Page 36 of Kisses and Paperclips

Julian Brooks.

My eyes locked on him, and the audacity written all over his face was enough to make my blood boil. He must have rehearsed that shocked expression a thousand times in front of a mirror before coming here. Typical man, always ready to swoop in and claim what he hasn’t earned. Why does he get to walk in here and suddenly snatch the success I’ve worked so hard for? And seeing Ms. Brooks hand it to him on a silver platter only adds insult to injury. I was already playing the game, but she’s expecting me to hold his hand and guide him through his new role.

Fuck that.

After all I’ve given to this company. All the late nights, the sacrifices, the things I’ve had to swallow and bury to keep us afloat, this is how she does me? No heads-up? No warning? Just blindsiding me in front of the whole damn staff? I watched Ms. Brooks as she gathered her papers, as if it was just another day in the office. I keep replaying our last couple of conversations to try to figure out what would cause her to betray me like this. I took a breath and mustered the courage to confront her. Fueled by frustration and concern, I couldn’t stand still any longer.

“Ms. Brooks, can I talk to you?” My voice was steady, but the tension simmered just beneath the surface.

She nodded; her expression unfazed, her eyes never making their way to mine. “Of course, Serena.”

I wasted no time addressing the issue; I needed to hear her excuse. “What the hell is going on, Evelyn?” Her eyes snapped to mine. I guess using her first name was the only way to get her attention. She stared at me like I did something wrong. She worked silently, forcefully stuffing papers into her suitcase.

“You made your son, Julien, CEO.”

“I made a decision that is best for the company; there’s nothing to discuss.”

Her words hit me like a punch to my stomach, making me take a step back.

“Why?”

She remained composed, but I could sense a hint of apprehension in her eyes. “I understand this might come as a surprise to you, Serena. But I firmly believe that Julien brings a unique perspective to the table.”

“Why are you talking to me like that?”

“Talking to you like what, Serena?” she sighed, exasperated.

The fucking nerve of this woman.

“Like a stranger. Like I didn’t help you build this place from the ground up, the ground being that musty ass Lake Harbin apartment we started in.” her nostrils flared, the only signal she had any humanity left in her.

“Back when you didn’t know shit about balancing spreadsheets, who was the one who took that loan, who sacrificed themselves—”

“Watch yourself!” Her voice slammed like a slap, reminded me we were not alone. My eyes darted quickly to where Julien was sitting and judging by his knitted brows, I had just sparked his curiosity.

I shook my head, unable to contain my frustration. “I’m not going to silently stand by while someone who doesn’t know our business is granted an equal say. It’s not right to the company or the employees who have dedicated themselves to its success.

Ms. Brooks sighs, her gaze softening with understanding. “I have full confidence in my son.”

My jaw clenched as my resolve hardened. She has complete confidence in her son but not in me. “And what does your son know about the lingerie industry, let alone Guilty Pleasures?”

“I appreciate your honesty, Serena. But I made my decision, and it’s final. I understand your frustration, but don’t forget yourself or who the company belongs too.”

Did she just talk to me like a child with a tantrum? Is that what she thinks this is, a tantrum? Did she not think about how this decision would affect me, how it would make me feel?

She averts her gaze, collects her briefcase, and casually begins packing her things as if I’m invisible.

Julian opens the glass meeting room door, his face filled with concern. I can practically feel his gaze burning on me, probably wondering why I’m just staring at his momma like that. If he doesn’t get here soon, I might just clean this glass window with her face.

Her face lights up when she glances at him, all smiles and sunshine as if we’re talking about cupcakes and rainbows. Annoyed, I don’t utter a word and storm off to my office, leaving them to their little family reunion.

She’s got a point. It’s her company. Maybe it’s time Guilty Pleasures got a new owner - me.

???

The conversation with Ms. Brooks had me so wound up that Steven was downing two Red Bulls and digging through company policies like a man on a mission. It was a useless mission, sure, I knew that when I sent him on it, but sometimes rage needs an outlet.

Anger’s a funny thing. It always comes back around collecting, like making a deal with the devil. So, when I sank into Nia’s cloud-soft couch, the scent of her simmering pasta sauce filled the air, and the heat inside me dulled.

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