CHAPTER 8HUGH
CHAPTER 8
HUGH
Denise and Cleo were probably well into wrecking that room. I really hoped that it would help them process all the crazy shit the last few weeks had thrown at them. Over the last few weeks, I’d gotten to know Cleo a little bit more. As silly as she was, the bond those two had was admirable.
It had me thinking about all the shit I’d sacrificed to get to where I was. Not that I would do things differently, but I definitely didn’t prioritize building relationships. My time was spent building the career that allowed me to get everything I’d ever wanted.
But there I was, working late because I didn’t have anyone to call up for a drink. It gave me time to read through the documents that Chris had sent. He was thinking about acquiring a small chip manufacturer, one that could sink Zinc if they had toxic assets that we couldn’t see. But if this was what Chris thought it was, he’d seriously change the game.
I had to be sure this was the right call and worth the cost. Chris had great instincts, but I still needed to be sure that this was the right move from our perspective. I couldn’t approve this without heading down to San Diego, and Chris wanted to make an offer this week. As I read through the financials, Lucian knocked on my open door. His jacket and vest were gone, and his sleeves were rolled up past his elbows. I’d never seen the man look so casual.
“I don’t know why I’m surprised you’re still here,” he said, walking to the couch.
Leaning in my seat, I turned away from my desk to face him. “You’re here,” I shrugged, pulling the Blanton’s from the cabinet. He saw the bottle and smiled.
“If you insist,” he said.
Grabbing two glasses, I poured us both a finger and walked over and handed him a glass and sat on the other end of the couch. he took a sip and hummed, leaning against the couch.
“What are you working on?” he asked.
“Zinc. An acquisition.” I sipped my own bourbon and threw my ankle over my thigh.
“What’s your take?” he asked. His eyes were closed as he slowly swirled his bourbon.
“It’s early. We’ve had them a little less than a year. But Chris knows his shit. If he didn’t stutter, he wouldn’t need us. He’s smart and charismatic as fuck.”
Lucian brought his glass to his lips and sat in silence for a moment. “You’re gonna get poached,” he said, suddenly changing the subject. I went still as he continued swirling his glass.
“Who?” I asked, taking a bigger sip of bourbon to focus on the burn of the alcohol.
“Williamson. He’s been pumping Kayla for information, trying to figure out why you turned her down last year.”
I wasn’t surprised Lucian knew about last year. Kay was aggressive and eager, but she wasn’t willing to make her firm Kay & Calder Investments. I wasn’t going to give up the progress I’d made with Foxx unless it meant having my name on the door.
“Williamson settled four harassment lawsuits last year. He’s wasting his time and resources if he wants to poach me,” I replied honestly. Williamson wasn’t going to convince me of shit.
“So, why did you turn down Kayla?” Lucian leaned forward, his bright blue eyes staring at my face.
Drinking the rest of my bourbon, I turned to him. “She wasn’t willing to give me what I deserve.”
“And that is?” Lucian took another sip of his bourbon. He’d stopped feigning disinterest, and I realized what he was really asking: what did I want? Why was I still here when I could be anywhere else?
I had to think about that. Lucian hadn’t put anyone’s name but his on the door, not even his CFO, Julian, who had been with him from the beginning. Having my name on the door was always going to be my goal, but I liked working at Foxx.
Lucian was a marvel. He’d built everything from the ground up and I respected that. Working for a black man who was unapologetic about his wealth and his ambition. It was inspiring. That’s what kept me here. But there was only so much longer I could continue to work under Xavier...
Before I could talk myself out of it, I replied, “I learned how to be a shark here and that means something to me. Foxx has a little more time to recognize my value before I start entertaining offers.”
Lucian drank the rest of his bourbon and stood. I stood as well, watching as he looked at his empty glass.
“I’m working on it. Give me a little time,” he said, meeting my gaze. There was sincerity there, but something else too. “Please,” he added, holding out his hand.
I shook it and he nodded.
“I trust whatever you decide on Zinc.” He left the glass on my desk and turned, for a minute before pausing, “Julian’s coming back. We’ll right the ship.” Lucian walked away without a backward glance and that was a good thing because my jaw was almost on the floor.
Julian had been on sabbatical for almost two years. He’d helped Lucian turn Foxx into what it is today.
And me? As Chief Operating Partner.
Fuck.
Smiling, I walked over to my desk. A shakeup was coming and, knowing those two, it was going to be a wild ride. First things first, though, I needed to book a flight to San Diego.