Page 40 of Worship

“Send him in.”

My door opens and I stand and walk around my desk to shake his hand.

“Mr. Wells, it’s nice to see you…”

But he just looks at my hand and then back to me.

“I’ll shake your hand when you give me the news I’m looking for.”Okay, here we go.

I motion for him to take a seat and he accepts, sitting down. I walk to the desk’s edge and rest my bottom against it, crossing my arms and looking down at him.

“What exactly can I do for you today?” My voice is stern. I want him to hear my dismay with his presence.

“I want to see results. I’m getting the runaround here, and I’m happy to take my business elsewhere.”Empty threats.

“So, take it. We don’t need your business. I’ll have contract dissolution papers drawn today. If that’s all, I have a meeting. You can see yourself out.”

I begin to walk back around the desk, catching Luca’s smiling face in my doorway. My eyes falter, but I’m in the middle of negotiations, so I don’t misstep.

“Gretchen. Please, you know that’s not what I want. I just need the best you can give me.” Wells pleads.

“My name is Ms. Andrews. Please don’t overstep. Mr. Wells, we’ve given you a comprehensive and effective branding and marketing package. And frankly, I don’t tell you how to make razors; you shouldn’t tell me how to sell them. Stay in your own lane if you want a successful partnership.”

Yes, this is what a spanking feels like, buddy.

His face is stoic, but I can feel his embarrassment. “Understood.”

He thought he was going to come in here and bulldoze me. Wrong girl.

“Now, if there isn’t anything more, we will be laying out the package next week as planned, and then you can celebrate your company becoming relevant. Sound good?”

He nods.

“Yes. I apologize for interrupting your day, Ms. Andrews.”

I smile.

“I always have time for a new client. Let me walk you to the door.”

I hold my arm open to the door and he joins me, looking aptly contrite for his stupidity. When I get to the door, Luca is standing off to the side, and Mr. Wells stops. “Is that Luca King?” I forget he’s kind of a big deal in the business world. He’s an even bigger deal to my lips.

“Yes, he’s a client.” I wink conspiratorially, lying through my teeth, and hear Luca chuckle.

I walk away from Mr. Wells and over to Luca, but ignore him and turn to my assistant.

“Keep it quiet for me for twenty minutes.”

She nods in understanding, and I look at Luca.

“I get a whole twenty. I must be special.” He smirks.

“No, I’m going to lunch,” I answer disingenuously, and he holds up two white paper bags.

Always one step ahead.

He motions his head to my office and walks past me, letting himself inside. I can’t help but chuckle and follow him.

“You’re a fucking shark, you know that? I was impressed.”