Page 18 of Corporate Escapades

“Yeah, well, everyone thinks you’re a cold-hearted man-whore!” lashed Paris. “A first-class dick.”

“Vic, man, let’s go,” said Jack. Grabbing his brother’s arm, he pulled him toward the doors. “This is not the place for an angry outburst,” he stated as his eyes scanned the room.

Vic shook his head in anger. “You’re not worth it!” he called over his shoulder as he followed Jack.

“Hey!” said an angry voice. Both Paris and Vic stopped and turned to see their red-faced fathers staring them down. “Both of you, get out,” hissed Mikel.

“Dad, he—” protested Paris.

“I don’t want to hear it!” snapped Mikel.

“The limo is waiting outside. You are to leave immediately,” instructed Dom. “What you’ve done here tonight carries serious consequences. I hope you’re prepared to face them.”

“Dad—” pleaded Vic.

“Don’t,” replied Dom. “You were warned. It’s over. Now go, or I’ll have you removed. Mya, I want you and Jack to escort them to the limo.” Without another word, he and Mikel headed back to their friends, who were all whispering amongst themselves. Dom knew the scene the kids had caused would be a public relations nightmare, but part of him thought maybe it would be best to let it ride. Force them to deal with the consequences of their actions.No protection this time around, he thought.

Mya and Jack walked Vic and Paris to the limo and watched as they silently climbed inside. No one spoke a word. Tears ran down Paris’s face and her body shook with humiliation.

Vic glared at Paris the entire ride. He blamed her for the outburst and for provoking his anger. She had ruined his entire night. Paris was absolutely the worst human being he knew.

The following workday began like any other. Vic checked into all of his accounts, met with three of his current clients to sort the details of their upcoming travel adventures, and looked over some new client matches to debate who was best suited for whom. With a stroke of luck, he never once ran into Paris, which had him wondering if she’d even bothered coming in to work?

Entering their condo at the end of the workday, Vic’s luck ran out. Paris stood in front of the elevator, tapping her foot as she waited. “Great, it’s you,” he said with disdain. He felt as if his temperature had risen at the sight of her. He peeled off his grey suit coat and folded it over his arm.

“I hope you realize you don’t have to talk to me,” remarked Paris. “I mean, it seems simple enough, but you never seem to keep your mouth shut, which is exactly why everything went to hell last night.”

As the elevator doors opened, they both stepped inside. Clenching his teeth, Vic reached out and pressed their floor number. When the doors reopened, they both exited and went in opposite directions. Vic reached his door first. Inserting his key, the lock didn’t budge. From down the hall, he heard Paris say, “What the heck?” Her key didn’t work either. Clearly, not a coincidence.

“What do you know about this?” yelled Vic.

“Nothing, you?”

“No. Obviously, I don’t know what’s going on,” he replied angrily, “but I'm sure it's all your fault!”

“My fault, whatever!” Paris shot back. “You're the one with the boiling hot temper!”

“Oh, good, you’re both here,” said Mya, her voice catching slightly as she and Chase exited the elevator.

“Your presence is requested in the boardroom,” added Chase.

“Mya, what’s going on?” Vic demanded.

“We know as much as you do. Sorry, man,” said Chase. He hated confrontation, but he always stood up for what he believed was right. As Vic’s assistant, Chase knew how volatile Vic could be. Things needed to change, and he was secretly happy the day had finally arrived. He didn’t hate Vic, but he didn’t particularly like him either.

Mya motioned for them to follow her into the elevator. “Let’s go.” Vic and Paris traipsed back down the hall and into the elevator.

“They’re punishing us, aren’t they?” asked Paris.

“Gotta be,” replied Vic. “What else would this be? Your behavior the other night really torqued them off.”

“You’re both equally to blame,” stated Chase with too much enthusiasm. “It might be best if you don’t speak. We just want to get you to the boardroom and be done with it.”

“Be done with what?” asked Paris. “What exactly is there to be done with?”

“If it were me, I’d fire you,” replied Chase.

“Chase, hush!” demanded Mya. “We don’t know what’s happening. We were told to retrieve you for the meeting. That’s all.”

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