“Wait a minute,” he laughed nervously. “Look at the contract there. It’s all bright, shiny and new, with a few extra zeroes tacked on for good measure.”
I took a brief paused focused my attention to the line that stated the salary and looked back up to Mr. Shelling.
“I see this is a salaried position. Those few extra zeroes don’t add up to much when I consider my time and freedom to come and go as I please.” Thinking about taking this salaried position means fighting rush hour traffic to get down here by nine and fighting it to get home by eight every night. That’s an additional four hours added to my day for what’s not adding up to be much of a raise. “While I thank you for the offer, I have to respectfully decline. Can you please prepare my check for the contract work I completed”
The shock on this man’s face told me everything I needed to know. He was not expecting me to reject his offer. But what I didn’t need was a steady employer breathing down my neck.
Mr. Shelling’s face grew increasingly redder by the minute. “I, uh, um, I didn’t think you’d reject the offer. I have another number in mind that may entice you to come onboard. Um, how’s 85 sound?”
“Monthly? I’m open to discuss that-”
“Of course not! 85,000 annually isn’t anything to laugh at!”
I try to stop myself from rolling my eyes but at this point I am over the conversation, “I agree. However, I understand that many people in your position believe that gainful employment tooneemployer is the end all be all, but it’s not for me. Again, I thank you for your kind offer, but it’s best that you find a candidate who wants it.”
“You should want this! I mean, never mind,” he huffed. “Thank you for your time and dedication to the project. I truly wish we could meet somewhere in the middle as we need someone of your caliber on staff full time.”
“I understand, and if I know anyone who meets your salary requirements, I’ll gladly send them your way. Thank you.” I rose out of my chair and excused myself to leave the office.
This was why I hated meetings! He thought that dog and pony show ofworkwould sway me to take some meager offer not worth my time. I couldn't believe I wasted a good suit on this shit!
The minute I stepped off the elevator, the security guard, who looked eerily familiar, approached me. Oh great, Mr. Shelling probably phoned down to have me stopped so he could pass on another bullshit offer.
“Yo, sis, hold up a minute,” he practically whispered as he trotted over to me.
Uhhh, this sound like some bullshit about to come my way.
“Yes?” I asked him.
“You remember me, right? It’s Ray. Ray Lansing. I used to run, um, I used to do business ‘round your mom’s building and shit. I’m thinking we should grab lunch or somethin’ to catch up. What time you free?” That’s where I know him from, I try my best to forget the happenings of the neighborhood I grew up in.
“Oh,” I couldn't find the words, but looking around the lobby, I didn’t want to cause a scene, either. “I don’t have any free time. I’m sorry. Thank you.”
The minute I turned to walk away he grabbed my arm. It was subtle as he loosened his grip to pinch my elbow between his thumb and index finger. I swallowed and tried to break out of his grasp when he leaned in so close I could smell the nicotine on his breath and the bad cologne his tried to mask the scent with but the nicotine spilled from his pores. “Don’t make me regret taking time away from my post to speak to your ass. Let me take you out to lunch. I ain’t gonna bite, unless you want me to, of course.”
The audacity!Gag!
I look down at his hand and back up to his eyes and make sure to put fire behind my gaze before I opened my mouth. “You better get your fucking hand off me now before I make you earn that security guard title,” I mumbled under my breath through clenched teeth but still a forced smile, since he caught me in public. “You’ll be forced to call the cops after the scene I’ll make if you don’t … let … go.”
“Miss Wilkins!” The receptionist called over to me, which caused Ray to let go immediately. I jogged over to her with gratitude in my eyes and relief washing down my body. She didn’t seem to know what she’d just done as I threw a glance over my shoulder to see Ray walking away.
“Yes?” I asked her.
She smiled and pointed to the book. I signed my name and time before I scooted out of the door, leaving the Core Organization behind me FOREVER.
Chapter 2
Colt
Poppy Andrews drummed her fingertips across the binded notebook I’d handed her with the details of the buyout I proposed. Chelsea, one of my financial consultants, sat beside me with her gaze turned toward the window where a thunderstorm carried on outside like it wasn’t my birthday.
The woman across the table from me leaned over to whisper something in the ear of her lawyers before sliding the proposal back to me. I saw the tears welling in her eyes as she shook her head.
“I’m sorry, my dad, um, he started this business over 50 years ago. I can’t just sell it. Is there a way you can give us a cash infusion and maybe we can-”
I held my hand up to stop her. “Don’t do that, Mrs. Andrews. We all know that if there was a way for Tipping Point Consultants to receive any cash injections, you would have done so months ago. This offer is generous. I’d keep on as many of your dozen or so employees as I can, move them into the Warner building, and you get to ride off into the sunset with a check in your hand.”
“But, what about our clients?” She whimpered.
