Like, ever. And I was doing my manager’s job, leading people who actually hired me, none of whom wanted to pick up the slack while she was on maternity leave. See, I had no backbone. So I took on a managerial position without a change in title or reflection of the added responsibility in my paycheck.
Anyway, I fucking adored Dorian Holder, CEO right then, even if he frightened the hell out of me.
Well played, sir.
‘Today I’m going to be up on high looking over records, crunching numbers, seeing who’s been working and who hasn’t. We’ll start having individual meetings when I get a better idea of what’s gone so horribly wrong here. Holder Enterprises is top shelf, and every one of our acquisitions should uphold our spotless image. Apollyon is a sinking ship. There’s no need for this bullshit, and it won’t remain as such. We’ll get this place back up and running.’
Until that morning, I had no idea this enormous building to which I was so scared to go five days a week was a sinking ship.
Go on, Dorian Holder.
‘There’s money to be made. And we all love money, right?’ He looked around the table, kinda mad, I thought. Or maybe this was just something he did. Like a hotter version of that Baldwin brother’s monologue in Glengarry Glen Ross. We all nodded, simultaneously hopeful and fearful.
‘Well, I love money. Love. It. Out of all the businesses Holder En – rather, I – own, Boston Apollyon is a dark, gaping money pit.’ Dorian Holder, CEO cast a glance around the table, making us feel collectively responsible for whatever the heck he was talking about. ‘While recognising that some of this is the Forbes effect, there’s also major mismanagement and missing cash flow. A few floors up, a financial recovery team are conferencing even as we speak. There are solutions, and I intend to find them.’
All the businesses he owned. Wowzers. How many were there? I should have really googled Holder Enterprises, seeing as it – he – owned me. Us. He owned us.
He didn’t own me, yet. Not then.
But he would, in the not-so-distant future.
Hindsight is always 20/20.
‘So. I start one-on-one meetings with each department head this afternoon, from the bottom up. That is, I hope to, but the contractors –’ he rolled his eyes ‘– big shock, are still putting my office together on the thirteenth. You’ll meet with me by tomorrow at the latest, but be prepared for an email within the next couple hours.’
Sorry, but I was so confused right then. What exactly did he expect? My head was spinning.
Dorian Holder, CEO looked directly at me. Again.
Is he fucking telepathic, on top of everything else?
‘Between working your asses off today, say, over your lunch breaks – which, for the record, will be cut to half an hour until things shape up around here – jot down some ideas to discuss with me. Something new. Something that makes me oh-so-very-happy that I’m spending what was supposed to be a leisurely spring relaxing with my family …’
His family? My eyes darted to his left hand. Oh, thank God.
Naked fourth finger.
‘… trying to fix everything that Colossimo managed to fuck up so royally over the past year. Show me why Apollyon should keep you, why your team is valuable and what you have to offer to Holder Enterprises.’
Why did he keep looking at me? By then I was not so sure it was an attraction thing. Quite the opposite. Did he hate me?
Dear God, please don’t let Dorian Holder, CEO hate me …
‘Writers, my apologies, but you’re always the first department I downsize during overhaul. Ms Dewitt, you’re in for Ms McCarthy over the next two months, correct?’ He paused. ‘Ms Dewitt?’
‘Erm,’ I cleared my throat, trying to digest the fact that he already knew my name, as well as calling on my department before anyone else. ‘Just as a temporary –’
‘It’s a simple question. Are. You. In. For. Paula. McCarthy?’
He spoke to me as though I were a child.
A stupid child, at that.
Everyone stared, like I’d done something wrong. My overworked staff of six looked particularly desperate. Where did this animosity come from? Maybe I was doing something wrong. Maybe I hated Mr Adonis right back. Well, of course he’d be an asshole, what was I thinking earlier about his sweet smile? No one this good-looking could possibly have a kind heart.
‘Yes.’ It was a whisper. Dammit. Where was my voice?
‘I strongly suggest you get your department together before two to generate some new plans.’
You could have heard a pin drop.
‘OK.’ I gulped.
‘OK?’ He smirked. ‘OK what?’
‘OK, Mr Holder.’
This time he out-and-out snickered. ‘You mean, “OK, the copy department will be ready with some mastermind plan so I – you, rather, being their immediate supervisor – don’t have to start laying people off”.’
Asshole, Gwen mouthed at me.
Great minds think alike.
‘Yes.’ I glowered at him. ‘That’s exactly what I meant to say … sir.’
No, I could not keep the sarcasm out of my voice. How dared he humiliate me like that? Did he recognise me from the T? Oh, look, it’s that Plain Jane who had the chutzpa to stare at me this morning while I was trying to read my very important Wall Street Journal. As though she’s got a chance in hell with a thing like me.
This time, he smiled apologetically, and there was the dimple I would grow to love so very much. ‘Good.’
What was Dorian Holder, CEO? Besides an extremely attractive, wealthy and self-important Jekyll and Hyde? What had I done that made me his target, second only to Mr Colossimo?
He pushed back his chair importantly and waved his hand at us dismissively. ‘Run along, now.’
We filed out of the room in silence.
He followed us, slamming the door shut behind him, much as he had entered. Like he was already mad at us.
Like I’m already fired.
When we reached the elevator, Gwen opened her mouth to say something, but I shook my head. ‘There’s ears everywhere,’ I whispered.
A deep, resonant voice directly behind me added, ‘Indeed.’
I turned around, nearly bumping into Dorian Holder, CEO. I was face-to-face with his golden necktie, which stood out like a beacon against his black suit. Was Dorian Holder really so tall, or did he wear shoe lifts? I bet he wore shoe lifts.
