My independence is both my strongest and weakest trait. My advantage and destruction. I knew I had to prove to the world that I can be trusted and worthy. I also have to prove to my parents that I am stronger on my own to not depend on someone. But, there are times I need someone. Someone who I could lean on and who doesn’t unravel easily like me. Sadly, that type of person doesn’t exist in this world. Everyone crumbles at some point.
“Who’s Chad Montgomery?”
I couldn’t help but groan aloud at the name. Ever since the party, a lot of people were asking if I was dating Chad to which I denied greatly. There is no truth on what the media wrote about the two of us seeing each other. None. Harvey, who found out about it this morning, wasn’t pleased at all. Note to self: Buy Harvey ice cream and make him forget about the whole dating thing. Buy him a new game if you have to.
“Nobody, Francine. By the way, aren’t we supposed to plan for Patton’s welcome back party?”
“Clever, but don’t you try to change the subject Rachel. We can discuss Parkinson's party later. Right now, you’re going to tell me what’s going on between you and this man since I can’t trust the media so tell me everything.” Unlike Harvey who could be easily swayed, Francine won’t give up until she gets solid proof about the whole matter being discussed.
I sighed in defeat and replied with a huff, “Fine. He’s just another business partner.” An egotistical one, if I may add.
“Just another business partner?” She teasingly asks. I can just imagine her wiggling her eyebrows in the other line.
“Yes Fran, just another business partner.”
“How did you two meet?”
“My parents invited his parents over for lunch, Mrs. Montgomery introduced us both.” I was distracted for a moment when a knock came from the other side of the door, “Just a second Fran. Come in!” The door opened and in came Patty, a sheepish look on her face. “Yes, what is it Miss Lawrence?” Clearing her throat, Patty went up to my desk, her stilettos clicking against the polished floor.
“Um, Miss Maxwell, I have to go to the hospital now.” My eyes widen slightly at her words,
“Oh, you mean your sister is going into labor now?” Patty nodded, scratching her arm.
“I’m sorry, Miss Maxwell if I am troubling you and all.”
“It’s all right Patty, you already told me in advance that you’ll be on leave for three weeks. I already have an intern to temporarily take over your place while you’re absent.” I smile, to lift her spirits, worries of getting fired vanish. Patty beamed; taking my hand that I reached out and shook it vigorously.
“Thank you Miss Maxwell. I promise to work overtime the moment I get back to work.”
“You’re welcome Miss Lawrence, and on your way out, please tell Gerald to call the intern to come to my office today.” I requested, making the brunette nod, fixing her glasses.
“Yes Miss Maxwell.” Without another word said, Patty departed. The door clicking shut as she left, I placed the phone to my ear once again.
“Francine? Are you still there?”
“Still here, Rach. So, Patty is going to be gone for three weeks?”
“Yeah, she told me in advance that she’d be assisting her sister with the baby. I already have an intern to take her place temporarily.” I answered, clicking my laptop on to view new emails. “Besides, she deserves a break, Patty has been a good assistant to me unlike the last one I had.”
Francine grunted, “Of course she’s better than your previous assistant. Patty Lawrence actually cares for the company unlike Violet, who is only interested in taking the job because she likes your CFO’s ass.”
I laughed, shaking my head at her statement. “I overheard her once she only wanted him because of money.” I added, causing Francine to scoff.
“Obviously. Look Rach, I have to go, my break time is almost over. I’ll call you later, okay?”
“Yeah, we’ll catch up later. Bye.” Francine hung up and I inhaled deeply, putting my phone down before staring at the screen of my laptop intently. Not bothering to read the rest of the emails, I stood up from my seat and went towards the glass walls with crossed arms. The city below was busy as usual, people walking on the sidewalks as different cars passed by. Just another busy day.
“The view never gets old.” I jumped in shock, sharply turning around to see the intruder, dressed in a new suit, leaning against the door frame. His blond hair styled perfectly, not a strand was misplaced. “Sorry if I scared the wits out of you.” But his blue eyes betrayed his apology, it was filled with humor, clearly enjoying that he scared me. Especially the smirk that is now present on his face.
I narrowed my eyes at him, “Obviously you don’t Mr. Montgomery. Now would you tell me why you’re before I kick you out?”
“Don’t be like that Maxwell, the last time I know, you needed help from me. Not the other way around.” I bit my lip to hold back my words, knowing if I screwed up, a lot of lives will be affected. I looked away, fixing my glare at my black stilettos.
“You should’ve at least knocked then.” Not sneak up on me like some creep. I watch as Chad seated himself on the couch before placing his feet on top of the coffee table, “So, where’s your assistant?”
“She’s on leave right now. An intern would be taking her place in the meantime.” I replied, refusing to look at him.
“Is that so? I thought you fired her or something.” I walked to the front of my desk, arranging the papers that lay askew. “Why would I even fire a great employee? That would be stupid.” That’s when I heard him laugh aloud, making a shiver run up my spine, still not used to the sound.
