Page 20 of Galen's Redemption
“Good, thank you. Is there anything particular I need to know for today?”
Galen cocked his head. “I’m sorry, what?”
“Well, I don’t know how you like things done, so I thought I should ask what you want me to do. I came in early so I could try to figure out some of your system.”
“You’ll have to forgive me. I haven’t had my coffee yet. Who are you?”
She jutted her lip out slightly, looking aggrieved. “I’m Melissa, your new assistant.”
He chuckled. “I already have an assistant.”
Melissa leaned against the elevator wall. “No, Olivia got fired last night. Your father hired me.”
Galen closed his eyes. He had to have misheard what she said. Why would his father fire Olivia?It made no…. Wait. He glared at Melissa. “Okay, so has he slept with you yet, or is that what he’s dangling in front of you to get in your pants?”
Her expression turned murderous. “Excuse me?”
He scoffed. “Please. There’s no way he’d hire you as my assistant if he wasn’t looking to get laid. So either you’ve already put out or he’s working up to it.”
She stood there, red-faced, with her chestpuffed out, but she didn’t reply.
“Thanks. You told me everything I need to know. I appreciate your candor, Melissa, but your services aren’t required.”
“But your father said—”
“My father doesn’t hire my staff.” The doors opened on their floor. “I’m not sure which department is yours, but please go back there. I won’t have you working for me.”
She glared at him for a moment, then stormed downthe hall. She’d turned the corner before he threw back his shoulders, dumped the flowers and his things on a nearby chair. His whole life, Father had made unilateral decisions. Galen was never good enough to have an opinion that didn’t come directly from Jonathan Merriweather. He pretty much kissed his father’s ass, hoping for crumbs, and every time he was disappointed. And now, because he wantedin some leggy redhead’s pants, he fired the best assistant Galen had ever had without so much as aby your leave.
No more. One way or another, this ended today. He straightened his shoulders and marched for his father’s office. He pushed the door open, not surprised to see the man sitting behind the desk, already talking on the phone. He looked up and gave Galen a scowl.
“Don’t worry, Melissa.I’ll straighten this out. Yes, I’ll call you back.” He hung up and rose to his impressive height. “I assume you’ve got an explanation for this?”
Galen wanted to be surprised that his father was trying to turn this back on him, but not this time. “I want Olivia rehired, and I expect it now, Father.”
His father’s deep gray eyes flashed as he leaned on the top of the desk, getting in Galen’s face.“You expect? This is my company, Galen. If I say she’s fired, then that’s all there is to it.”
“So you can get into that girl’s pants? Why? Did Olivia turn you down?”
His father blinked, and Galen knew the truth.Thathad been why Olivia said he was too good for this place. His father had been propositioning her.
“I can’t believe you.” Galen wanted to say more, but with how hot his temper wasrunning, he was afraid it would lead to blows.
“Watch your tone, Galen.”
He’d watched his tone for all his life. Until now he’d deferred to his father in all things.
“No.”
Father’s eyebrows met his hairline. “Excuse me?”
“I said no.” Galen leaned against the desk. “I will not have someone else working for me just because Olivia wouldn’t sleep with you. There are things called sexual harassmentlaws, you know.”
Of course he knew. Their law firm had paid enough money out to quell the complaints, but the rumors still persisted.
“Melissa is your new assistant, so you’d best get used to the idea.”
Noel’s words slammed into Galen’s head.“This is what family is about. It’s not trying to stab people in the back to get what you want. It’s about standing together to make each other stronger.You don’t get it now, but maybe one day you will.”
