Page 71 of The Fix Up

“Not an actual tuxedo, apparently. Who knew that was a thing?”

“It’s a thing in your dad’s world. It doesn’t have to be in your world.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“I mean you’re the CEO now, Ben. Over the last few weeks, I’ve watched you turn into a corporate badass in ways that have nothing to do with your father. I’ve watched you land business deals and make professional contacts and give speeches that knock people’s socks off. That’s all you, buddy.”

“It’s not all me,” he said, still straightening his tie for no apparent reason. The damn thing was straight as a yardstick. “I couldn’t have done it without Holly.”

“Holly,” Parker said fondly, and Ben fixed his friend with a scowl. “Sorry about that,” Parker said. “If it helps, I think she was the best thing that ever happened to you.”

“Nope, doesn’t help. Try again.”

“I suppose it doesn’t,” he said. “And maybe she’ll change her mind. But in the meantime, she’s given you the best gift she possibly could.”

“A kick in the balls? That wasn’t on my Christmas list.”

“No, dumbass. A chance to stand on your own two feet in the family company. With or without Holly, now’s your chance to show everyone what you’ve got.”

Ben studied his best friend, appreciating the earnestness in his expression and the truth in his words. Appreciating the fact that Parker had stood by him these last few days while he’d grumbled and snarled and done his damnedest not to think about Holly.

But Parker had a point. Now wasn’t the time to think about her. It was the time to prove he could do this CEO thing, with or without her. It was time to prove he could be a leaderhisway.

Ben reached up and grabbed the edge of his tie. He hesitated a moment, thinking about his dad. Then with a quick yank, he pulled the tie out of the shirt collar. He stared at it for a moment like it was a well-used tissue.

Then he dropped it on the dressing room floor.

“In that case,” Ben said. “I’ll start by ditching this.”

* * *

Holly paced slowlyacross the front of the room, pausing to rest her palm on the purple conference table before smoothing a hand down her black pencil skirt. Her posture was perfect, her voice was commanding, her mastery of the subject matter was impeccable.

The rest of her wasn’t feeling so hot.

“As you can see, we’ve mapped out an aggressive rebranding plan for Sunstone Lemonade,” she said, projecting an energy she didn’t feel. “It’s fresh, it’s edgy, and above all, it’s guaranteed to grow your business by more than fifteen percent within the first six months of campaign launch. Are there any questions?”

“I have one.”

Holly turned to Miriam, the only other person in the boardroom and the only team member brave enough to sit through this dry run of her next account presentation.

“Yes?” Holly pointed at Miriam, pretending not to know her name. “Ma’am, you had a question?”

“I do. What the fuck is wrong with you?”

Holly rolled her eyes. “Come on, Miriam. I need to practice. I’m trying to nail this presentation.”

“And you think that’s better than nailing Ben?” Miriam shook her head, making her chandelier earrings sway like wind chimes. “You’re off your game, sweetie. No offense, but it shows.”

“So give me feedback. Do I need to dial up the zing in the presentation deck or wear something a little more edgy?”

“You need to stop looking like someone backed over your dog with a bulldozer.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“I mean you look miserable.” Miriam sighed and leaned forward across the table. “Look, Holly—I know you’re bummed about what happened with Ben. But do you think maybe you overreacted just a little?”

“No.”

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