Page 85 of Collateral Damage
“Listen, I told my mom you had my full support, so you’re welcome. You should be talking to her about it, not me.”
Suspicion dances behind his eyes. “Do I have your support? Because she, in fact, didnotrecommend me for the position.”
My entire body prickles. I thought for sure she would, but I didn’t get confirmation. I’m the only Laurence currently working at the company; it’s my butt on the line with Lance fucking Vale.
“Wait…” My eyes narrow. “Do youwantmy projects to fail?”
Is pulling funding some sort of sick revenge?
He releases a long breath, pinching the bridge of his nose. The guy looks like he’s aged ten years since my father’s death. He didn’t ask to be burdened by the company fallout, but that still doesn’t mean I’m okay with him screwing me over.
“I apologize, Sybil. Of course I don’t want your projects to fail. I’m worried what this show is going to do for Laurence, I truly am. Forbothof our not just mine.” He straightens his suit and takes a deep breath. “This has been a hard year for Laurence, and not only because your father passed away. Fiscally, it’s been tough. There’s a lot on the line. If this show is a failure, I can’t say what will happen. I know it may not sound like it, but I’m honestly looking out for us both.”
I nod. I get his fears even if I disagree with his approach.
“Please understand the more drama this show has, the more money we’re all going to make. As much as the shareholders lovetheir reputation, they love money more. Everything is going to be okay. You’ve got to trust me on that.”
“I hope so. And what about your work with the foundation? That’s not slipping, is it?”
He clocks my hesitation immediately.
“A little behind,” I admit, “but I plan to make it up. I care deeply about my job.”
“Which one?” He looks pointedly around the room.
It throws me off, as if I don’t care about the foundation because I’m here instead of at the office. “You know how important the charity work is to me, even more important than this show, but I’m only one person and?—”
“I’ve been asking you to hire an assistant, and you still haven’t done it,” he interrupts. “Have you even posted a job or taken interviews?”
I wince. He’s got me there.
It’s been busy and nothing I’m currently doing is something I want to give to an assistant. It’s one thing to have help hosting an event, but it’s something else entirely to have someone else doing my job for me. They’d have to talk to our donors and charities, and I don’t like that. I’ve never been good at sharing control.
“I thought as much. Well, lucky for you, my brilliant nephew has finished at Vanderbilt and needs a job. I’m giving him the assistant job on your behalf. Make sure you’re in the office on Monday to go over his duties with him.”
I blink rapidly, lost for words. Lance Vale leaves, brushing past me and out the door.
That’s when Cooper walks into the room. “What was that about?” His question is sharp and defensive.
The truth spills out of my still shocked lips. “Vale is worried about the show and about me doing my job well. He doesn’t think I can hack it.”
Furry lights those dark eyes. “Vale’s an idiot. Don’t worry about that guy.”
How can I not? Because at least for now, Vale is my boss.
Thirty-Seven
Sybil
Present - Age 27
We’ve finished the interviews, so Cooper and I are in the screening room.
Perry ran to the hospital to check on his little sister, Madeline. Poor girl has officially been diagnosed with breast cancer—a rare diagnosis at her age—but her prognosis is good, and she’s handling treatment well.
After a long day of filming, he asked us to watch everything and make notes of the most interesting sound bites for him to review later. The crew has gone home for the evening, so it’s extra quiet.
I would say the exhaustion is starting to weigh on me, but I’m keenly aware I’m alone with Cooper, and something about him charges me like nothing else can.
