All Chapters of Withstanding the Odds: Chapter 31 - Chapter 40

"Sir, she cannot be trusted." Rand states as I push the laptop away from me. I huff out a frustrated breath while Rand moves closer, standing right before me."And what exactly would you have me do Rand?" I ask and watch his eyes narrow then turn, his hands on hips in clear irritancy. "Would you have me lock her up and throw away the key?""You want me to answer that honestly?" He pouts then turns and gives me a shrug."Rand, your trailing her is what is pushing her away. She's right, she chose to stay with us, with me, and I cannot have her feel unwanted within the agreement we have.""And what agreement is that Bronson? I mean did you ever think about what this girl could really do to you?"I sit there starring as he begins pacing. Rand is the only human being in the world, that could speak to me this way. That is until I met Miss Myers. Not even Cassandra speaks to me on the level Rand is at the moment, but I know more than anything, it's him attempting to do his job in protecting m

The ice in my tumbler rattles as the takeoff begins. I catch a glance at Nicole who has the same fearful face as before when we first arrived in San Francisco."Are you sure you're going to be alright?" I ask placing the glass down on the small round table beside the chairs. Nicole has told not only me but Rand, Landen and Jim, who have also voiced their concerns with her this morning. We all told her our opinion; Landen even had the idea of giving her Dramamine. But like I knew she would, Nicole shut us all down with a single narrowed gaze."I'm fine. Now that I know what it feels like, I'm not as afraid." The plane jets around as we rise through the air and I look back over to see Nicole already squirming. Her eyes are shut and her breathing heavily. I unbuckle and make my way over to her chair, kneeling beside her and taking her body, pulling it into mine as far as her seatbelt will allow. "So stubborn." I mumble and it clears the air enough for her to giggle."Pot, meet kettle."

Everyone turns to me as I stand there anxiously, watching as they look at me with concerning eyes."Nicole…" I look over from Bronson, giving him a simple nod as he narrows his eyes at me. I don't know what I'm doing, I'm thinking on my feet about things I know nothing about, but I need to do this, I need to show Bronson that I am worth him giving me this possibility.Even if it's all just a rouse."The Statue of George Washington is the first thing I noticed when coming to your office today sir. If I may, I wanted to ask you why you chose to set up your company in the middle of the University District, as opposed to the Financial District?"I'm waiting on Mr. Blodgehorn to scoff at my questions and continue to throw us out, to flat out ignore my interference and speak silently with his assistant. Instead, I'm surprised when he blows out a breath, sits and speaks."My son." He begins, clearing his throat. "My son passed away two years ago. He was a student at the local University.

A chuckle leaves me body and instead of speaking, I walk right out of the elevator behind her listening as she rambles on and on about getting the deal of a lifetime and how amazing she is without me. How I should bring her along to every one of my meetings. By the time we make it to the car, she's still speaking, only now it's to Rand and Landen as they drive us towards the diner reservations I had them make once the deal was set."So, I guess you should be giving me some kind of commission check then?" I turn towards her, enamored with her upbeat personality. I don't know much about Nikki's past, but her sarcastic spirit, her fun personality, drive her to be optimistic. Something others in her shoes, certainty wouldn't be."Well, I suppose the dinner I'm taking you to at Dior isn't much of a commission?""Dior?""It's an elite restaurant, only open two days a week for a few hours. People pay top dollar to simply get in. Although the waiting list is over a year long, I was able to get

"So, let me get this straight. You've never had ice cream?" Nikki shouts causing me to chuckle. She's got a nice warm smile and her cheeks are flushed. If I've learned anything from tonight, it's that Nicole drinking, is something to see."I've had ice cream.""Really? How often do you indulge in sugary substances?""It's not often." I shrug and laugh when I see her throwing her head back cackling at my statement.We've been here at the restaurant for hours. I've answered call after call from Rand and Jim, telling them that we are done and that we will be home soon, only each time it's time to leave, Nikki starts a new conversation causing us to stay out longer. It's nearing eleven o'clock and the manager of the restaurant has yet to come and kick us out.The diner was fantastic, some of the best I've ever had and when I devoured my plate, I looked up to see Nikki looking at me with a smug look. I had to give her credit, this place was not only amazing, I found an amazing opportunity i