Page 64 of Corporate Escapades

Nicola put her arms around her daughter and gave her a gentle squeeze. She understood the pain Paris was in. “You’re strong like your father and me both. Remember though, it’s always okay to admit you need help. It broke my heart when you quit speaking to Mya, but I knew you’d eventually come around. Why don’t we have brunch this weekend? You can bring Mya. It would be nice to spend time with you both outside of work.”

“Sure,” said Paris. She couldn’t recall the last time she’d eaten a meal with her family, separate from work events.

“Morning, ladies,” called Mikel as he and Dom walked into the room, followed closely by Jessamine, Cristo, and a not-so-happy-looking Mya.

Mya saw Paris by the window and immediately went to her. “How are you?” she asked, her eyes darting to Cristo. She’d received a call from him early that morning requesting her presence at a client dinner that evening. She had no desire to go but couldn’t manage to say no.

“I’m well. The day’s off to a decent start.” Looking at her friend, she again saw the anxiety in her expression. “How about you?”

“Okay, I guess.” Mya turned away, and Paris watched her take a seat. She placed herself at the opposite side of the room from Cristo, who was intently staring her friend down. She wanted to corner Cristo and demand he tell her what he’d done to her, but she knew that would only upset Mya further.

“Sorry, we’re a little late,” said Vic, breaking into Paris’s thoughts. “We had an appointment prior to this one, and it ran longer than anticipated.”

Dom looked at his son. “No harm, we’re talking seconds, really.” Chase had told him exactly where they would be that morning, and Dom had been quite pleased to hear that his son had finally taken a solid step forward in dealing with his anger and grief. Standing, he took a closer look at Vic and Paris. “We’re pleased with your work this past week, and we’d like to offer you one of the Palm Condos as a reward, or if you like, each your own.”

“I’ll take my own,” Paris chimed. Vic turned and looked at her in disbelief. He knew she was irritated with their last conversation, but he didn’t think she’d cut him out of her life again. Vic stopped himself from shaking his head indisappointment. He didn’t want the board to read into the situation, so he spoke up and spun her statement in a more positive direction. “Yeah, we could use a little extra space for spending time with friends and such.”

Paris looked at Vic in return. His response surprised her, but it pleased her that he didn’t make a scene.

“Okay, we can do that,” said Mikel. Dom nodded in agreement. “We’ll have your things moved today while you’re at work. Mya and Chase, you may assist the movers in separating the items out and then show Vic and Paris to their new places this evening.”

“Great job last week,” said Jessamine. “Keep up the good work, and things will be back to normal before you know it.”

“That’s it for today,” added Nicola. “Enjoy the week.” She smiled warmly. Paris nodded at her and followed Mya out of the room. Vic and Chase paraded out behind them.

Fifteen minutes later, Paris stood in the entryway to Tom's office, watching him sort through client files. “You wanted to see me?”

“Yeah, come on in,” he said, dazzling her with his smile. “Close the door.” Paris stepped forward and swung the door shut behind her. Tom stood and met her halfway. Reaching out, he brushed back her hair and grabbed her chin lightly. “My God, Paris, you get lovelier and lovelier every day,” he charmed.

Looking up at him, she froze in place. Her heartbeat quickened, and she realized she was holding her breath. “Thanks,” she replied breathlessly.

“I called you over here to give you the files for this week. All new events, but with clients you’ve already worked with. The board still wants you to focus on a couple of files at a time, but in gratitude for our dinner the other night, here are three more, as before.”

“Thanks,” she replied, grabbing the files from his hand. She didn’t know what to think. Why would the board only want her to have two clients at a time? She wanted to ask her father, but she didn’t want to sound ungrateful.

“How about lunch at noon?” he suggested. “I hear they have your favorite chicken salad sandwich at the café today.”

Paris never turned down the chicken salad. He was right. It was her favorite. “Definitely. I’ll meet you there,” she replied as she exited his office. She disguised her anger with a smile. How could she prove herself when she was receiving so little work?

Back in her own office, she picked up the phone and dialed Vic. She needed to talk to someone who would understand.

“Hi, Paris, what's up?” he asked with disinterest.

“Tom gave me three files again,” she expelled. “I’m so frustrated. He says the board instructed him to only allow me to have a couple. How many did you get this week?”

“Angela gave me eight files. Like I said before, he’s screwing with you,” admonished Vic. “Ask your father. I bet you anything he says Tom’s lying.”

“Why would he lie? What good would it do for him to lie to me?” she demanded. “What kind of statement does that make about me if I have to run to my father for validation?”

“This is your career we're talking about. Clarity is essential in this situation. Tom probably wants you out of the way so he can have your clients. Or maybe he’s using you for sex!” barked Vic. He was sure someone outside his office had heard him. He made a mental note to tone it down. Luckily, Angela and Tom's offices were further down the hall, and most of the people outside were interns.

“He wouldn’t need to give me any files if that’s all he wanted!” she spat back.

“Good, why don’t you give in to him, then?” replied Vic through gritted teeth.

“Yeah, maybe I will,” said Paris, slamming the phone down in Vic’s ear.Stupid man,she thought.

Vic was still holding the phone in his hand. “Damn that woman!” he said as he set the phone back on its cradle. How naïve could she be? He realized Tom was after something, but whether it was Paris herself or something else, he couldn’t say. He knew the concept would eat at his mind for the rest of the day.

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