Page 6

I pushed back my chair to stand and started pacing again. “What is this? The eighteenth century? I need a man to gain approval in this company? No. Dating someone just to get ahead is against everything I stand for! I made damn sure nothing ever happened with Gage because when I earned a promotion, I didn’t want anyone to think I’d slept my way to the top.”
Tallie eyed me evenly, unphased. “Are you done?”
I pressed my lips together, continuing to pace.
“What does Thomas’s wife do at every company event? Every day when she brings his lunch to the office?”
My shoulders sagged as I stared out over the city, the skyline hazy with smog. “She campaigns for him.” We both knew it. Every word out of her mouth was strategic. And charming. And earning Thomas’s favor amongst the board.
“Can’t we ask an employee to talk me up?” I asked.
She folded her arms across her chest, making her blazer’s shoulders bunch. “You could. But it won’t be as effective since you’re paying them.”
“Thomas pays his wife to stay home!” I rebutted. Their kids were all grown, they didn’t have a pet—or really anything their team of housekeepers didn’t care for.
“We both know plenty of rich housewives who hate their husbands,” she replied. “Thomas’s relationship is refreshing. Gives people hope. That’s something you could have too, with the right partner.”
My phone speaker buzzed, and Vanover said, “Look sharp.” Our code that someone important was walking through.
I stalled by my desk and slipped my heels back on. “You have to be kidding me, Tallie. This was your idea? Throw a ball around? Exploit my parents? Date someone? I’m not in middle school. I’m perfectly capable of running a company without a man.” Then I remembered Vanover listened to almost all my meetings so he could take notes. “A man other than Vanover,” I corrected.
I glanced through the window to see him stifling a smile at the reception desk.
Tallie stayed seated, keeping her calm far better than me. I practiced a breathing technique, taking two quick breaths and then releasing them slowly.
“I want you to listen with an open mind,” she said.
I paused for a long moment. “Okay.”
She eyed me skeptically.
“Okay!” I shook out my shoulders and leaned back against my desk.
“Picture this—you have a high-powered ‘boyfriend,’ someone who is well-liked amongst the company. He comes to charities, galas, and the company picnic with you. In the moments you’re separated, he talks you up to the people who respect him—the ones you’re trying to win over. When the vote comes next quarter, you won’t only have the data and vision on your side—you’ll have the swing vote.”
I blinked slowly, absorbing her idea.
Tallie said, “It only takes one person being your hype man, to have confidence in you, to show everyone else that they should too.”
I looked up at her. “You really think this will work?”
She squared her shoulders, nodded. “If it doesn’t, I’ll resign.”
Studying her, I could tell she meant it. “Why would you do this, Tallie?”
She lowered her gaze and looked back up at me. “My mom and I lived in a homeless shelter after she left my dad. For me, this isn’t just business. This is personal.”
I nodded. “Okay then, let’s get started.”
4
FORD
I walkedinto an invite-only café in downtown Dallas with my agent, Brock Hudson. Local celebrities were given a golden card to show at the door to ensure we had a semi-private place to spend time together without anyone listening in. Of course the paparazzi had figured this out and were always stationed along the sidewalk with their constantly flashing cameras.
After getting inside, we picked a couple seats in the corner and ordered drinks. Brock was massive, a former lineman turned agent. He seemed out of place with the café’s stiff, modern chairs and tiny drinking glasses.
While we waited for our drinks, Brock said, “Why the extra meeting, son?”