"Sebastian, I told you to wait up in my office until this meeting was over," Garret said assertively. Everyone stayed quiet, waiting for the chaos between father and son to commence. Sebastian walked further into the room and asked what I assumed was his assistant to shut the door.
"I know, but this meeting is about me, isn't it? Surely I should be here if it's about me." He kept his eyes glued on me his entire reply. I focused my attention to my iPhone instead, which was shaking due to my trembling hands.
Everyone then turned to Garret, who knew that Sebastian had a good point. I could see however, why Garret didn't want him here: because he's an arrogant immature jerk. The complete opposite of my boss, who was actually going to be my former boss soon.
Garret looked extremely pissed. His face turned a darker shade of red every second. Sebastian was not only embarrassing himself, but his father as well. Good thing the press wasn't in here...yet.
"Take a seat, Sebastian."
Sebastian smiled, and then walked over to the area I was sitting in. I suddenly realized the empty seats I was sitting next to and started to panic. The last thing I wanted was to sit next to the man I insulted...technically, who is the son of my boss.
I held my breath as he walked over, but a silent sigh of relief escaped my lips as he walked towards the aisle behind me. He whispered an excuse me to the women he was passing by, and almost in unison they all blushed and covered their mouths with their hands. Sebastian smiled, knowing his simplest charm tactics could weaken any woman. I rolled my eyes in disgust.
As he took his seat, which happened to be right behind me, his two assistants took their seats next to me, and Garret began talking again. He gained barely anyone's attention in my area, considering almost everyone was staring and whispering about Sebastian.
Dear Lord.
During this time, Garret went into a useless speech about the importance of this company, which made me realize that it was the perfect time to check today's schedule and reply to emails. Just until Garret got to the interesting part of his address.
The one that everyone was here for.
BusinessCentral.com had emailed me about a possible interview with David Twinem, The Chief of Finance. This made absolutely no sense considering they could have just emailed him but I decided to reply stating that I would schedule one at David's earliest convenience.
Suddenly, I felt a disturbance coming from my right shoulder. I turned to find a pair of big green orbs staring directly at my phone. Sebastian's, to be exact.
"What the hell?" I blurted out. I knew better than to speak that way to...authority, but I hate it when people frighten me like that, especially when all of my attention is focused on something else.
I covered my mouth, which would do nothing to cover up what I had said.
"I'm sorry I didn't-"
"No need to apologize now that you know who I am," he whispered, smiling.
"Oh, brother. So what's your plan? File a complaint to your father and have me fired?"
I looked around, hoping no one was watching our conversation. Everyone was either half asleep or on their cell phones.
He chuckled softly. "No, no. I'm not that evil, especially to my father's publicist."
"How did you know that?" I asked. He nodded in the direction of my phone. Nosey bastard was actually looking at my e***l.
"You have no right to look at my priv-"
"Actually I do, seeing that you'll be my publicist someday...unless I decide to fire you."
I looked directly at him and was ready to let him have it. I knew it was going to be very hard to sound assertive; his eyes were easy to get lost into and how handsome he was overall to be honest...but I wouldn't let this dickhead stomp all over me like that, no matter who he was.
And no matter how good he smelled.
"Listen here, Sebastian, I'd rather live on the side of the street begging for spare change then work for a man like YOU, who thinks he's above everyone else just because his fath-"
Before I could successfully finish my rant that would likely cause my job to go down the drain, I heard Garret say my name, and everyone looked in my direction. Sebastian quickly sat back into his seat as if our conversation didn't happen. I glanced at Caleb who was looking at me as well.
"Caleb, why is everyone looking at me?" I whispered.
"I have no idea."
Garret, who was smiling at me, gestured for me to stand next to him on the stage. I smiled awkwardly and walked up the side steps.
"Now, I have informed my trustworthy publicist Leslie and one of my assistants Terrance that I have decided it is time for me to retire."
Gasps and shocked reactions filled the entire room. Frankly, I wasn't the only one who wasn't aware of this. The only people who weren't shocked by the news were Sebastian and his two lackeys who were sitting next to me.
"And that obviously means that the company would have to be passed down to my son, Sebastian." Sebastian sat comfortably in his chair smiling, obviously content with what he was hearing.
"However, I will be forward when I say that he is not fit to take on such a responsibility that comes with being the CEO of a multi-million dollar company such as this one."
