually do admire your stick-to-it-ness, but I will get you to divest.”

“I find it hard to see how you will be able to do that.”

He smiles. “You know better than to underestimate me. I didn’t get to where I am by luck, and you know better than anyone that I always get what I want.”

“Well, we will see about that.”

“I guess we will.” He turns to his computer. “That’s all,” he says, effectively dismissing me.

I stand up and walk out to his office.

I can’t believe he wants me to sell GNN. I don’t know what his reason is, but it’s not because we aren’t doing as well as he had hoped. Two months really is not enough to gauge whether an acquisition was a good decision or not.

He’s being his usual petty self. I think he’s angry about Kayla and Brady. That I refused to sue for custody. I think this is his way of punishing me.

The man is insane. In what world would I have ever said yes to this? He must have known that this was going to be my reaction.

Anyway, I’m done thinking about this for tonight. I know Dad isn’t done with this. He’s going to find a way to move against me, but that’s a problem for tomorrow.

I’ve had quite a day. I don’t think I have it in me to fly back to Cleveland tonight. So I head to my house here.

When I get home, there’s a fine layer of dust on everything, which is to be expected.

As I make my way up the stairs, I feel a tickle in my nose, but the sneeze retreats. Just something else to be disappointed about.

In my room, I strip to my boxer briefs, and collapse on the bed. I’m so tired that I pass out almost as soon as my head hits the pillow. Something I’m grateful for, because I am officially done for today.

25

KAYLA

Is this what it feels like to be an addict?

I was with Adam in Vegas only last night, but since we parted ways, I feel like I’m missing a limb.

I’m practically jonesing for that man.

Brady even got angry with me last night while he was going on and on about what he and Uncle Luke did while we were away, and it was clear that I wasn’t paying attention.

It’s the same thing at work today. Adam hasn’t gotten back yet. I suspect we will be missing him at work today. Yet, every time a door opens or someone moves, which is every Goddamn second in a newsroom, I turn around to see if it’s Adam.

This is such an unusual feeling for me. I’ve never been this consumed by anyone in my life.

It’s just after 1 o’clock in the afternoon and I’ve just gotten to the copier when Arthur’s assistant, Olivia, comes up to me.

“Hey, Olivia. How’s it going?”