Page 69 of Corporate Escapades

Angela shook her head, “I know.”

“It seems to me you have changed your wardrobe a bit as of late,” he commented. “Why would that be?”

“I have?” she responded, batting her eyelashes. “What’s different?”

Obviously, she was playing dumb. He was simply curious whether the change had to do with him.

Not responding fast enough, she asked again, “What’s different?”

“I can’t really say,” he deflected. “But you look great.” In reality, he knew it was the shorter, tighter skirts and the low-cut blouses along with the more prominent makeup, but he wouldn’t be the one to point those details out.

Leaning forward, she beckoned him to lean in closer, which he did as though he had no control or choice in the matter. He could now see down her shirt, and the view made his temperature rise.

“It’s the sexy clothing,” she whispered. “I thought you’d enjoy it.” Reaching out, she ran one manicured red nail lightly down his forearm, and he thought he might jump out of his skin. Thewoman was a flame, drawing him in. “Why don’t we go back to my place?” she proposed.

Tossing back his nearly full glass of wine, he got to his feet. Angela started to get up, but he put his hand out to stop her. Reaching into his pocket, he grabbed a twenty and threw it on the table. He knew the situation might mean trouble, and he had no intentions of getting burned. “Enjoy your evening. Unfortunately, I have a previous engagement, which I should get to. It was lovely to see you,” he said and turned to leave. Angela nodded in response and watched him walk away, stunned by the rejection.

Once outside, Vic paused to take a couple of deep breaths. Had he really rejected Angela Martini? What was wrong with him? Normally, he wouldn’t have thought twice about getting involved with someone like her. Releasing a deep sigh, he headed for home. A cold shower would take care of everything. He was tired, he told himself. Any other night, he would have taken her up on her offer, but tonight, he was too tired. In the back of his mind, he knew he wasn’t being completely honest with himself. There was a deeper reason for his change of heart.

Snapping back to the present moment, he noted that his father and Mikel had arrived. Their mothers, as well as Cristo, Mya, and Chase, would not be joining them on this occasion.

“We decided we would like to meet with you alone today,” said Dom. “This is now the eighth week of your performance improvement plan, which means there are only four weeks left after this. You have these last weeks to prove, beyond a doubt, that you want what’s best for ADG and to show us you’re able to act like adults.”

“Last week went well. We saw a glimpse of the old days in the work you performed. This week, as bonuses, you each are receiving a car of your choice, as well as $500 in fun money. Inthe next few weeks, we want to see you step up your game even further,” stated Mikel.

“Wow, that's wonderful,” replied Paris. “Thank you.” She could use some of the money to update her office if she wanted, which was a nice thought. The car wasn’t half bad either, though she preferred limo service to her own car.

“Yes, thank you,” agreed Vic. He loved having his own vehicle and couldn’t wait to get back in the driver’s seat.

“You’re welcome,” replied Dom. “Make us proud. Mya and Chase have instructions on the purchase of the cars.” Both men stood and exited the boardroom with no further comments. Paris looked at Vic.

“Is that it?” she questioned.

Vic shrugged his shoulders. “I guess so.”

“Great. I have to get to a meeting,” Paris replied, jumping up from her seat.

Before Paris could get away, Vic asked, “With who?”

“Tom. We need to go over my files.”

“I can’t believe you think this is normal. Why haven’t you asked anyone to confirm the workload you’re to be taking on?” he asked.

“Because I feel the board would have mentioned it if it was a problem,” she replied. “There’s nothing to look into, and it’s none of your business.” Turning away, she hastily left the room.

Vic wanted to pound his fist into the wall, but he refrained. Maddening. She was simply maddening. Getting up from his chair, he marched off down the hall toward the elevators. When he arrived, Paris was still waiting. He noted she had tears in her eyes.

“Don’t look at me!” she hissed.

“Fine,” he replied, “I’ll take the stairs.” His mind reeled.Screw it,he thought to himself. He had just the distraction needed to forget Paris and her idiocy.

Once he reached his office, he dialed Angela’s line. She picked up on the second ring.

“Thursday night, seven o’clock, come to my place for dinner and wine. Give me a chance to make up for bailing on you this past weekend,” he requested.

“Well, hello to you too,” she replied. “What makes you think you deserve another chance?”

“You and I both know you’ll be there,” he said, and hung up the phone. He was satisfied with himself. If Paris wanted to pretend nothing had happened between them, he would too.

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