“Apparently he does. Regardless, like I said, I need more time to look this over. I think some clauses might nullify other contract’s clauses and things of that nature. It’s a whole big thing. I’ll need a while.”
“Poppy, why are you dragging this out?”
“I’m not. I’m protecting myself.”
“How is dating me protecting you?”
She stared at me for a moment. “I already told you. I want to take over the company. And Uncle Richard is delusional. He’s not seeing reason right now. My position in the company is in jeopardy.”
“I know you think you need my help with finances, but…”
“It’s not really about that anymore. He thinks he found a more suitable heir. Which is preposterous.” Her voice was growing louder by the second. “I’ve been here the whole time. I know how everything works. I’m the better choice. He has to pick me!”
I suddenly had a feeling that Poppy’s delusions had nothing to do with me. Well, maybe a little to do with me. But it seemed like she was more upset by whatever was going on with Mr. Pruitt.
“How about this…sign those papers and I’ll have a talk with Mr. Pruitt. About how you’re the perfect fit to take over for him.” I truly believed she was. She was as unhinged as her uncle. She’d run the mob just fine.
“Really?” She smiled. “Great! Have that talk and we’ll see about the papers.”
“No, sign the papers and then I’ll talk to him.”
“I like it my way better. Kisses.” She stood on her tiptoes and tried to plant a kiss on my lips, but I dodged it at the last second.
“Poppy…”
But she ignored me. “You’re so funny, lover. Gigi, come,” she said.
Gigi put the picture frame she’d been looking at back on the shelf, dangerously close to the edge.
I quickly pushed it back. And looked down at Scarlett’s smiling face in the picture. I took a deep breath. I was doing this all for her. To make sure she was safe. And I could swallow my pride for a minute in order to make sure that was possible. “Fine,” I said. “I’ll talk to Mr. Pruitt.”
“Wonderful,” Poppy said. “Isn’t that wonderful, Gigi?”
Gigi nodded.
God, that little girl really creeped me out. She looked just like a doll that had come to life to murder everyone.
“And after I do, you’ll sign that contract?”
“Right after my lawyers finish looking at it.”
“Quickly, Poppy.”
“Of course. Anything for you, darling. But it’s practically the weekend. It’ll have to wait until at least Monday. And then they’ll need a few days. Ta ta!” Poppy yelled and they walked out of my office hand in hand.
Lover? At least Monday?I sighed and sat down. The last thing I wanted to do was see Mr. Pruitt. But I could do it another day.
I needed to get my head in the game. If we won homecoming, Jefferson would be a legend. I’d accomplish what I’d set out to do.
Kind of. Really it was Kennedy who was helping make Jefferson so popular.
Fuck, what am I going to do about Kennedy?
Homecoming - Chapter 30
Friday
Brooklyn
