Chapter Twelve Connor
CHAPTER TWELVE
CONNOR
Three of the board members loved the idea of bringing Petra up to COO. Dennis and Ryan were the two I had to convince. I could technically take it to a vote, but Dennis had sway over Margaret, who was still new in the role. If Dennis made a ruckus about it, Margaret could fold under pressure.
I hated the fucking politics of this role, but it was my life. The annoying flicker of doubt returned, but I brushed it away. I was too far in to have any regrets.
I knew setting up this meeting with Dennis would have a ripple effect. He’d call my dad, who’d rip into me. I tried to view it from their side, but I couldn’t. They had antiquated views of the workplace. They were misogynistic and didn’t have the same values about work-life balance.
I eyed my watch. It was 5:00 p.m. and Dennis was an hour late.
I wanted to be on the road back to Cherrywood, but no.
The prick had told me something came up, and he wouldn’t be free again for two weeks, so if I wanted to talk to him, I had to work around his schedule.
Instead of working—I desperately needed to catch up on emails—I called Laney.
It rang four times before she answered, a little breathless.
“Hello!”
“Hey,” I said, grinning at just hearing her voice. “How was the event today?”
“It was amazing.” She sighed and covered the phone. She spoke to someone, but I didn’t quite hear what she said. “Sorry about that. I stepped out.”
“Where are you?” I thought she’d be home with her parents. Not that she couldn’t go places, but she didn’t have anything on her schedule when I checked it this morning.
“Oh. I reconnected with some friends from high school today. They are all teachers, Connor—it’s so funny. They insisted I grab pizza and beer with them. I’m not drinking though, ’cause my stomach feels a little sour, but—”
“Your stomach hurts? Do you need anything?”
“Oh. You’re sweet. No, I’m okay.”
“So you’re grabbing pizza with high school friends,” I said slowly, hating the insecurity leaking into my voice. If Matt Heathen was there… “Who are these… friends?”
“Matt is here, if that’s what you’re wondering. You have nothing to worry about, okay? We talked today, and it was very clear we’re friends.”
“You talked about us?”
“What? No. Of course not.” Her voice quieted. “He made one comment and immediately backtracked, saying he knew I was uncomfortable and that he only wants to be friends.”
“What comment?” I barked out. The security camera beeped, alerting me that Dennis had finally arrived downstairs. What perfect timing.
“You’re focusing on the wrong parts. The comment is irrelevant. Matt is not someone you need to worry about whatsoever. I promise.” Her voice held no irritation, just patience.
Sometimes I didn’t deserve her.
“I’m sorry I’m being an ass. Dennis stood me up and just now waltzed in an hour late. I want to be back with you, and he’s delaying it.”
“Well, don’t stress too much, okay? I’m out tonight, so you can finish up your business without worry.”
I could tell she was trying to sound happy but wasn’t. It was a facade, and I fucking hated it. Dennis tapped on my office window, his grimy smile peeking through, and I squeezed the pen in my hand until it snapped.
“I gotta go, baby, but I love you. Can I call when I’m done?”
“How about I call when I get back?”
“Perfect. Have fun.”
“Bye.” She hung up, and that instant disconnection from her made me feel sick. We weren’t calibrated at all. In person, we were okay. Distance? Not so much.
“Connor Reynolds. Haven’t seen you here in a while.” Dennis marched in with his very large beer belly leading the way. He pushed his hair—filled with product—back, and it looked terrible.
“Things came up. Please, have a seat. There’s something I’d like to run by you.”
I told him the plan about Petra, how it would work financially, and how it fit into the bigger picture of expansion. It would help bring in more revenue and make things more efficient.
I expected a no, yet it still took all my power to not punch him. “What do you mean no?”
“You don’t have my support on this. Petra is an executive assistant. She isn’t capable of taking on this role, and it’s worrying that you’re not thinking straight. If you think she’d actually be the one for this—man, it makes me question your position as CEO.”
My temple ached. “You’re saying that, because she’s been an executive assistant, she cannot possibly take on the role.”
“Pretty much. She doesn’t have the education or experience to handle that responsibility.
You need the smartest and most experienced working for you.
” Dennis shrugged and tapped the top of my desk.
