Page 99 of Stumped

I try not to, but the heavy sigh slips out of me anyway. All eyes snap to me and I wince. My Board of Directors is made up of a good mix of men and women, young and old. But when it comes to investing their time and money in a company, they prefer the business not be dragged intoscandals.

They got in touch with me on Monday, the day after the article came out, about setting a meeting. I kept putting it off. Since Zahira and I were able to squash everything, got Dhruv out of the way and found a resolution with the Renegades management, I didn’t think it was necessary to have a drawn out meeting with my board. They didn’t feel the same. So everyoneshowed up at work this morning and plonked themselves in the conference room until I was done with my other meetings. To protect my ass, I called Zahira. I have a tendency of speaking my mind and it’s often worse with this group of people. She curbs that by stepping in before I can open my mouth.

I should ask her to join us for drinks.

“Ms. Thomas, is the issue under control?”

“Yes, sir. I was in the office all day with Zahira putting out fires. We’ve covered all our bases and closed the problem.”

“Is there truth to the article?”

I flinch and hold myself very still. At the time, it didn’t even occur to me my board would read the article or think it was true. But we don’t have the kind of relationship where they know everything about me. Their purpose is to guide me in the right direction, oversee the management and the way I run my company. They’re not my friends. So I shouldn’t be surprised they read it, because it reflects on me as the CEO and founder of Lucky Shot. They can push to replace me, but I will never let that happen. Not in this lifetime.

“There are sections of truth and a lot of it is hurt feelings,” I explain and at their unimpressed looks, I get to my feet and stand behind my chair. “You’ve all known me for as long as I’ve had this company and I’d like to think you understand me from a professional standpoint. What my former employers and coworkers said are not false, but they’ve painted it in a way that makes me sound like a tyrant. I was a young woman in a male dominated office space trying to get heard.

“Yes, I was aggressive and sometimes obnoxious. But as some of you might know, it’s the only way to make a name for myself. I do not regret it, because that’s what got me here and got your attention.” I pause to catch my breath, weighing my next words. “If a man put his job first, was the loudest in the room and forgot plans—it would be acceptable. Why do we not holdthem to the same standard? This is not about a blame game, but expecting equal treatment. But it’s what a man is supposed to do, right?”

Zahira smiles as the rest of the conference room sits in silence, staring at me intently. One of the women stands up and claps, smiling broadly. I exhale and nod at her in gratitude. At this stage in my career, having everyone agree with me is asking for too much. But as long as they understand where I’m coming from and the work I’ve done to get where I am, I’ll forgive their other nonsense.

“Thank you, Ms. Thomas,” one of the older gentlemen says, but his lips are curved into a small smile and I’ll take the win.

Grabbing my things, Zahira and I head back to my office where she gasps loudly. “I think I might be a little in love with you. Is Elias willing to share?”

I laugh and drop onto the couch. “That was exhausting. I’ve said this exact same thing a million times this week.”

“Thatwas brilliant, Vee. If they believed the article before, they no longer do.”

“Thank you so much for showing up today.”

She waves me off and stuffs her things back into her bag and loops it over her shoulder. “Always here to help you out. Now, wish me luck as I face off with the PTA.”

“You got this!”

Zahira bows and walks out, leaving me slumped on the couch. My phone buzzes on my desk and I whine at the idea of getting up. Especially since in an hour, I have to be on my way to Elias’s house. In fact, the buzzing is probably him. Groaning, I push myself off the couch and check my phone.

Superstar

I can make up some excuse to cancel today.

Just say the word.

Don’t you dare. I don’t want them to hate me.

Superstar

They won’t. But you’re sure, right?

I showed my board of directors who’s boss, I think I can handle your parents.

Superstar

Sounds so hot. Reenactment later?

Behave yourself, Mr. Joseph.

Superstar

Overrated, Ms. Thomas.

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