Page 70 of Payback
“I looked in the employee handbook and couldn’t find anything about fraternising with clients, so I figured I would just tell you if it developed into something more.”
“And it has apparently developed into something more?” Niall’s face becomes more serious, and it makes it difficult for me to make eye contact with him.
I pull my lips into my mouth and nod.
He splays his hands out on the desk and lets out a laugh. “Allie, do you really think you’re telling me new information?”
My eyes lift to his. “What do you mean?”
“I’ve known about you and DeWalt for weeks now.”
“Weeks?” I ask, my jaw dropped.
“Of course,” he says and flicks his hand out like it’s a silly concept. “I’m in public relations. It’s my job to know. That and Vaughn Harris called me and told me everything.”
“He what?” I exclaim, my muscles tensing.
Niall lets out a chuckle. “He said you were spending time with DeWalt and that he is okay with it but wanted to ensure it wouldn’t negatively affect your position with the firm.”
My throat tightens as emotion overcomes me. My uncle called and said all of this? To my boss? I don’t think my own father would have been that protective of me.
“I told him it is fine by me as long as you two don’t make any media scandals.”
“Ooo—kay,” I stammer, blinking back my shock. “So then, it’s all good?”
Niall nods and then props his elbows on his desk. “It’s more than good. I’ve just received a call from Adidas and they are interested in using Roan for next season’s football campaign.”
“What?” I cry, nearly dropping the papers that are in my hand. “Are you serious?”
“Very serious,” Niall replies with a cocky brow lift. “It’s some sort of Dream Big Campaign. They want to highlight his fast-tracked career from his League One team in Cape Town, to Bethnal Green in the Championship League, to next season as a Premier League starter. It’s going to be huge, and there aren’t many athletes with his type of career trajectory, so I think the competition is slim.”
“That is wonderful news,” I state, my jaw still dropped in awe. “I know an endorsement like this is everything Roan has wanted.”
Niall smiles proudly. “I’m aware, and I’m doing everything I can to help make this deal happen for your boyfriend. That’s why it’s extremely important you two are picture-perfect out there on the streets. No public arguments, no cheating scandals. Not even photos with people of the opposite sex. You two need to be the model couple. I’m sure you’re aware that it’s not only Roan banking on this deal but his family back in Cape Town as well.”
A pang of guilt hits me in the stomach and I close my eyes and murmur a silent “thank you” that I finally deleted the video. If that got out now and I ruined all the hard work he’s done for his family, I would never forgive myself.
I swallow the knot in my throat and reply, “I’m definitely aware.”
“Good,” he says, pounding his fist lightly on the desk with some finality. “I’m glad we had this talk. None of this should be hard considering you work in PR, so I won’t lecture you anymore on the subject. Hopefully now that things are out in the open, you can stop being so afraid of me.”
“I’m not afraid of you,” I volley back, surprised by his change in direction. “I was worried about telling you, but only because you didn’t seem too pleased about my connection to the Harris family when I first started here. I thought this might push you over the edge.”
He purses his lips and sits back in his chair. “That’s because when I started working for the team, I was exhausted by all the politics of doing things a certain way. It truly is the Harris way or the highway with Bethnal Green F.C. But I’ve since learned that they’re not so bad and it’s better to work with them than against them.”
I nod my agreement knowing all too well how the Harris clan works. “That is definitely true.”
“So, you and DeWalt being together is fine,” he adds, clapping his hand on the desk. “Is that all you needed to talk to me about?”
I pull my lip into my mouth, nervous to ask my next request because it truly is yet another Harris request. “I was wondering if I can have a few days off next week?”
Niall quirks a brow. “Have you completed the seating chart for the gala?”
“I was just finishing it.”
“And have you had the final fittings for Roan and Mac’s clothing for that night?”
“Yes,” I reply. “I took them to the boutique last week, and Freya is doing the final alterations now.”
