Page 42 of Tell Me Something

All eyes turned toward me.

With measured calculation, I made sure I glanced around the room toward all of the faces when I translated for Josh.

Helen’s eyes hit the floor, Stan and Charlie squirmed in their seats, and the poor receptionist, Cindy, looked like she was about to cry. Only Ana had the nerve to look pissed off at the discovery. Well, at least that cemented any second thoughts I had about her losing her job.

“My assistant has educated me on the differences between Cantonese and Mandarin, having studied both. Hopefully, by the next time I come here, I will be well versed myself.” His words were light, but his tone wasn’t. He made a point of looking at Ana before giving a smile to both Ken and Tom.

“I know you probably want to take some time with your people, gentlemen, but, afterwards, if I could have a few moments before Haylee and I depart for the airport, I’d appreciate it.”

They both nodded, offering breakfast in one of the conference rooms. Josh declined politely. Obviously he was anxious to get this over and done with.

We went out the door and into the lobby, intending to wait on them, but I wasn’t surprised to see Ana approaching quickly behind us.

“Can I borrow Haylee for a moment?” she asked sweetly.

Josh turned toward her and gave her his full attention. “I don’t think so. I need her with me, actually, while we talk with your father.”

Her face faltered. Then she made the mistake of challenging him. “That’s right, he is my father which means he won’t make a deal without protecting me, so I would suggest—”

He didn’t let her finish, taking a step forward. “I’d proceed very carefully, Ana, before you start making threats.” He must have seen her eyes dart toward me because he continued. “And I think your time with taking shots at Haylee is done, too.” He spoke in a low, menacing voice.

She swallowed hard.

Ken and Tom came out of the meeting. They glanced from her toward Josh and then toward me.

“I need a minute with you, Mr. Singer,” I whispered.

He hesitated but then took my arm and led me to a vacant conference room.

“I can’t do this. I’m sorry. I mean, I appreciate you giving me this opportunity, but to take away someone’s livelihood just like that? I find no satisfaction in it.” I could tell he was going to argue and mitigated. “I do know they need to be gone because to have any of these people here would be toxic for this company. I suppose you’re disappointed, but I feel like I’m about to throw up.” I forced myself to hold his gaze and breathed a sigh of relief when his eyes softened.

“I’m not disappointed and would be more upset if you found delight in firing someone, to be honest. Although I’ve definitely had more experience with this and in doing what’s necessary, I don’t take any joy from it, either.”

I sighed, embarrassed that I couldn’t go through with it.

“Why don’t you wait for me downstairs in the lobby? This won’t take long and I’m not going into the details of why. They are all getting generously compensated to allow them time to look for alternative employment. And remember that Tom is getting a good chunk of change with the sale of his company. So you could say that, indirectly, Ana will benefit from that as well.”

I nodded and was thankful to make my way out. It was times like this that I missed my father the most. He would’ve offered great advice, as he’d been both practical and realistic in his views. My mother loved me, but my father respected my opinion and would guide me into making my own decision, which would result in the least amount of regret. Josh had been more than understanding, but it didn’t make the weight of chickening out any easier.

“READY?” Josh asked, meeting me in the lobby. He didn’t give away anything he might have been feeling.

Nodding, I proceeded with him from the office building out to the car. The drive to the airport seemed extraordinarily long as I stared out the window, taking in the enormous Hong Kong Harbor and thinking of all of the ships making their way across the world.

We were early for our flight and settled into a nearly empty lounge. I took the opportunity to finalize some details for our upcoming Charlotte and London trips. After we caught up on logistics, we lapsed into a comfortable silence.

“Haylee…”

I looked up at the sound of my name and saw his green eyes watching me intently.

“Today was stressful. You handled it well.”

I didn’t think I deserved the compliment. “I wish I’d been stronger. I’m sorry.”

Leaning in close, he said, “You have nothing to apologize for. I have something for you that will hopefully put a smile on your face.” Reaching into his bag, he pulled out a box with a bow.

“When did you possibly have time to do this?”

He gave me a look that pretty much conveyed that is what I pay people for.