The look on Sebastian's face was priceless. His smile faded into an expression that showed how offended he was about what his father said. His mouth popped open and he began to blush. Everyone in the room looked from Garret to Sebastian, waiting for the cage match to begin.
He obviously wasn't aware of this.
"That is why I have called you all in here to inform you that my publicist will work personally with Sebastian for the next few months to insure that he is ready to take my place. Even though this is a family company, and the responsibility of being a CEO is passed down from one son to the next and so on, I will be handing it to our COO Henry Dravis until Sebastian is ready to take the position."
I looked at Garret, hoping he was joking and playing an elderly prank on all of the younger people in here. That the older people were in it somehow, too. The scenario made no sense in my mind, but then again this didn't either. He wanted me to fix his out of control son myself? To stick with him for what could be three to four months? I couldn't even deal with him for two minutes!
I pondered heavily on the information I had just received. Sitting on the street begging for change sounded great at the moment.
I knew Garret was out of his freaking mind.I've never heard of a boss that does the stuff that he does, I mean his tactics are insane. He left the conference room without answering any questions, even though the entire room was asking the necessities such as "why didn't you tell anyone before" or "why are you retiring so soon."He didn't even let me stay to calm the crowd down even though I knew none of the answers to their questions. He lightly grabbed my arm and Sebastian followed, along with Terrance, David and the two people who followed Sebastian in here.Once we left the room, the two big bulky men who escorted us out of the elevator earlier escorted us into one. I walked in first, and Garret pushed Sebastian in afterwards even though he looked as if he was willing to glue his Armani shoes to the floor than stand next to me. Sebastian stumbled in next to me and everyone else piled in, leaving hardly any elbow room. Perfect. T
I approached the door that led to the CEO office of doom. I didn't open it, though. I wanted to give myself some time to think over what I was about to do. Sebastian and Garret's screams were more amplified now, which made it harder for me to push myself to walk in. Still, I told myself that I would be a savior of sorts for breaking up the unecessary argument.I knocked softly and the screaming was replaced by the sound of Garret yelling "come in!" through the door. I opened the door hesitantly and stood in front of the two angry menSebastian looked at me as if I just killed his dog."Oh, Leslie. I'm sorry about all of this." Garret started."It is perfectly fine, sir. I just wanted to check in, to see what is going on...how...why I'm involved...I could come back another tim-""No, you have come at the right time. Shit has already hit the fan."Sebastian snorted and let out a laugh
Sebastian sat quietly, yet angrily in an arm chair while me and Garret sorted everything out. He had finished his hissy fit knowing it would do him no good. Garret had me sign a few papers, some wavers basically stating that if I got killed by a cow or got ran over by a tractor or something out there they wouldn't pay for my funeral. Greedy bastards.But loaded ones, though.Anyway, I began to realize how crazy and idiotic this whole plan sounded. I wanted to tell Garret that there was no curing his son, that he needed a good dose of Jesus, maybe an STD test as well, but frankly I didnt find it appropriate at the moment."I can't thank you enough for doing this, Leslie. You truly are a life saver." I smiled at Garret as I signed the papers he set down."I'm happy to help, anything for this company.""Anything?" Sebastian laughed."Shut..up!" Garret was fumming now. I couldn't unders
"What in the hell!?" I was yelling like a maniac in the lobby; all of the Harrison Inc. employees and some other important visitors were looking at me like I was crazy. Paul put the phone on hold and mouthed "what are you doing", but in all honesty I couldn't answer, since I didn't really know myself.I jogged my ass to the elevator, which Sebastian was already inside of, and stopped the doors from closing with my hand. When they re opened, a pair of surprised green eyes looked up from an iPhone, then turned into angry ones.Frankly both of our eyes shared a similar emotion.I walked into the elevator, ready to escort him out, until both of the doors were closed and we made our descent."Shit." I mumbled.He put his phone in his pocket. "What are you doing?" He asked."I should be asking you the same question. Your father told you to stay in the lobby. How can you not follow simple