“My nephew, for example, graduated from MIT and is wicked smart. Now, I can get behind the position with the caveat that Mick be in the running. You need a man who can handle the tech world.”
There it was. The slimy fuckery of this job. I leaned back in my chair, my pulse racing as I contemplated my next steps. Dennis never liked me from the start. It could be because my dad had poisoned him against me. Or the fact he applied for this role ten years ago and he hadn’t been chosen.
You’d think there’d be a policy against him running for the board, but nope. He could legally do it and sabotage the company. All with my dad not caring or seeing it.
I steepled my fingers and stared him down.
“You’ll approve the position but only if I hire your nephew. That sounds a little… illegal.”
“I never said that, Connor. Don’t put words in my mouth.” His face reddened. “I’m explicitly saying I will never approve Petra getting that role. She is where she belongs, serving you.”
My eye twitched, and I tapped my toe in a pattern to prevent myself from exploding.
My wife was out at dinner with her high school boyfriend, one who she had fond memories of and spoke highly of.
She had wanted to leave me a week ago. Dennis is sexist, so he’s against Petra and wants me to do him a favor.
What the fuck was my life anymore? How was this my day-to-day?
When was the last time I enjoyed this place?
Speaking of places where we belong… I belonged with my wife.
“Our meeting is over. Thanks for stopping in.” I stood and grabbed my jacket off the hook. I put it on, then turned to find Dennis staring at me. I remained quiet. I found that when awful people are left in silence, they fill it with more bullshit that can be used against them later.
“You’re leaving me after I busted my ass to have this meeting with you?”
“Yes.” I buttoned the coat, eyeing my watch. I’d get caught in traffic, but I could be back in Cherrywood in ninety minutes. I pocketed my phone and signed out of my computer, all while ignoring Dennis’s sighs.
“I’m not done talking.”
I arched a brow, waiting. He’d fold. He loved hearing himself talk. It took one minute before he stood and sputtered.
“I can’t believe you wasted my time like this. Your father will hear about this, and honestly, he’s gonna agree that maybe you shouldn’t be in this role. You’re not cutthroat enough anymore.”
“Hmm.” I marched toward the door and opened it. “By all means, have the board vote. Now leave my office.”
He blinked, his face in utter shock at my audacity. I’d put up with his bullshit for years, catering to him, worried about how he’d mess up my career, but look where that got me. I wasn’t happy. My wife wasn’t happy. What was the point then?
“You have no right to speak—”
“Before you finish that sentence, Dennis, let me remind you that you had me wait three hours for you today. You could’ve been here at two, and we could’ve talked about next year’s plans or my ideas, but instead, you wanted me to be a pawn in some game of power.
I might report to the board, but you are one voice out of five.
My work speaks for itself, so please, take a vote.
Remove me as CEO if you see fit. Now, I have to get back to my wife. Excuse me.”
I left him there, mouth agape, with a new spring in my gait.
This would probably hurt my career here, but it was the right choice.
Laney had called my ass out. I hadn’t put her first in years.
I had put this fucking company first, and I refused to believe in a life where this place ruled me.
Dennis could call a board meeting and fire me right now.
But that could happen at any point. Why live or lead in fear if it could be pulled out from under me at any second?
The ringing of my phone didn’t take long, and I knew it wouldn’t. My dad’s name popped up on my dash as I pulled onto the highway. I wanted to focus on Laney when I got to her, so I answered, preparing myself for a beating.
“Go ahead, let me have it,” I answered.
“You are a fucking idiot! How dare you speak to Dennis that way? Are you kidding me? He has done so much for your career, and you treat him like that? And Petra? Please. Connor, she’s worthless.
You could hire ten of her. I know this separation with Laney is upsetting you, but this isn’t you.
Get your head out of your ass and go back to the son I know.
Get a new wife. Get a new assistant, but be a CEO.
You’re too emotional right now, and it’s disgusting. ”
“You done?” I gripped the steering wheel, clenching my teeth as my body reacted to his words.
They hurt me like he wanted them to. I had catered to Dennis and worried about my father’s influence so much that it affected the trajectory of my life.
It didn’t matter that I was in my thirties; I still wanted my dad’s approval, but would that keep me warm at night?
Would my dad’s approval make me happy? No.
