Is he more secure in their love than I ever was with our love for each other?
I don’t like the answer to that. I need to get the board to overturn her termination this week. The longer I take, the more chance I’ll never be with her again.
I have to find a way to break them apart.
My phone vibrates in my pants pocket. I dig in and retrieve it. My eyes narrow as I open and read the message.
Unknown Number: Message received. There’s a car waiting out front for you. The driver knows who you are. Excuse yourself from your companion, and let’s have this meeting you need.
My stomach hardens as my pulse skyrockets. It’s got to be a message from my mother. My hands shake in an instant.
I get my wallet and throw some cash on the table. “Dorothy, I have some business that needs attending to. I’m going to have to excuse myself.”
“That’s fine. I need to get going too.” She gathers her purse and stands. “Thanks for the coffee.”
“Anytime.” I get to my feet. “I’ll walk you out.”
When we get to the exit, Jamison is near the elevator area, watching us. He has his mail in his hands and is staring blankly our way.
I pull Dorothy into a hug, hoping to cause a rift. His gaze hardens.
Good.
I smile wide to give him something to think about. They may not have fought that night, but maybe they will today.
The sun warms my face as soon as I step outside my complex. I slide my sunglasses on just as a black SUV with tinted windows pulls up.
A man who’s built like a bodybuilder gets out. “Hunter Efron, your car is waiting.”
He opens the door, and I snap my armor over me. I need to use my most ruthless side for this meeting.
I dip my chin at the guy and get into the car. I half expected my mother to be waiting for me. But it appears she has other plans.
The driver gets in, and we leave as I text my dad.
Me: I can’t make it to our meeting today. Please continue to look for another board member to change their mind about Dorothy.
Dad: Very well, but why can’t you be here?
Me: Your plan worked. I’m about to see my mother.
Dad: Be careful, son. And text me as soon as you’re done.
Me: I will.
My pulse thumps wildly, but I try to appear unfazed as I go through my phone. I have a million messages that need attention, so I respond to them as time ticks on.
An hour passes, and I pull on my collar. Meeting my mom may be a mistake.
What if she wants to kill me?
I’m reconsidering my actions when a text comes in.
Dad: Good news, son. Dori’s job has been reinstated. Not only did I get the vote we needed, but I got two others. With seven members in favor, eight including you, nothing can go wrong. I’ll get the legal team on the contracts.
“Yes!”
The driver doesn’t flinch at my scream of excitement.
