Page 47 of Collateral Damage
It would work. Cooper’s place is gorgeous. New, modern, and worth millions.
“Are you sure?” I can’t imagine Cooper wanting to give up his space like that, especially when we all know I’m not willing to give up my family’s place despite it sitting empty.
He gives me a steady look—one I can’t dream of reading. “It’s fine. I can find somewhere else for the summer. Besides, my place is more modern and fresher and will do well with the younger demographic we’re after.”
“Where will you stay?” Perry asks. “Next door with Ethan?”
Cooper barks out a laugh. “Fuck no. I’m not crashing with the newlyweds. Those two are like rabbits.”
He runs a hand through his tousled hair, messing it up, and I can’t help but wonder who he’s been sleeping with lately. Just Roxanna? Anyone else? Maybe they’re exclusive. But thinking of him having sex makes my nerves fire, and I hate myself for it. Since when did I care who Cooper sleeps with?
“I’ll rent another apartment somewhere else in the building. There are some available. That will make it easy to move my stuff.”
Perry’s eyes light up. “Perfect! If you rent a place in the same building, we can use it as our crew headquarters.”
“Now you’re just being a dick,” Coop growls.
“I’m being a show creator. Trust me, saving money now will come in handy when we need it later.”
Cooper thinks it through. “Fine, whatever I’ve got to do for the show, I’m in. It’s only three months, right? How bad can it be?”
I have a feeling he’s going to live to regret those words, but I keep my mouth shut. Cooper’s selflessness in this matter has not only solved a problem forTop of the World, but it’s lifted an enormous weight off my shoulders. I sneak a thankful smile at my old friend, but he’s too busy discussing the next steps with Perry.
“You know, you’re going to have to run this by your building’s board. Some buildings won’t let us film. Of course, we’ll have to pay a fee for this, and we have the budget. Do you think you can make it happen?”
Cooper smirks. “My brother and I own the largest units in the building and are quite chummy with the other residents. Just leave it to me.”
I hope he can pull this off, so they don’t end up asking for filming rights in my family home again. I don’t know if I can take the pressure.
After we finish, Cooper walks us to the elevators to see us off. King Media has the top seventeen floors of one of midtown’s nicest high-rises, and I won’t be surprised if in a decade from now they’re able to take over the entire fifty-story building. They’ve become an American media giant and the people who work here take their jobs very seriously. Of course they do. They work for Conrad King.
Cooper and Ethan are no different.
My opinion? Like your boss, and you’ll work hard for them. Conrad’s style? Scare the shit out of your employees, and they’ll be too afraid to make a mistake.
Despite my father’s personal mishaps,hehad respect from his employees because he led with kindness and enthusiasm. He was a true leader, and sometimes I have a hard time seeing what he saw in Conrad King. Those two got along for decades before their relationship imploded.
But that was Dad’s fault.
The elevator dings, and I shake myself from my thoughts.
The doors slide open, and Conrad King steps out. My mood instantly sours.
“Perry. Sybil,” he says in greeting. “It’s good to see you with my son again. Reminds me of old times.” His words are kind, but his tone is cold.
“Hello, Mr. King,” I say. “If you’ll excuse us, we are actually leaving now.”
I make to step toward the elevator, but Conrad blocks my path.
“Nonsense. I want to hear how things are going.”
My lips twitch. “Mr. Vale is seeing to my progress, and I work for him, not you. You’re welcome to call him and ask about my progress, but it would probably be best if you asked Cooper, seeing as he’s standing right here.”
Cooper’s mouth is a thin line, and his expression is unreadable.
Conrad laughs. “You’re right. Lance will make sure everything goes exactly as it should. Pardon me for intruding, Sybil. I forget my place sometimes when it comes to your family, given all ourhistory.” He gives us a wink, pats Perry on the shoulder, and strides away.
I release a frustrated sigh. Every damn time I see that man, I can’t help but feel completely unsettled. I can’t trust him to be anything but self-serving.