“What the hell did you ask me?”
“If you are done throwing a fit.” I barely recognized my voice anymore. “You want me to act like a CEO so damn bad, watch me. I’m running this company the way I want, with or without you and Dennis. Unless you want to ask how my holidays are going, or how Laney is, do not call me.”
I hung up.
My skin felt too damn tight, and regret clogged my throat—but it was done and over. It wasn’t worth worrying about something I couldn’t take back. My father tried calling again, but I ignored it and focused on driving safely to Cherrywood.
An hour and a half later, I made the choice to crash the pizza place.
But as I stood outside the doors, I hesitated.
I hadn’t asked Laney if I could join or if she’d want to see me.
She was still inside, sitting in a booth next to some pretty blonde, both of them laughing.
They had drank at least two pitchers of beer, and one dude was standing up and acting out a scene from somewhere.
The adrenaline from the showdown with Dennis and my dad had worn off, and now, as I watched my wife seem happy without me, I panicked.
I could text her first. See if she’d welcome my presence.
“Uh, what are you doing staring in the window like a weirdo?”
I spun, surprised to see Petra standing near me. “What are you doing here?”
“I’m staying in this tiny-ass town and bored out of my mind. The hotel guy told me this was a cool spot.” She pursed her lips. “Not sure how the meetings went today, but my email and phone are blowing up.”
“Total disaster.” I smiled through my words. “Worth it. I could blow everything up, Petra. I want you to know that if it does get blown up, I’ll make sure you land on your feet.”
Her nostrils flared. “I appreciate the sentiment. However, I need context.”
“Didn’t go well with Dennis today.” I rocked back on my heels, not wanting to hash this out. “I should—”
“Hey, guys.” Laney pushed the door open, her gaze moving from Petra to me and then back.
“Laney, hi.” Petra jumped back a foot, her face turning red as she stuttered. “I-I just walked up. I’m not with him.”
Laney frowned and stared at me with a what-the-hell-is-going-on look.
“I was debating on walking in to surprise you or not when Petra showed up based on a hotel recommendation. Apparently, this is a hopping spot.”
“It is, yeah.” Laney sighed and wrapped her arms around her stomach. “You’re back.”
I nodded, finally smiling. “I wanted to see you.”
She gave me a small grin before she met my gaze again.
“I’m heading back to my parents’. My stomach has been weird today, so I’m calling it an early night.”
“I’ll drive you.”
“I should take my car back in case it snows.”
I waved my hand in the air. “We’ll get it tomorrow. If you don’t feel well, I’m driving you back.”
“Okay.” She shrugged. “Petra, go inside and ask for Tessa, Travis, and Matt. They’re a great group and would gladly show you around. I’ll text them now.”
“Uh, great, thanks.” Petra rarely seemed nervous, but my assistant was a mess.
“Laney.”
“Yeah?” My wife pushed her hair out of her eyes and stared at Petra without an ounce of dislike or anger.
“Can we… get a coffee this week? Or dessert? Or something?”
Laney didn’t even take a second before nodding. “Yeah, that sounds nice.”
Petra nodded, and her face returned to her usual mask of not giving a fuck. “Great. If you can find a place, I can arrange a car to pick us up.”
Laney chuckled at that. “We’re not in the city, Petra. I’ll meet you in the café at the hotel. Barb runs it and makes the best cinnamon rolls you’ve ever had in your life. I’m not sure how long you’re in town, but let’s try Friday morning?”
“Done. Seven a.m.?”
“Hmm, life is a little slower here. How about eight?
“See you then.”
Petra steeled her shoulders and walked into the pizza place, leaving my wife and me standing outside in the cold. All the nerves and worries from the day slipped away as I pulled her toward me.
“Honesty. I feel like I can breathe now that I’m with you again.”
“Honesty,” she whispered, her face smooshed against my chest. “Me too.”
“Let’s get you home. Do you want me to stop and get soup anywhere? Or crackers?”
She gave me a gooey smile, the one that had made me fall in love with her ten years ago.
“Maybe we can convince my parents to let you spend the night?”
“Not yet, but soon.” I kissed her softly and asked something I should’ve been asking the last five years. “I want to hear all about your event today. Can you show me some photos?”