Page 74 of Unwritten Rules

“What are these documents, even?”

Tucked away in my room with James, he had files and some documents out on display. My brain was spinning with words that sounded too business-y for my experience–well, lack of experience. The folders were full, and I was expected to start learning how to read documents like these as CEO.

“In this folder we have out are financial documents. This one is the profit and loss statement, and we read these to understand our operational efficiency. This one... are you okay?”

He must have seen my eyes glazed over and the words flying over my head. “I think I need to get a notebook for this. A big one.”

“This is why Mr. Evans wants you to be a business major. It’s not out of malice but for your benefit.” He had a level head in all of this mess. After all, I was paying him, right?

“So...you’re my bodyguard and my tutor?”

“In a way. So, this one–write this down–is the balance sheet. This details assets, liability and equity so you can understand the financial health of Montgomery Group.”

Scribbling away, I was determined to truly learn the information. My mother left this to me, and I wanted to make sure her work didn’t go to waste. An entire company would be at my mercy and, as a result, employees who relied on the company to feed and clothe their families. It was a big responsibility to hold up when I was barely in my twenties and it was not the ideal situation. Everyone was doing their best.

My phone rang and I was oddly happy it was Evans taking me away from my brain turning into soup. “Hello, Evans. Yes, I am learning and reviewing and yes, I will comply with your demands.”

A pause filled the receiver before he responded. “Good to hear. We will be tackling your PRnightmarehere, but you will need media training. Expect someone by to get you started and rely on James for now for guidance. He is your encyclopedia.” He paused again, leaving me nervous about what came next. “Do I need to tell you the obvious regarding the boy, or will you make good choices until you are in the boardroom this weekend?”

“When will I be needed?” I sighed.

“Sunday. Expect your Sundays to be booked from here on out. I am pleased to hear of your steps forward despite this dramatic scenario.” The line went dead.

“Fuck you too.”

James pursed his lips. “Are we okay to continue?”

“I need a snack first.”

Food wasn’t an option because as soon as I made it to the living room, someone knocked on the front door. I ripped it open, my patience for the day wearing thin. So much so that I was surprised I didn’t rip the door off its hinges.

Of courseit was Garrett at my house. Awesome. He stood there, shocked that I was so aggressive. “Bad time?”

“Garrett,” I sighed. “Unfortunately, you cannot be here and right now, it’s best that we don’t speak to each other.” I caught James out of the corner of my eye entering the living room, back in bodyguard mode. “My company is having a PR nightmare. I have a lot of employees to think about right now.” I shooed him. “Please, maybe another time, but not right now.”

James was there behind me, ready for anything.

Garrett looked angry. His fists balled up and his jaw clenched. “Fine. I will have our much needed talk with you. You can’t say no forever and you need to hear what I have to say.”

My bodyguard stepped into his view and crossed his arms, silently telling him to get lost or get hurt. He got the hint because he went off, stomping through my front yard.

Geez, did I even know this guy?

“I’ll answer the door from now on.” James said, leaving no room for pushback.

“Babe, you sounded like abossjust now,” Kelly called from the kitchen holding the leftover box from last night.

That box was calling my name. “Thanks. I am over it for today. I don’t want to go to this damn party, learn these damn business documents, or do anything else. But what choice do I realistically have? Everything is happening at the same time. Give me some of that damned cold pizza.”

She whipped out some coffee and set the table for us, leaving space for James if he so chose to join us. I wondered what he thought about being a bodyguard for a girl like me and what he thought of the antics that went on. Oh, to be a semi-silent observer.

“This issexpizza, now.”

I groaned. “How is it that I actually forgot about that?”

“Damn, it was that bad?”

Avoiding her gaze–and James’s–I bit into my pizza. “We’re not getting into it. What I will say is that I don’t think he sees me like a normal guy would. I think I just gave it up with the worst possible choice.”

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