All five of us stood in the elevator in silence, still trying to wrap our minds around what happened. The only sound came from one of the security guards opening a water bottle he had in his pocket. I still had Sebastian's jacket in my hand but he didn't ask for it back yet, since he was now eating his sandwich. He was scarfing that thing down like it was the last thing to eat on earth. Lucinda stood next to me, staring at him with hopeful eyes. I leaned in to Lucinda's ear."He may want it from you soon, but not now." I whispered. Her smile faded, and she turned and faced the elevator doors disappointed.A ring from a cell phone halted my thoughts. One of the security guards pulled out his phone and answered it. He walked into the corner of the elevator, so we couldn't hear what he was saying. I was surprised he has signal in here, until I saw it was those indestructible Nokia phones from the 90's.Lucinda turned towards me. "So wh
Once we got to the garage, another pair of security guards were waiting for us. They led us to a black SUV, and opened the door for me to get in to the back."Is everything alright, Ms. King?" Edward asked, in an emotionless tone. I nodded as I put my seat belt on, even though I was lying.Nothing was alright. It had been a long morning, a very long morning. I almost got fired twice, and my face was plastered on every gossip blog and TV show in California for now. Running away to Tennessee wasn't going to make anything better. I just hope that Darcy knows what she's doing, and by the time I get back my name will only be remembered as the millionaire's publicist's.The two security guards sat next to me, one on each side, then shut the door. I was squished in between their muscular arms, but I couldn't complain. I had a feeling they didn't want to be here either. The windows were so ti
The time was 2:45, but it had felt like we were only talking for mere minutes. Beth had decided that she wanted to enjoy something hard, and Vodka happened to be the first drink she spotted in the cabinet. I took a sip of the over bearing drink and decided that I wouldn't have anymore enter my body, no matter how much Beth insisted."C'mon, Les! Just one more drink." She pleaded. She was obviously entering the beginning stages of intoxication, for she could barely keep her balance sitting down. Paul downed a small glass of Vodka with one tip like a pro. Sure, he did cough a few times when he successfully swallowed the drink, but he managed to keep it down. He reached for the bottle and poured himself another glass, spilling the Vodka all over the table."Le-les. Just live 'little. Just one drink." Paul gurgled. He paused after every word to gather the right ones to say.I went into the kitchen and grabbed an old rag from under the s
I heard someone stepping into the jet, being none other than Sarah the bitch. She rolled her eyes when she saw me."Not here for a cat fight," I started, "I just want to see what's going on, that's all.""Well we're in agreement in something, this shit is fucking crazy." She replied. She leaned over the leather seat next to the one I was on and looked out the window. We could hear their conversation perfectly."I wanted to surprise you, sweetheart." Fiona said. Sebastian took off his shades to examine his mother more prominently. Eric stood by the SUV, while Lucas stood by the stairs to the jet, not wanting to be in the cross fire. Edward, however, stood by Fiona, still in shock he was blindsided."Surprise me with what?" Sebastian asked."Well, with you taking over the company and all. I didn't know you would have to go through some cleansing process to do it. I guess it's for the best, I've been v
** I fucked up. I had never felt so much regret in my entire life. One part of me wanted to hit Sebastian for making everything more complicated, then the other wanted to just kill myself for ruining everything. Here was this man, this man I was in denial about having feelings for, confess his love to me and all I say is "No." No. Why wasn't I running after him though? If I really cared, why was I still standing here, dumb founded. I slumped back in my seat and rested my head in my hands. I was an idiot, and frankly mending this was going to be harder than I thought. My complicated persona just ruined more lives than one, it had seemed. What if he fired me, now? Fired someone else out of anger? What if we could never have the same relationship again? I tried my best to choke down a sob. The sound of the door opening halted my thoughts. My spirits were raised as I thought the person entering the room was Sebastian, yet it wasn't who I expected.
