Page 34 of The Truth of Loving You

Shane

Ipinchedthebridgeof my nose, trying to keep all of my nervous ticks in check. I’d taken my anxiety meds for this meeting, but it wasn’t enough. The managers were pompous blowhards with zero insight into how to run an efficient business. Everyone would rather suck up to Mr. Branson than actually do a good job.

“The data clearly show...” I started to say before being cut off.

“You said yourself that the teams finished the report on the same day.”

“The team’s efficiency is based on more than one report. Team A finished the report and closed five additional projects in the same week while team B only closed one other project. Storing the data in the new format and then using the new template saves time in converting the stored data to usable information. The new system saves time,” I explained for the tenth time in our third meeting.

These men were one level below the C-suite and should be able to read reports and analyze data, but every single person in this company was allergic to change. An argument ensued between John and the blowhards.

The only thing that had kept me sane was Cole. Two weeks after we embarked on our friends with benefits arrangement, and I didn’t know how I’d managed without it. I was sleeping better and was more productive than ever. It turned out that shutting off my thoughts and anxiety greatly improved my quality of life.

We’d met three times already this week and played out filthy fantasies that I never dreamed of or been brave enough to verbalize. I’d been judgmental when he’d suggested watching porn, but he’d been absolutely right. Knowing something turns your partner on allowed for more experimentation and some innovation.

In two weeks, I’d come to know Cole’s body better than my own. He’d touched and licked every single inch of me repeatedly, and I needed it again tonight. This meeting triggered my past issues, being ignored, underestimated, and belittled.

“That is not your area of expertise,” a VP chastised me.

Our argument devolved and I stood, slamming my hands on the table.

John stood as well and said, “It’s late. We can revisit this topic at our meeting next week. Thank you.”

Everyone exited the conference room complaining and shaking their heads. I dropped back into my seat, my head in my hands with a killer headache developing.

“Challenging another VP isn’t going to help.” John patted my shoulder.

“Why was I hired?” I lifted my head to watch his reaction.

“To fill a vacant position.” John smiled wearily.

“No. The position had been vacant for five years, and the duties had been divided among the other VPs. This company could’ve continued with a restructured plan. I was told that I was hired because systems and processes needed to be updated. But everyone here refuses to acknowledge the need for change and ignores the system-wide errors in data reporting. You have to see that, John.”

John collapsed into the seat next to me. “Listen, kid.”

“I am not a kid,” I said through gritted teeth.

“You are brilliant. I’ve seen you pick up a report, scan it, and find the error that three people over three days couldn’t find. Your intelligence is not in question. But in terms of office politics, you’re a kid,” he said as I glared. “All those VPs have been promised a chance at the C-suite, and you swoop in and are offered the chance to present at the board meeting. That offer comes with a chance to fill the open C-suite position. They’re furious you’re getting that opportunity. They aren’t going to adapt any of your changes because it highlights their inability to do their jobs.”

“What do I do?” I understood what he was saying, but the overall financial health of the company should come first at some point.

“I was promised a shot at the C-suite position ten years ago. I’m not handing you the keys to the kingdom. You have to figure it out for yourself.” John stood and walked out.

Dammit. No one seemed to care about efficiency over personal gain. Not one damn person. I should take another crack at the report that refused to balance despite my many attempts. Instead, I extracted my phone from my suit jacket. I needed the release that only Cole gave me.

My heart didn’t skip a beat or flip over when I saw the text from Cole asking me to meet him later. He probably assumed I was working late as usual, but I needed to get the fuck out. I texted him that I would meet him at his shop, which was closer than my apartment.

It wasn’t until I was standing in his shop that I read his second text stating he had a supply issue and would meet me at my apartment. I was breaking one of his rules by showing up at his work, and polite conversation required me to answer Alec’s raised eyebrow about why I was here.

Shit.

“Hey, Cole said there’s a supply issue and asked me to help,” I said, hoping his answer would give me an idea.

“I had no idea you could help us get ink in time for our scheduled tattoos.” Alec smirked, calling bullshit on me.

I forced out a laugh. “Nope, no ink.” But inspiration hit me. “We talked about implementing a program to help track usage so this doesn’t happen in the future.”

“Really?”

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