Bereft (Seven Year Itch #2)(10)
“I double majored actually. Science and Marketing. That’s a personal question, Rach. Do I get to ask you one in return?”
“No.” I rubbed my hands on my yoga pants while trying not to feel uncomfortable. I didn’t like Chad, and I certainly didn’t want him in my living room, especially after discovering my husband was having an affair, probably on this very sofa we sat on.
“I’m going to ask anyway. Are you all right? Forgive me for being blunt, but I’ve never seen you look so…”
“Horrible,” I answered for him. “I know. I’m sorry. Do we have to do this now?” I was starting to lose it. Of all people to show interest in my well being, he was the last I expected. It made me feel worse about my life.
“I’m here because I want you to be a part of the new company. It’s going to take several months to get going, and of course we’ll have to do everything by the books as far as legally utilizing our old clientele. I don’t want to ruffle any feathers.”
I sniffled, choking back tears. “You’re offering me a job after you fired me?”
“We never said you were fired. If you would have hung around I could have at least briefed you on the idea. My grandfather is excited about this. He knows how much it means to me.”
“What about his company? I know how hard he busted his ass to get where he is today?”
“We’re selling off the shares slowly. The name will remain the same. We’ve got a buyer who is eager to purchase the majority of shares. It will go smoothly, and hopefully with your help, we can train the new staff to go above and beyond our average standards. In the meantime, we’ll be managing both assets. I’m going to need a right hand person to help me. I’m asking you to consider it.”
I thought about my predicament. My marriage was in shambles, and I didn’t know where my life was headed. Having a job to provide a roof over my head was a priority. “I’ll help you until I can find something else.”
When he smiled, one deep dimple filled his whole left cheek. “I’ll take it.” He stood up, finishing his bourbon before sitting it on the coffee table. “I’ll be in touch about the details.” He began to head toward the door. “You need to clean yourself up, Rach. You really do look like shit.”
“Wait!” I called out to him. “What if I say yes?” I didn’t want to seem desperate. “I’d like time to consider other options. When do you need my answer?”
“It’s like a ghost town in there. Take a couple days. Think about my offer. It’s going to be hard work, and a lot of long hours in the beginning. I don’t want you to commit to something your husband might not be happy about. You need to do what’s best for you. I just know there isn’t anyone with your credentials who will give me the time of day at my age with a new company. You may think I’m a young, gold digging prick, but I’ll prove you wrong. Being a businessman is in my blood. I’ll make it work, or I’ll die trying.” He peeked his head in the door as he started to close it behind him. “You have my number. Call me when you have a firm decision.”
When the door finally shut I stood there in shock. Yesterday I’d assumed the worst and left without hearing them out. The idea of working for Chad seemed horrible, but it would give me a sense of comfort I was going to need. No matter how sick I was over the company closing it’s doors, I had the chance to stay employed.
I wasn’t going to speak to Grayson about this opportunity. As far as I was concerned it was no longer his business. He lost his say in my life the first time he touched Kyla. For all I knew he’d been screwing around on me from day one.
As I turned around to head back into the living room, I caught my reflection in the mirror. Chad was right. I looked like death. No wonder my husband fell into the arms of another woman. I’d let myself go, and it was time to do something about it.
Chapter 5
Rachel
Every five minutes I changed my mind about whether or not I wanted to work with Chad. He’d been such a cocky bastard for as long as I’d known him, yet his visit made me reevaluate what I thought I knew about the guy. I still had a feeling there was more than just selling the company, but something told me to stay out of it. I trusted Charles, but Chad was a different story. God only knew what he was truly up to, or if his new company would succeed or fail.
His visit did do one thing for me; it gave me something to look forward to. I hadn’t committed, but for the sake of argument I would at least be bringing home an income if I needed to support myself. I spent the next several hours researching marketing firms. There were millions of companies out there offering the same services. Why would Chad think this was a good idea was beyond me? I mean, how could he assume closing a reputable company to open a new one was a wise business decision?
My all consuming mind wouldn’t let me rest. By the time I realized I hadn’t eaten anything, it was too late. I stood up and collapsed. The next time I opened my eyes I found myself on the floor. My chin was aching, but nothing else seemed to be injured. I wasn’t bleeding, not that I could tell, and my teeth were all accounted for, thankfully. Just as I was standing up, I heard the front door opening. Alarmed, I turned my head around to see who it could be. My biggest fears were revealed when Grayson walked into my view. “Rachel? What are you doing on the floor?”