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2023-05-18 19:16:18Violet
I have a bad feeling about this. Contrary to my horror, most likely written on my face, Philip is smiling widely. Dominic - well, he is unreadable as always.
“As you two know I am starting something new. “ Philip continues, “I’ve been planning for this for a while. “
Philip turns to his son.
“I asked you to come back home not just because of Grandfather. But also because I will need your help.”
Then he turns to me.
“And yours.”
Dominic and I exchange a confused look.
“I don’t…”
I begin but Philip quickly says.
“I am starting a new company. Dominic has proven to be capable of turning a small company into a huge, successful empire. On the other hand- you Violet have been doing a great job with your father’s smaller business... I know you're trying to make the company work. “
“I…Yes, “
I nod.
“Great, “
Philip opens his arms, “It’s decided. “
“What do you mean it’s decided?”
Dominic argues, “We haven’t decided anything. You said you’d needed me for a month or two. “
“It… it might be a bit longer. “
Philip says, “But as soon as everything is settled you're free to go back to the US. “
“I’m… I am not sure this is a good idea, “ I start, and Dominic gets up abruptly.
“I am not doing this. “ Dominic cuts in, “Why didn’t you ask Conor for this?”
Then he looks at me. “I am sure you will work better with your husband. “
No chance I think. I am never working alongside Conor.
“He is busy with other matters, “
Philip says, “Besides, he is….”
“He is the one who will inherit all of this. “
Dominic says, “He is the oldest of us. So you should be able to rely on him. Not me. I have my own business now. My own life. And it’s far from here. “
“You are unwilling to help your own family?” his father asks, exaggerating the surprise in his voice.
“I am not saying this, “
Demonic says, coldly, “All I am saying is Conor should be doing this. “
Philip leans heavily back in the chair.
“Look, Dominic. “
Then he turns to me, “Violet, I know Conor is your husband. And he is trying to do what he can. But he’s never been that capable. And I need someone I can rely on. You two will be a great team. “
Philip smiles, “I just have this feeling. And I’ve never been wrong in my life. “
Dominic and I steal a glance at each other.
“Okay, “
Dominic says eventually, “ Okay. But I can’t promise I can stay for too long. “
“Of course, “
Philip says sand turns to me.
“Violet - the project will be very beneficial to you. To your company. And if it's successful, you will gain a huge profit. I will offer you part of the company if it turns out well. “
My brain screams GO FOR IT! My sixth sense is not so sure.
But if we succeed, I will be out of here. It will be over. I will give Conor back whatever I owe him and I am gone.
“Besides, “
Philip goes on, “I am asking this as a personal favour. “
Dominic groans.
“What?”
his father asks.
“You can’t use this to manipulate people. “
“I wasn’t manipulating her. “
I suppress a smile when Dominic looks at his father pointedly.
“It’s fine. I am… I agree. “ I say, “Let’s work on this. “
“Marvellous!”
Philip exclaims.
“There’s one more thing. “
“What is it?”
I ask, nervous.
“Please don’t tell Conor. “
“Why not?”
I frown and Philip shrugs.
“I don’t want him to feel… inadequate. Or incapable. Don't get me wrong. He is doing his best. I just … I just don’t want to leave him with the impression I am choosing Dominic over Conor. “
“You aren’t. “
Dominic says.
“Yes, that’s right, “ his father confirms, “But not everyone is like you, Dominic. Sometimes people have a hard time separating their emotions from their business ethics. Not everyone can make decisions entirely based on rationality. “
“Okay, “
I say, “I won’t mention anything. “
They don’t know we barely talk to each other…
“Perfect. “
Philip springs to his feet happily.
“Everything will work out great. I will ask my assistant to figure out the details. But why do you both look like you’ve just agreed to something terrible?”
Because we might have, I think. But I have no option, this is the best for me right now.
“When do we start?”
Dominic asks, not answering his father’s question.
“Now. “
“Now?!”
Both me and Dominic exclaim.
“Yes?” Philip says, amused, “I don’t see why not. “
Then reality begins creeping in. I will be working with Dominic. And I have this bad feeling about the whole thing that I can’t shake off.
***
When Philip says “You’ll start working now, “ he means it literally. Soon after our meeting, Dominic and I began preparing the paperwork.
We spent the afternoon setting up the office. It is ten pm and we're still in the office, designated for us.
It’s almost empty- two desks and the computers. And the tall windows.
Dominic and I don’t talk to each other, and I am very conscious of the fact I should not be looking at him.
That’s why I am sitting behind my desk, and he is working on his. We share this office, but I am hoping it will be just for today.
At some point, he takes his coat off, then his tie. Dominic rolls the sleeves of his shirt. I notice the outlines of a tattoo that ends at his forearm. I don’t remember him having tattoos.
Then I start wondering if he has more. And where.
Dominic notices me looking and I quickly look away.
His phone rings and he doesn’t pick up. The phone begins ringing again and he eventually picks up. He replies with single words.
“Yes. “
“No. “
“No, I can’t. “
“Yes, I am still working. “
“Maybe not.”
Then he hangs up. I am sure it was Anastasia. His supermodel girlfriend. I know I shouldn’t be doing this.
I know I am only making myself suffer. And yet I do it. I pretend to be looking at the pile of documents in front of me when I ask, keeping my voice as casual as possible.
“So, how did you and Anastasia meet?”
“We have mutual friends.”
“And… How long have you been together? “
He doesn’t reply right away. Then I figure he won’t answer at all.
“I am sorry, “
I laugh awkwardly, “You are probably tired of everyone asking this. “
“Yes. “
Dominic’s voice is cold as ice when he says it. Okay, that stung, but I only mutter a
“Fine. Sorry for asking. “
I fix my eyes on the documents, my heart beating like mad. Neither of us speaks for what feels like hours.
The atmosphere is so awkward- or maybe I am making it awkward, I don’t know. But I eventually give up. I shut my laptop and close the folders with papers.
“I am done, " I say and get up.
It's past midnight.
“I will see you tomorrow. “
I gather my things and head to the door when Dominic's low voice stops me.
“Do you want me to take you to your place?”
I pause right before pressing the door handle.
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