Page 7 of The Fool

“Nate, you are one of the most fun-loving, approachable, and friendly guys I know. It’s why I wanted you here, to schmooze with new clients, but for some reason, you are a total shit when it comes to her. There’s not liking someone, and there’s blatant nastiness. What’s the deal?”

“I don’t know, she just…I don’t fucking know! She’s unnaturally polite all the goddam time, like she’s pretending to be someone she’s not. I tried being friendly in the beginning, but all I got was nervous laughter. It felt like she was looking down on me, as though I wasn’t worth the effort of her making any kind of conversation with. She’s closed off and snooty, probably only thinks I’m here because we’re related. So, I’m showing her otherwise, that she has no place judging me.”

“You sure those aren’t your own doubts? I’ve known her for a few years now, and I’ve only ever found her to be the opposite of everything you’ve just said.”

“As I said, some people aren’t meant to get along,” I argue, fast getting bored of this conversation. In fact, I turn away to begin answering an email on my computer, effectively shutting it down.

“Well, sort your shit out, I mean it!” he says and gets up to leave. “And next week you’d better be nice. She’s going to another country with three dudes so just remember that when you aren’t ‘getting along’. You’re right, you are her boss, and with that comes a responsibility to look after her.”

“Are we done? Ok then, get lost,” I huff, still with my eyes on the screen.

For fuck’s sake, I’m looking forward to this trip like a hole in the head!

Chapter 3

Bea

“Hey, Bea!” Lily beams as she walks in with her friend, Callie, both dressed in their jeans and t-shirts, completely contrasting with the corporate world all around us. For a moment, I envy them for being the sort of girl I once was – happy, relaxed, able to ignore everyone else’s drama. I used to love who I was, and even prided myself on staying well away from girly fights and high school gossip. That is untilIbecame high school gossip.

Slut deserved it.

She was never good enough for Dean.

No wonder he did what he did.

Bea, you should just go ahead and die.

I flinch as I recall reading those comments for the first time, already having been broken by those who I loved more than anything in the world. I feel momentarily sick and have to take a gulp of water before smiling back at them.

“Hi,” I reply shyly, “I’m just sending off an email; can you give me a moment?”

“Oh, sure, go ahead,” Lily replies with a flap of her hand, “this is the one time of the year when I have bags of time.”

She really is lovely, and I’m pleased for her and Cameron, they are such a beautiful couple, both inside and out. It really makes me consider how the hell someone as nice as Cameron can be related to someone as vile as Nathaniel. I mean, sure, they look practically the same, but as far as personalities go, they couldn’t be more different. Mind you, I think sadly, I suppose he is charming and lovely to everyone else, it’s just me who he hates.

“You ready?” Callie asks as I hit the send button, and I nod before grabbing my bag to leave. I then take a moment to brace myself before pressing the intercom button into my boss’s office. “Mr Carter, I’m off to lunch.”

“I will see you in one hour, Miss Summers,” he growls through the intercom.

Lily and Callie burst out laughing while looking completely flabbergasted at the same time, just more evidence of how differently he treats me compared to everyone else. I have no idea why, but I am literally part of the office supplies to this guy, an old broom to stuff inside the cupboard until needed.

“She’ll be back in two,” Lily calls out, then giggles.

A few moments later, Nathaniel opens the door and gives both girls a stern eyeballing before embracing them with kisses and cuddles. He instantly becomes the charming man in an Armani suit that all the other people see.

“Hello, darling, how are you?” he says to his future sister-in-law in such a way, I can’t help but roll my eyes over his complete personality change.

“Nathaniel,” she greets him back. “What’s this about being back in an hour? Cam told me she can have longer,” Lily questions as she stares him down, complete with crossed arms and a cluck of her tongue. I have to bite my lip just to hide my smile, for it is quite delicious to watch someone giving him a hard time for once.

“I have to leave for a meeting at three, so I need her back to make sure the phones are covered, Lily,” he argues, though still smiling… for them.

“Oh, fuck off,” Callie chimes in, “I’m sure you can leave the phones unattended for half an hour.”

“Ok, an hour and a half then?” Lily bargains.

“Fine,” he says with reluctance, then turns to face me with his usual stern expression. “But bring me back a chicken mayo salad and a coffee.”

“You’re kind of an asshole boss,” Callie says with a grimace. “Where’s the Nate who used to drink shots with the waitresses back at Mick’s place?”

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