“So you consider that Ned guy ‘a great employee’? I can’t believe you still have that guy on your payroll even after he screwed up a lot of times.”
I whirled around, giving him a questioning look. “How did you know about Ned?” Chad stopped laughing and gave me a small smile.
“I checked on all your employees. It’s safe to say that I am only looking after your company since we’re partners now. What’s your success would be my success, and what’s your loss is also mine. I don’t even want to sleep knowing that a person is ruining my company from the inside due to some small but fatal mistakes. I am wondering how you could.”
I felt anger rising inside me, boiling hotly and I did my best to cool it down. Don’t kill him. Don’t kill him. Don’t kill him. “Ned Lanston is my employee, Mr. Montgomery. His actions are my responsibility, not yours. He might not do the job being assigned to him right, but he’s a good employee. He tries the best he can.” Even if he’s thinning my patience with him. Chad raised an eyebrow at me, “Am I hearing things or you’re playing favorites?” Playing favorites?! Why this bastard—
“Your face is all red, Miss Maxwell. Did I say something to offend you?”
I smiled sweetly, knowing that if I let my emotions dictate my actions, things will get ugly. “Don’t worry Mr. Montgomery, I am not playing favorites. Your help is greatly appreciated. I am just giving the man one last chance, but if he screws up one more time, I won’t hesitate to fire him. You can even announce it to him yourself if you want.” My change of tone and mood surprised him, if his eyes widening was evidence enough, but it disappeared quickly like it came.
“Good to know Miss Maxwell.”
“Is that all you came here today?” I questioned, my anger simmering down slowly which I am thankful for. “Yes, I was hoping I could take you to dinner this evening to discuss our partnership.” Dinner? Why dinner? Remembering Harvey’s face this morning and how angry he is over the situation made me guilty. I still have to convince him that Chad and I are not dating.
I pretended to scan my schedule, “Actually, I have a meeting this evening. I’ll call you when I can make time for it.” I held my breath when he stood up from the couch, and in long strides, stood in front of me. His hands trapped me in my place, sealing both sides off making it impossible for me to escape.
“You must have forgotten that I call the shots here? You’re the one who needs my help, not me needing yours. What’s the matter Maxwell? Are you afraid of what the media and your brother will say? Are you afraid of Ruby? Are you just trying to avoid me Miss Maxwell?” Chad raises an eyebrow at me, his face too close to mine for comfort, our nose inches apart. I can practically feel his breath on my lips, smelling like peppermint. “Or are you afraid of falling in love with me?”
I had to laugh at the last notion, “What makes you think that I’ll fall in love with you?”
The usual smirk on his face returned. “Women fall in love with me easily, and you’re not excluded.” Chad leaned slowly forward, only making me bend down further, both of my hands on his chest, trying to make space between us. If I could only get lower to crawl through his legs and escape. Childish it may sound, but I’ll do anything to escape this mad man.
“Like I said, I am not similar to those women.” I mumbled, loud enough for him to hear.
“And like I said before, that we can agree on.”
A smile crept up to my face. “Glad that we have that settled. Now we can put that whole ‘falling in love’ thing aside because it’s never going to happen.” With that, I pulled him to the left side with surprising strength, giving me room to walk away. Unlucky for Chad, it made him hit his hip against the edge of my desk, causing him to moan in pain.
“Shit! Was that even necessary?”
“Language!” I reprimanded, mentally sighing in relief to be away from him. Just being close to him is nerve-wracking.
“As if you don’t curse.” Chad accused, rubbing the injured part of his hip to ease the pain.
“If I may ask, how did you know my company was going bankrupt?” I questioned only to earn a huff from him. “As if I would answer you after that little stunt you did.”
“Don’t be a cry baby Montgomery. It was only your hip, not your major organs.”
“Still it fucking hurt!”
“Language, Montgomery.”
He waved me away. “Just get ready this evening, I’ll pick you up in your house around six.”
I wrinkled my nose, “The last time you said that, you appeared around six-thirty.”
Chad frowned slightly, “Just be there when I get there or the deal is off.”
I sighed, probably for the hundredth time, “I’ll do it.”
“Good, see you tonight.”
And just like that, Chad Montgomery walked out of my office like nothing happened. Leaving me all to myself, thinking about what just happened seconds ago. Was he even serious about me falling for him? It was a joke right? He said it himself that he hasn't liked me ever since we met. Yeah, he was just trying to piss me off. That’s all.
But he did a great job doing so.
Just as I sat down to clear my thoughts, Gerald came in with the new intern. “Good afternoon Miss Maxwell! I have Miss Howard here with me.”
Composing myself once more, I gestured for the intern to come in. “Yes, please take a seat Miss Howard.” Once she did, Gerald left quietly. Knowing that she is probably nervous, I gave her a small smile. “Hello Miss Howard. So, why did you decide to choose my company?”
