Chapter 10
Chapter Ten
J ack
The chilly air smacked my face as I walked through Bryant Park. People gathered from all over to visit and shop in the winter village, which featured hundreds of shops selling goods made by local artisans. This was holiday hell if I’d ever seen it.
“It’s about time.” Daniel smiled, walking up and hooking his arm around me.
“Traffic was a bitch, and the cab driver was an idiot.”
“Where’s Eric?” he asked.
“He has the weekend off. You know I hate Bryant Park this time of year. Why are we here?”
“You hate the entire city this time of year, my friend. Anyway, let’s go get some tacos and a beer.”
After standing in a ridiculous line to get tacos, we sat at a small table.
“I wanted to show you this.” Daniel reached into his pocket and pulled out a small velvet box. Flipping open the lid, a large diamond ring stared me in the face. “I’m going to propose to Chrissy on Christmas Eve. What do you think?”
“If that’s what you really want.” I bit into my taco.
“It is. You know how much I love her. We’ve been together for almost two years, and it’s time I put a ring on her finger.”
“Are you just doing it because of social pressure?” I asked.
“Come on, Jack. You know I love her. You could at least be happy for me.”
“I am, Daniel. If that’s what you really want. Chrissy is a great woman, and the two of you are good together. If you want to fall down the rabbit hole of marriage, be my guest.”
“You’re an asshole, Atlas. Why are we even friends?”
“Because you’re an asshole too. Just not as big of one as I am.” I smirked.
“Thanksgiving is next week. Come over and have turkey with us. We’re having about ten people.”
“You ask every year, and the answer is still the same: no.”
“I still have a week to convince you. How was the play with Wendy Friday night?”
“Eventful. Sierra was there with some guy. I don’t know who he was or how she met him. While we were getting a drink during the intermission, he overheard Sierra saying something about us sleeping together. He mentioned it in front of Wendy, she was pissed off, and the two of them left.”
“Who left? Sierra and her date?”
“No. Wendy and Sierra’s date. So, we finished watching the play, and I drove her home.”
“You fucked her again, didn’t you?”
“Perhaps.” I tipped the beer to my lips. “She owed me for ruining my night with Wendy.”
“What are you doing, Jack?” He shook his head. “Something doesn’t feel right here.”
“What do you mean?”
“I don’t know. I can’t put my finger on it. But something tells me you’re interested in Sierra for more than just sex.”
“You’re crazy.” I chuckled. “You know me better than that. Anyway, it’s a beautiful ring, and Chrissy will be very happy. Whatever you do, don’t get married next year around the holidays. I can’t stand them enough without attending a wedding amid it all.”
“I’ll make sure to let Chrissy know.” A smirk crossed his lips.
I was sitting in my office when I heard Sierra at her desk.
“Sierra, grab me a cup of coffee and come in here,” I shouted.
“Here you go.” She walked in and set the mug on my desk.
“Thank you. Good morning. Have a seat.”
“Good morning.” She sat down in the chair across from my desk.
“How was your weekend?” I asked.
“It was okay. Yours?”
“I met Daniel in Bryant Park yesterday.”
“With all that holiday crap and cheer they have set up there. How could you?” A smirk crossed her lips.
“I know. I wasn’t happy about it.” I sighed as I stared at her. “I’m having a few people over tomorrow night and need you to pick up some things and take them to my townhouse this afternoon.” I handed her a list of items along with my credit card. “My housekeeper is on vacation for a couple of weeks.” Reaching into my pocket, I pulled out the extra key to my house. “Here is the key. Make sure to lock up after you leave and leave the card on the kitchen island.”
“I’m your housekeeper now?” Her brow arched.
“You’re my assistant and will wear many hats. You will be if I need you to be my housekeeper for a couple of hours.”
“Okay.” She stood up from her chair.
“Are you okay with what happened on Friday night?” I asked.
“You mean about my date with Ken?”
“No. I mean with what happened between us. I just want to make sure you aren’t getting any ideas.”
“I’m fine, Jack—no ideas swirling around in my head. Don’t worry. After the holidays, I’ll be gone, and you won’t have to keep asking.” She walked out of my office.
Sighing, I turned my chair around and stared out at the city. I had to keep asking because I wasn’t sure if I was asking her or myself. Glancing at my watch, I had a few minutes before heading to my staff meeting.
I was walking to the kitchen area for a bottle of water. As I approached, I stood against the wall, out of sight, and listened to Tristan telling Grace something about Sierra.
“So, we reactivated her Tinder account, and that’s how she met Ken. She was only using him to go with her to see Hadestown because she knew Jack would be there with another woman.”
I’d heard enough, so I cleared my throat before walking in.
“Uh, good morning, Jack.” Tristan smiled.
“Tristan. Grace.” I nodded as I opened the refrigerator and grabbed a bottle of water. “Our meeting is in five minutes.”
“We know,” Tristan said. “We’re heading there now.”
I walked down to the conference room where my staff was waiting. After taking a sip of water, I placed the cap back on the bottle and set it on the table.
“As you all know, the holiday season has begun. Most of you have been here long enough to know the rules here at Atlas Enterprises. For those of you who are new, let me fill you in. No holiday decorations are allowed in my offices. No exceptions. This is a holiday-free zone. If you don’t like it, you can seek employment elsewhere. You're fired if I even see an inkling of holiday décor on or by your desks or in your offices. You can enjoy the season outside of these offices and in your own homes. Does anyone have any questions?”
“No, sir,” they all spoke in unison.
“Good. Everyone get back to work. Sierra, stay!”
After everyone left the conference room, I shut the door.
“You met Ken on a dating app to go with you to the play because you knew I’d be there with another woman?” I sternly asked.
“Where did you hear that?” I noted the nervousness in her voice.
“Office gossip travels fast. I can’t believe you did that. I thought I made myself very clear about things.”
“You did, Jack. And that was not the reason. I wanted to see the play, but everyone else was busy. People use dating apps all the time to go out with someone.”
“You did it on purpose.” I pointed at her. “Wendy told you where we were going when she called and left that message, didn’t she?”
She looked down and fiddled with her hands.
“Answer me!” I shouted.
“No. You’re wrong, Jack. But I will tell you this. There will be no more sex, and I mean it. I’m on the dating app again and want to meet someone. I’m ready again. And I cannot date someone in good conscience if we keep sleeping together.”
“You don’t have to worry about that. We won’t be having sex again.” I placed my hand inside my pants pocket.
“Good.” She stood up. “Can I get back to my desk now?”
“No. You can go out and do the errands I gave you earlier. Then, you can come back and sit at your desk.”
“Fine.” She walked out of the conference room.
“Fuck!” I slammed my fist on the table.