Total pages in book: 25
Estimated words: 22364 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 112(@200wpm)___ 89(@250wpm)___ 75(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 22364 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 112(@200wpm)___ 89(@250wpm)___ 75(@300wpm)
He was a bright man and a hard worker, so I was sure one day he'd be able to afford a fancy car. Not that it was an important thing to have in life. It was his choice, but I wanted him to have everything he desired.
The drive to the convention center was light and fun. Gavin played his radio loudly and we sang along badly. He made my inhibitions fly away, leaving me feeling free and young, which was quite the feat.
When we parked, I recognized several of the cars in the lot, and watched several of my co-workers entering the building. When Gavin and I walked inside, I was disappointed that he didn't offer me his elbow again, which was completely idiotic.
“Whoa,” Gavin whispered when we entered the reception hall. “You guys must have closed one hell of a deal.”
Everyone in attendance was dressed to the nines, making me wish I'd worn a tie, even though I hated the damn things. Waiters strolled through the room wearing tuxedos and carrying trays of champagne and hors d'oeuvres.
Tables along the walls were packed with fancy foods. What caught my eye the most was a watermelon carved to look like a bloomed rose. It was beautiful, but I didn't know how the hell anyone could eat it. I was starving. I didn't need an artistic watermelon. I'd be happier with chicken nuggets.
“Richmond,” sounded from behind me, and I turned to find my boss, Mr. Seagraves. He was twenty years my senior, and every last year was etched across his face. Every day, I waited for the announcement of his retirement, but it was yet to come. “I'm so glad you made it.”
I bet he was. The old fart flirted with me every chance he got. I never made a fuss, since he never got handsy or anything. In a way, it was flattering, and I figured it was never a bad idea to be in the boss's good graces.
“I'm glad to be here,” I replied before shaking his outstretched hand. Mr. Seagraves held the gesture a little too long, and smiled a little too widely. I was grateful for Gavin clearing his throat and distracting my boss…until Mr. Seagraves’ attention shifted, and his grin widened even more, becoming damn near predatory.
“And who is this?”
“This is my friend Gavin,” I replied after a moment's pause. Calling him ‘my son's friend’ felt wrong. He was much more to me than that. Even my friend left a sour taste in my mouth, but I swallowed down the flavor and feeling to add, “Gavin, this is the CEO of our company, Mr. Seagraves.”
“It’s nice to meet you,” Gavin replied, nodding his head instead of offering his hand.
“It is indeed. So, just a friend, eh?” Mr. Seagraves replied, nearly salivating as he leaned closer to Gavin. “So you are single, then?”
My heart surprisingly sank into my stomach when Gavin answered, “I wouldn't say that.” He told me that he hadn't met anyone special in college, but I hadn't asked any other questions. It shouldn't matter. It didn't matter. So why did it feel an awful lot like it mattered?
A sigh of relief left my lips when Gavin added, “I'm in a long term relationship with my student loans.” His joke was cute, but it didn’t garner Mr. Seagraves’ reaction. He laughed out loud as he clutched his stomach. Gavin was charming the pants right off of him. Hopefully not literally, because nobody needed to see that.
“I love a man who can make me laugh,” my boss gushed, stepping closer to Gavin. “Tell me; what did you study in school?”
“Marketing and business.”
“You don’t say! Our Chief Marketing Officer, Sheryl, is due to retire soon.” I wasn’t surprised to hear it; Sheryl was even older than Mr. Seagraves. “Everyone will shift upwards, and we will have an entry level position opening up. Maybe I can put in a good word for you; I know the boss,” he winked as he referenced himself. Mr. Seagraves wrapped his arm around Gavin’s shoulders, and I got the sudden urge to kick him in his wrinkly balls. “I have a feeling you and I could make something beautiful together. What do you say?”
“I have to politely decline,” Gavin answered, stepping out of my boss’s hold. Both my and Mr. Seagraves’ eyes widened. This was a great opportunity, especially for someone just starting their career.
“Decline?” Mr. Seagraves repeated, sounding shocked. “But why?”
“To be honest, sir, your offer makes me uncomfortable. You asked nothing about my studies or credentials, so you know nothing about my abilities. That along with your touch tells me there may be ulterior motives at play - no offense. I know I can earn my way up the corporate ladder on merit and hard work. Settling for anything else is a disservice to myself.”