Page 43 of Playing A Risk
“Her name is Melanie Yamada. She’s Dori’s best friend. She’s not in upper management, so there’s nothing in her employment agreement that states she can’t date anyone. It’s Dori who Hunter’s concerned about.” Jonah looks in my direction.
I’ve never understood why the board only made the rule for executives and not the other employees. But what I’ve come up with is it’s about the money it would cost to police all those people. With the executive team, there’s more at stake, and it’s easier to control.
My dad studies me for a second. “I was wondering if you were ever going to come out with it.”
“What do you mean?” I swallow nervously.
“I see how you look at Dori. Every time she moves, you watch her like she’s the most fascinating person in the room.”
“She is.” I point at Jonah to get his input. He’s shaking his buried head in his hands. I address my dad again. “She’s a good woman. Her loyalty is with Efron Worldwide. She would never go after the business.”
Jonah groans.
“Is there something you’d like to add, Jonah?” My dad cocks his head to him.
Jonah sighs heavily. “I think Hunter’s trying to say he’d like you to recommend how he goes about dating someone with such a clause in her contract. Fuck, Hunter. You’re usually better with the issues we bring to Dad. You’re losing your touch.”
I place my hand against my chest. “That’s because this is something close to my heart. I’ve never done this before, so forgive me for not approaching it with the tact and grace of a seasoned pro.”
“Maybe you should’ve practiced this speech in the mirror.” Jonah rolls his eyes.
“Fuck you, Jonah. I’d like to see you do better.”
He rises to his feet. “I already did better than you?—”
“Boys, that’s enough. Going at each other over ways to approach a subject such as this is pointless. I’m your father and I like to know what’s happening in your life. If one of you is interested in someone who could sue the company?—”
“She never would.” I spin to my dad. “Ask Jonah.”
“Hunter’s right. I don’t see Dori doing that at all. She would fight for this company before she’d sue. Her loyalty is clear.” Jonah rounds his chair and rests against his hands on the back of it.
My dad sighs and brings himself to our level. “I don’t know, Hunter. I like Dori, but can you say you know her well enough? She’s only been in the position for a short while.”
Jonah takes the reins. “She’s been with the company for years. I’ve worked closely with her. She’s told me many times this is her dream job. She comes from money anyway, so she’s not motivated by it.”
I barrel out a laugh. “That’s an understatement.”
My father’s brows crease. “Why do you say that?”
I huff. “Because she has enough money from her salary to buy a nice house or apartment, yet she chooses to live in a box that doesn’t even have an elevator to her floor.”
My dad’s house manager enters from the doorway. “Excuse me, Mr. Efron. Would you and your sons care for anything to eat or drink?”
“Please set the table for brunch and prepare us a continental-style spread. We’ll be out in about thirty minutes.” My dad smiles her way. “Thank you.”
“My pleasure.” She dips her head and steps out of the room.
“You only need a half an hour to decide?” I return to my chair and sit, tense with the small bit of time I have to convince him.
“Yes. I don’t need more time to know you’ll find a way to be with her, so let’s see how we can make it work.” He relaxes back in his seat. “How long have you had this little crush of yours?”
“It’s not a crush. That’s not saying she couldn’t stomp out my heart, but how I feel about her is much deeper than a simple infatuation.” My throat gets dry.
“What exactly is it then? I need to understand your levelof interest because if you’re saying this is something long-term, we need to put safeguards in place.”
His eyes bore into mine. “The woman of your dreams may be the very one that takes you down. Trust me on this, son. I experienced it with your mother. I know what I’m talking about.”
My mother did a number on him. Since she left, he hasn’t had a serious relationship, and he says he hates her. But sometimes, I wonder if he still loves her. The line between love and hate is thin.