It was the weirdest thing. I had never been so pissed off in my entire life. Over what? Something so petty? How could I let the ginger bitch get under my skin like that? Enough for me to go confront Sebastian myself?Sarah followed me to the ballroom, and knew exactly what I was going to do once she saw the direction I was heading in."I'm...gonna go get another drink with Lucas. Let me know if a bitch needs slappin'."I nodded, watching her walk back to the bar.I exhaled deeply before tapping Sebastian on his shoulder, halting his conversation with someone I didn't recognize."Sebastian, I need to talk to you. Now."His smile fade
"Honestly, this dress makes me look like a fucking idiot." Sarah complained, tugging on the edges as we descended in the elevator. I laughed as the doors opened "You know what that reminds me of?" I said. "What?" "When you and Sebastian first came to Harrison inc and he was complaining about his suit." Sarah thought for a moment before laughing "Oh yeah I remember!" She cleared her throat to be able to imitate Sebastian's masculine voice "I feel stupid in this fucking suit" She mocked. Sarah and I both giggled at the memory. As the elevator doors opened, we walked farther into the lobby to meet up with the two security guards,
My first thought was to push him away, but after a few moments I found myself enjoying the moment even more than he was. His lips were...soft, and warm. Like his hands but of course they didn't feel the same in that way. It was so unexpected that when he did kiss me I froze. It took me a while before...I actually kissed him back. Honestly, there are no words that can actually describe how it felt. It just felt good. The way he held my face in his hands, the way he smelled; like Irish Spring. Hell it felt even more than good it felt amazing. I had never felt a kiss that could compare. Is this what I've been missing out on this entire time?I thought to myself. Then it felt cold again. I opened my eyes to find
"I want to go to New York...tomorrow."I brought my attention from my laptop onto Sebastian, who was leaning on the desk I was seated at.It had been a week since he had left the hospital, and a week since the Harrison's had sorted everything out. It was a breath of fresh air to see everyone getting along. Past grudges were left in the past, and it had felt like the family was new. Garret had gone back to L.A., which reminded us that we only had mere weeks until Sebastian was the CEO.I sat back in my chair and chuckled "Um, tomorrow? That's a little soon; we have it planned a week in advance-"He suddenly pulled a paper from behind his back and slammed it on the desk. He pointed to the title "Skate for a Cause" printed in wh
"Leslie, you're like a...a lifesaver!" Beth said. I laughed, knowing of her over the top nature. I was in the hospital hallway, talking to Beth via cell. She called me asking about Sebastian since Fiona told Aunt Penelope about Sebastian and in turn, told Leonardo. I told her everything, from the fight at the manor to Rachael crying on his shoulder. Beth was more than interested at the story, and even almost cried a few times. "Well, I'm just glad you guys are alright. Such a relief. But in my opinion, I think that they should settle their problems. I mean, their family is over the rocks, now." I sighed. She had a point. They did need to sit down and talk, but I knew Sebastian wouldn't have it. I glanced down the hallway and watched Sebastian pushing Rachael in the wheel chair. The
Lucas and William dragged Sebastian down the stairs to gain access to the back door that led to the alley. Everyone we passed stopped dancing or socializing to look at Sebastian. There was no doubt that this would be news in the next couple of hours. Sam, our driver, was waiting in the alley once we got outside. Sebastian was sweating bullets even though it was at least fifty degrees outside, and his eyes remained closed. "Leslie, sit in the middle row with me so you can support his head." William told me. I didn't question as I got in the car. William sat in the middle, dragging Sebastian in and laying him across us. "Take us to the hospital, Sam!" William yelled. Sam quickly put the car in reverse and backed out of the alley int
Around 8 o'clock, Lucas and Sarah began to look tired; I could see it in their eyes. Eventually, Lucas yawned and stretched his lean arms "Well, I'm out." He said. I waved goodbye to him, only to watch him flop down on my bed and pull my covers over him. "Um, if you have forgotten, that's my bed." I said. "Yeah, but this one is more comfortable." He replied, not even making eye contact with me. I sighed in defeat. Lucas was about a foot taller than me, so there was no way I could get him out of my bed. Even though he was skinny and not as muscular, it would still be a task; I guess I would just sleep on the couch in my room. Sarah, rubbing her eyes, looked tempted to join him. Tiredness took over her, and she got up and slammed al
I walked as fast as my heels would allow me to the living room. The information this seven year old just fed me was too much to handle, and I needed to talk to Sarah about it. Since we both worked for the Harrison's she would know how to handle this."Why are you walking so fast, Leslie?" Rachael asked as she tightened her grip around my hand."Um, nothing I just don't want to miss everyone leaving." I looked at my watch; 5:35 already. Where did the time go? No matter, all that mattered was getting Rachael out of my company before I lost my patience. Unfortunately I didn't have my stress ball in handy to calm my nerves, so I had to get Rachael to Ulysses to settle this.I didn't know why I was so angry. Allegedly a man was in love with me and this is how I reacted? Maybe my past experi