Chapter 4
Chapter Four
J ack
“Sierra, come in here,” I shouted.
“Yes, Jack?”
“I forgot to tell you something. With the holidays approaching, I’m sure you’ll want to decorate your desk or some shit like that. I have a policy, and no Christmas decorations are allowed in my offices.”
“Jack—”
“No arguments.” I pointed at her. “Or you’re fired.”
“I wasn’t going to argue. I fully support your no Christmas decorations policy.”
I leaned back in my chair and furrowed my brows.
“You do?”
“Yes. I despise the holiday season and all the decorations that go with it. It’s bad enough the city is already decorated. At least here, I don’t have to look at it.”
“Shut the door and sit down,” I said. “Why do you despise the holiday season?”
“Why do you?” She cocked her head.
“Who told you that I do?”
“You just did when you called me in here to tell me about your ‘no decoration’ policy. Anyone with a policy like that for the holidays obviously doesn’t celebrate.”
My phone rang. When I looked at it, I needed to take the call.
“I need to take this call. You may return to your desk.”
She walked out, and I answered the call.
“Hello, Dad.”
“Hello, son. How are you?”
“I’m fine. You?”
“Good. I wanted you to know that I asked Gabriela to marry me, and she said yes. We’re getting married on New Year's Eve and want you to come.”
“Congratulations. Unfortunately, I’ll be out of town on New Year’s Eve.”
“Can’t you cancel your plans?” he asked.
“It’s business, Dad. I can’t.”
I heard a long sigh from the other end. “See what you can do. Gabriela and I would like you here to celebrate with us.”
“Dad, I have a business call coming in. I’ll talk to you later,” I lied.
Setting my phone down, I saw Sierra standing in the doorway.
“Can I help you with something?” My brow arched.
“I overheard your conversation, and your schedule doesn’t say you’ll be out of town for New Year’s.”
I stared at her, narrowing my eyes.
“I lied. I won’t be out of town, so don’t worry about the schedule.”
“Why would you lie to your father?” she asked.
“That is none of your business.” I pointed at her. “Shut my door and get back to work.”
“Already yelling at your new assistant?” Daniel smiled, walking into my office.
“She’s asking questions that are none of her business.”
“Robert is here to sign the papers. I put him in conference room two.”
“My father just called. He and Gabriela are getting married on New Year’s Eve and want me to attend.”
“Are you going?”
“Hell no. I could care less that he’s marrying her.”
“I don’t blame you. Spain is a little far.” A smirk crossed his lips. “Let’s go meet with Robert and get those papers signed.”
I stood up from my desk, and as I walked out of my office, I looked at Sierra.
“I have a meeting in conference room two. Bring a notepad and take notes.”
Opening the door to the conference room, I sat down across from Robert.
“Robert.” I extended my hand.
He put his hand up, unwilling to shake mine.
“Who’s this?” He pointed at Sierra.
“My new assistant.”
“What happened to Stephanie?”
“She no longer works here. I’m sure you had your lawyer look over the proposal.”
“I did. You know, Jack, I’m supposed to be at my wife’s chemo treatment.”
“And I need the contract signed, Robert. This is business, and business comes first.”
“Maybe to you it does, but there are other things more important in life. I suppose you wouldn’t understand because you don’t have a family.”
“Just sign the damn papers, Robert.” I sighed. “You act like you’re losing your company. I’m saving it so you can afford those chemo treatments for your wife. Why are you making me out to be the bad guy here? And does your poor wife know about the escort you visit every week?”
“Jack,” Daniel said.
“How dare you?” Robert scowled as he signed the papers. He threw the pen down and stood up, buttoning his suit coat. “Done. Happy Holidays, you prick.”
I rolled my eyes as he walked out of the conference room.
“That was a low blow, Jack,” Daniel said. “You shouldn’t have brought up the escort.”
“Really?” I cocked my head at him. “I can guarantee you that when his wife is home sick as a dog from chemo, he’ll be visiting that escort. He’s the piece of shit, not me.” I stood up and looked at Sierra. “Did you write anything down?” I asked.
“Uh, what was I supposed to write? The fact that he called you a prick? That he sees an escort weekly?”
“Go back to your desk, Sierra.” I sighed, rubbing the back of my neck.
She walked out of the conference room, and Daniel looked at me.
“I know the holiday season is approaching. Try not to go off the rails this year, Jack.”
“I can’t make any promises, friend.” I left the conference room and stopped at Sierra’s desk.
“Let’s go.”
“Uh, where?” she asked
“Lunch.”
“Are you buying? Because I’m broke.”
“Yes, I’m buying.”
I called my driver and told him to meet me downstairs. Sierra grabbed her purse and followed me to the elevator.
“So, where are we going?” she asked as I pushed the button to the lobby.
“La Grande Boucherie in Midtown. They have the best French dip.”
“I’ve never been,” she said.
“You’ll like it. Trust me.” I winked.