Total pages in book: 112
Estimated words: 103754 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 519(@200wpm)___ 415(@250wpm)___ 346(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 103754 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 519(@200wpm)___ 415(@250wpm)___ 346(@300wpm)
No shower.
No brushed teeth.
No clean clothes.
This won’t go over well. I wipe my cashmere-gloved hand under my eyes in hopes of getting any of the remaining makeup cleared before entering. My pace is slow, the distance growing between this stranger working here and me. I swipe on lip balm and start taking off my coat, only to realize I forgot my sweater. A black tank, sweatpants, and combat boots aren’t going to go over well for a Stansbury. I stop just before entering the hall that leads to the office and the library wing of the house and take off my boots. Tucking my gloves in my pockets, I take a breath as I double-step to catch up. Just before the door opens, I attempt to smooth down my hair so it’s less disorderly.
I’m not going to fool him. It’s not about how I look, though he doesn’t appreciate it when I look like a “city kid,” as he calls it. This will be another lecture on behavior and expectations. Keep your mouth shut and listen, Sosie. Easy, and the best way to get through this unscathed.
The man opens the door and stands with his back to it. “Ms. Stansbury, Mr. Stansbury.”
I plaster a smile on my face and whisk myself forward. “Merry Christmas, Dad.”
He glances from the monitor on his desk to me before shifting his gaze to the new guy working the doors in this place and shooing him away with a flick of his hand. “Sit down.”
An acknowledgment of my existence would have been nice, but apparently, we don’t see eye to eye on the issue. I sit in a chair on the other side of the large, ornately carved desk and clasp my hands together in my lap, like a good daughter, and wait for the first round of attack.
I’m kept in suspense as seconds drag into a minute that feels like ten. But if my dad taught me anything, it’s that the one who holds out the longest wins. You’d think he’d be impressed that I was paying attention. He’s not.
Dressed in a freshly steamed light gray suit, his tie is straight, and not a hair is out of place. He doesn’t look rested despite his appearance and finally makes eye contact with me. His eyes mirror mine but hold a starkness I don’t recognize, and I hope I never inherit. He’s been mad at me before, but I’m sensing something else is happening. Why is he acting so weird?
“Where have you been?” He finally speaks. The blunt question is asked in a harsh tone. He’s a yeller, always has been, but that’s not what this is. This is simmering anger about to explode. I tread carefully.
“With friends. It was late, so—”
His hand flies up to stop me from talking. “Let me tell you about my night.” Okaaaay. “I hosted our annual holiday party for the company, our friends, and family. It’s usually a great event.”
“It was. I was there as requested.”
“I’d like to finish.” It’s not a question, so I keep my mouth shut. “Unfortunately, I had to listen to your mother and the Lafoons asking about you all night. Is she coming? When will she be here? Is she upstairs?” His voice teeters on mocking, and his eyes hold no love or patience like they used to. “You finally make an appearance but blow off Gregory all night, so what was the point?”
I’m not sure if I’m supposed to answer or if the question is rhetorical. With him staring at me, I figure it’s time to step into the ring. I reply, “I didn’t know my sole job was to entertain Gregory Lafoon.”
“It was one of many of your duties last night.”
“You do realize I don’t want to date Gregory, right? I’m not attracted to him like that, so why are we being forced together?”
His hand slams onto the desk, and he stands, causing me to jump. “Forced? You should be begging him to date you. Instead, you’re treating the Lafoons like they’re nobodies when you don’t realize who you’re messing with.”
“That’s not true. I like Gregory as a friend. Why does it need to be more? Why me, Dad?”
“Why you?” A deep-seated and humorless laugh escapes before he cuts off its air. “I’m tired of this, Sosie. You’re acting like a stupid girl and making a fool of your mother and me.” The insult sends shock waves through my system. He’s known for getting angry, but I always figured it was part of becoming a titan of industry. I’m unable to process that he just called me stupid for not wanting to hook up with a guy. “You’ve had your fun.”
He sits down, the sudden drop forcing an exasperated breath from his chest. “You don’t appreciate anything we’ve done for you. You’ve had the world given to you on a silver platter and reject it like it’s beneath you. Listen to me, Sosie, the Lafoons are billionaires.”