Page 16 of Corporate Escapades

Vic’s face wrinkled as he considered the question. “I don’t know. I don’t think it’s as bad as they’re making it out to be. Maybe I’m a little hard on my employees from time to time.”

Mya could tell he was in denial. He did not know how cold he had become. She once watched him fire an intern for spilling coffee on herself. The intern was mortified, and Vic’s anger only added to the humiliation. Dom later called the intern and offered her a spot at one of the magazines to make up for his son’s extreme reaction and to get her out of the way before they had a lawsuit on their hands.

“Not just a little, Vic. A lot. You even scare me at times, and I’ve known you most of my life.”

Vic straightened his tie and pushed the elevator button. He didn’t speak the entire ride down. Mya continued to watch his face, which seemed to agonize over something. Maybe her comment?

“Hey,” he said as the elevator doors popped open, and they began walking again. “I never meant to scare you, and I hope I never do again. It bothers me to know you’ve felt that way.”

“I’m not scared right now,” she said with a half-smile.

“That’s good.” Pausing, he turned to her and said, “You look beautiful, Mya. I hope you enjoy tonight. You deserve to have some fun. Anyway, I need to run an errand over at the main office. If you will, please tell my parents that I’ve called for a ride, and I’ll be along shortly.”

“Sure thing,” she said. Continuing on, she headed for the limo waiting curbside. The partners, along with Paris and Jack, were already seated. Cristo planned to follow separately in his own car to ensure he didn’t drink too much.

“Nice tux, Mr. DeMarcé,” said Mya as she climbed into the limo. Mikel wore a blue Vince Camuto slim-fit tuxedo, which he pulled off magnificently. He believed in dressing well, but he shopped all different brands despite the billions he had inthe bank. Price did not dictate what he bought, whereas Paris seemed to be of the mindset that the pricier the item, the better it would be.

“Thank you, my dear.” Mikel flashed a debonaire smile.

“Good evening, Mya,” said Dom. “Have you seen Vic?”

“Yes. He’ll follow us. He needed to stop off at the office.”

“That boy’s mind is always on work,” said Jessamine. “We should have forced him to take time off to grieve last year. Maybe we’re to blame for his emotional stagnation?” Jessamine let out a sniffle.

“Let’s not point any fingers,” replied Dom, squeezing her hand. “Grief is a tricky thing. We’ll get through this.”

“I agree,” said Mikel. “Pointing fingers won’t fix it. Let’s enjoy ourselves tonight.” Turning to Paris, he gave her a wink. “I think Paris and Vic understand our concerns, and they will put in the work to make improvements.”

Paris nodded stoically at her father.

Sitting across from Paris, Mya looked her over cautiously. She wore a short red satin dress with metallic silver stilettos, probably Versace, though Mya refused to stare and give Paris a reason to bite her head off as she attempted to place the brand. Paris was a huge fan of Versace, as well as Louis Vuitton and Prada. She wore her long wavy hair twisted neatly atop her head with slightly poofed bangs. Dangling silver earrings adorned her ears and a matching necklace hung just above her cleavage. The jewelry most likely came from Tiffany, another of Paris’s favorite brands. Only the best for Princess Paris.

“Paris,” said Mya, “How are you this evening?” Mya wanted to show Mikel and Nicola that she and Paris could have a polite conversation. She hoped she was right.

Paris looked up at Mya and immediately frowned. “I’m fine. How are you?”

“Well enough. You look nice,” added Mya.

“Thanks,” replied Paris. “You look decent too.”

Mya knew the poor compliment was the best Paris would do. She didn’t need Paris to tell her she looked good. She knew she did. She wore a black and navy long lacy dress with black heels and black stud earrings. The dress, unlike Paris’s, was not expensive, but it fit her well, and it made her feel beautiful. She wore her hair clipped into place with a black barrette.

“Where’d you find those heels?” asked Paris. “They look pretty cheap.”

“Wow, Paris, totally uncalled for,” scolded her mother. “I think you look gorgeous. The heels are great with that dress.”

“Thanks, Nicola,” replied Mya.So much for making nice in front of the parents, she thought.

The second the limo stopped, Paris bolted. She needed to distance herself as far as possible from Mya and the rest of ADG. She waltzed into the ballroom like she owned the place and instantly put on her fake smile for all to see. Assessing the room, she headed straight for the bar. Without a drink, she didn’t know if she could make it through the evening.

“Good evening, Ms. DeMarcé,” said a voice that Paris could only describe as chocolate decadence for her ears. She spun around to face him and her heart fluttered.

“Mr. Tom Mariano, how are you this fine evening?” she replied in her silkiest voice. Paris had harbored feelings for him since the day they’d first met seven years earlier. Never had she made an advance on her handsome coworker. His blue eyes sparkled back at her. She wanted to reach out and run her fingers through his luscious black locks. Or, even better, roll around in a set of satin sheets while her body entangled with his long, lean, and muscular one. Her lips longed to taste his perfect olive skin. Hehad a certain charm and confidence that pulled women in. When he laughed, the sound was rich, and she wanted to be its cause.

“I’m well. Would you care for a drink?” Tom held out a glass of wine. “I hoped I’d find you here,” he confessed.

“Really?” asked Paris as she grabbed the glass. While she held her poker face, she grinned wildly on the inside. They worked together at Sense of Adventure, and at times he seemed to flirt with her, but this was the first time he had gone out of his way to get her attention.

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