***
“Look dear, I’m sorry I didn’t tell you, all right? I was so busy that I kind of, forgot?” The moment I got home, I was greeted by my parents lounging on the living room couch, drinking coffee. I greeted my father first, still planning on how to deal with Mom when she made the first move by apologizing. And that’s when I started to be silent, just letting her explain and explain. It was unfair for her, taking care of Dad’s mother and coming home to see her daughter giving her the silent treatment. But she could’ve asked me instead of surprising me, give me some note or a call telling me that I’ll be taking her place.
I looked up from my cup of hot chocolate to see her staring at me with defeated eyes. Exhaling quietly, I set the mug aside on the coffee table and crossed my arms on my chest. “You should’ve told me first Mom, you know I wouldn’t say no to you but you should’ve asked.”
“I’m sorry dear, I didn’t mean to. Rebecca told me that her son needed an escort to the party. I realized that I wouldn’t be able to attend it due to your grandmother. I just asked Chad to tell you and I was about to call you afterwards, but I guess I just forgot to.” Mother lowered her head, lips in a thin line.
I closed my eyes for a brief moment before opening them once again. “It’s okay Mom, no need to apologize over and over.” Her head shot up, eyes twinkling in delight over my words.
“Thank you dear.” I smiled softly, taking the mug off the coffee table and brought it to my lips. I sipped the delicious chocolate drink, I hummed softly. “Dear, did Chad say anything important to you during the party?”
I frowned slightly before shaking my head. “No, he didn’t. Why?”
Mother shrugged, “Oh nothing, I just thought that he did.” Raising a brow in suspicion, I turned my back just as I emptied my cup of chocolate. Mother is acting weird lately. Did Chad tell her about our partnership? He better not, or I’ll kill him. I get to decide when and how to tell her.
Did she see the news? I swallowed hard, placing the empty cup on the table for the maids to take. I stood up and left the living room, walking stiffly. Mother, if you want us to be together I won’t let that happen. Ever. I groaned loudly, pushing my door open and closed it hard. Looking up, I stared at the wall clock ticking softly. Only a few more hours before Chad gets here.
“Ugh!” Rubbing my face gingerly, I rushed towards my closet and began looking for a dress to wear. “He should consider my rules because if he doesn’t, I’ll punch him.” I gritted my teeth as I pulled out dresses I never wore before, skimming through them. I pulled out a black sleeveless skater dress, black heels and trench coat. Taking the black stockings from its designated drawer, I gathered all the clothing I took and went to place it on top of the bed.
Now that’s finished, it's time to take a bath. After a few minutes of just soaking in the bathtub, I brushed my teeth and headed off to wear my clothes. After putting on the black stockings, I zipped the dress and stood in front of the full length mirror, checking out my outfit. I nod in satisfaction and wear my black heels. Heading to my makeup dresser, I took out my black eye shadow, lipstick and eyeliner. Just in a few minutes, my makeup was finished. I take the fancy bottle of Chanel perfume, spraying it on my neck and wrist before styling my hair into a neat bun.
“Where are you going this time, Sis?”
I jumped on my seat, painfully hissing when I mistakenly poked my scalp with a hair pin. “Ow! Harvey, does your school ever teach you how to knock? You scared me!” I scolded, turning to the mirror to continue placing pins to hold the bun.
“That’s kind of funny Sis, last time I checked, I went to an elite private school.”
I shook my head and stood up, “I’m going out to see Francine because today is our girl’s night.” Taking the black Chanel handbag from the armchair, I put in my phone, lipstick and my wallet. “I am not seeing Mr. Montgomery like you’re thinking right now.”
Harvey seemed taken aback. “How did you know that? Never mind! I’m still angry at you for lying! You should take care of yourself. I don’t want history to repeat itself.” I slightly flinched at his words, knowing all too well what he is talking about. I turn to face him, smiling at Harvey reassuringly.
“Harvey, nothing is going on between us, all right? Don’t worry about that Harv. I won’t let it happen again. I learned from those mistakes long ago, and I don’t want to look like a fool once again.” Harvey ran to me and wrapped his arms around my waist, breathing heavily.
“I’m going to do my best to protect you, Sis. No one is going to hurt you while I am around.” I chuckled, running my hand through his hair. “Those are huge words Harv, but they are comforting. Thanks.”
Grinning from ear to ear, Harvey nodded. “You can count on me Sis.”
“I’ll keep that in mind. I’m going to buy you ice cream tomorrow, maybe a new game too.” I said, touched by his words and hugged him once more, tightly. “All right, I get it. Rachel! Stop! I-I can’t b-breathe!” He whined, making me laugh aloud before ruffling his hair much to his annoyance. “All right, you can go to your get together just don’t mess up my hair! And buy me the bubblegum flavor! About the new game, I still have to think about it.” Escaping my arms, Harvey rushed out of my room. When he disappeared, I couldn’t help but feel guilty lying to him. He wouldn’t understand.