Page 56 of Corporate Escapades

“If he was hurting her, I would think she’d have yelled,” replied Chase.

Paris shook her head. She felt helpless. All they could do was wait for Mya to come out, which she did, but a moment later.

Cristo blew past the group, scowling his disapproval toward their loitering, as he retreated. Mya emerged from the room, visibly shaken. Paris stepped toward her. “What happened?”

“I don’t care to discuss it,” she replied. “We need to go. You shouldn’t have waited.”

Vic and Chase looked at each other in confusion, then followed Mya down the hall. Paris brought up the rear. She was lost in thought, trying to decipher the odd situation.

Rushing toward Mya, Paris asked, “Did he hit you? We heard a thud against the door.”

“No,” she replied curtly.

“Then what?” demanded Paris. “What did he do?”

“Paris,” said Mya, “I know you’re concerned, but it’s none of your business. Let it go,” she demanded.

“Whatever.” Paris was disgusted. “You didn’t speak to Molly,” she added.

“Oh, shoot,” replied Mya. “I’ll call her this evening.”

“I can throw in money from my bonus to buy her some clothing,” said Paris.

“Are you sure you want to do that? If you do, it’d probably be best to purchase items beforehand and make it seem as if we’re getting rid of clothing from my closet. That way she won’t feel like a project, right?”

“Yeah. That’s a great idea. This is exciting. I’m feeling a bit blasé regarding my current lifestyle,” she laughed. “Helping someone else out for a change, would be refreshing.”

Paris was thrilled to be back in her own office. How she had missed it so. Everything was as she’d left it, even though Mya had been running things while she was away. Mya knew how Paris worked and that she liked to maintain order.

Looking around her office and seeing it, for what felt like the first time in years, Paris noted that some updates and maintenance were warranted. The vacation photos were a bit dated, and the walls were faded from the sun. How had she not noticed the aging that had taken place? There were cracks in twocorners of the room. Her desk lacked luster and either needed replacing or resurfacing, and there was a worn spot in the carpet where the chairs each sat. While she’d maintained her neat and orderly manner, she’d neglected the upkeep.

Paris picked up her phone and dialed Mya. “Hey,” she said when she heard her friend’s answer. “We need to makeover my office too. I can’t believe you let me work in this.”

“You weren’t exactly easy to talk to, Paris,” replied Mya. “Would you have listened to me if I’d brought the updating to your attention?”

“No. Probably not,” she said quietly. “Anyway, I’m seeing it now. Do you think the board will give me money?”

“Call your dad and ask, though I doubt he’ll be compliant. Not until you finish making improvements to yourself and proving you want to be here. Obviously, if you can win the board over, they’ll let you do whatever you want with the office.”

“I guess I can always try,” she said optimistically.

“Okay, let me know how it goes,” said Mya.

Paris hung up the phone and dialed her father.

“Hello?” answered Mikel. “Paris?”

“Yeah, Dad, it’s me.”

“To what do I owe this surprise call?” he asked cheerily.

“I’m wondering if you’d be willing to give me a stipend to update my office?” she asked.

“Ha,” laughed her father. “You know that’s not going to happen.”

“But, Dad,” she protested, “it’d help with my morale and performance.”

“Honey, I’m one of your biggest fans, and I want you to succeed, but this here is tough love. It’s what a parent has to do sometimes. Now, you prove yourself, and I’ll personally give you the money, but right now you are; how should I say thisin terms that fit your current temperament? Grounded until further notice.” He laughed.

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