My mother swats at the space between us. “That’s not a problem. Your specialty is managing difficult men.”
I turn toward Clea while hitching a thumb at my mom. “She gets me.”
My friend shakes her head. “I would hope so, considering she birthed you.”
The woman in question has a wistful expression across her features. I can practically see the memories replaying in her starry gaze. Just as quickly, the calm softness vanishes from her features. “We’re not done discussing Landon.”
I glare at the ceiling. “There’s not much to tell. I’ve only met with him a handful of times.”
“You said he’s challenging. Is that code for him being mean?” Mama Bear mode appears in tense lines around her eyes.
Sharing the gritty truth isn’t going to help anyone. “No, he’s perfectly fine.”
Clea scoffs, knowing full well I’m lying through my teeth. “Then what are you complaining about? Having him as a client will give your reputation a serious overhaul. Everyone will seek you out because of him.”
“That’s only if he gives me a glowing recommendation for referrals.” Which is less likely than winning the lottery.
My mom pats my cheek. “What’s the worst he could say about a wonderful girl like you?”
There’s no good way to answer that.
“Okay, enough shop talk.” I press a finger to my lips. “Let’s not ruin my favorite part.”
The nail technician begins massaging my arch and I just about melt into a puddle. I’m spewing noises that are indecent at best.
“Jeez,” Clea exclaims. “I’d like some of that too.”
I barely hear her as the lady digs into my heel. “Oh, yes. Right there.”
“Vannah,” my mother scolds.
“I can’t help it,” I whimper. “It feels so good.”
The queen administering my pure pleasure laughs. “Don’t worry. It happens all the time.”
“I bet Landon Winters could get that reaction for an entirely different reason,” Clea murmurs. She shares a wink with my mother.
If they only knew how rotten he is at the core…
And that’s the real kicker. He’s incorrigible, but most seem willing to overlook his lethal flaws. I’m trapped in this torment by my own doing. Regret hasn’t settled in quite yet. There’s room for improvement at this rate.
If nothing else, I’m figuring out what makes him tick. We have yet to discuss his revealing outburst, but I have every intention of exploiting that sensitive spot when the moment calls. I discovered a sliver of good, uncovering that Landon is human after all. He cares about someone, whether past or present doesn’t make a different to me. Hate might be all that remains, but he might’ve loved this mystery girl at some point.
Whoever she is must’ve been a real piece of work. She’s my shero. Well, unless she did something horrible. I can’t even imagine what happened to cause such a lasting impact on a man like Landon. She’s his weak spot, and I have every intention of using her to my advantage.
As if summoned by the devil, my cell phone begins to ring. Landon’s number flashes across the screen. Someone’s ears must’ve been burning. The clench in my stomach is becoming an automatic reflex where he’s involved.
I’d send him straight to voicemail, but that’s a lesson that doesn’t need repeating. The man is relentless and refuses to be silenced. It’s in my best interest to answer and avoid further confrontation.
“Sorry, I have to take this.” I shoot an apologetic look to my companions before swiping to accept. “Hello, Lannie.”
“I need you in a meeting.” He’s nothing if not efficient.
“All right, when?”
“Thirty minutes.”
I cough to cover my choke, disbelief squeezing tight to my windpipe. “Excuse me?”
“Half an hour, Savannah. Don’t make me repeat myself.” Heaven forbid.
“More notice would be great. Also, it’s Saturday.”
“Your point?”
That he’s a tyrant. “I can’t fit that in my schedule today.”
“You can, and will.” His authoritative tone threatens to carve at my sensitive spots.
If I agree to this, what happens next? He’s already impossible to please. I flop back into my chair with a petulant huff. “Or what?”
“Do you actually want to hear the answer?”
I tamp down a scream from rushing to the surface. Our first contract proposal hasn’t been drawn up yet and he’s already trying to control me. Again. “You’re not even in town.”
“Nice try, but I actually flew in this morning. You should check your emails.”
Repeating that it’s the weekend seems like a lost cause. I’m certain his plan is to drive me insane. “I’ll be sure to do that shortly.”
“You’re at my beck and call, remember?”
I don’t like the sound of that. “That’s not what I agreed to.”
“Not sure you have a choice, sugar.”
I grind my molars until a dull throb spreads. “There’s always an alternative.”
His pause swells with prickling malice, aiming to strike at the optimal moment. “I’ll take my business elsewhere.”
Biting my tongue is beginning to weigh on me. “Maybe you should.”
“Do you actually mean that?”
A glance to my right shows Clea in all her grinning glory. Her glee is misplaced, and my pride is feeling the brunt. On the other side, my mother is creasing her brow. She’s willing to risk more wrinkles worrying over me. Disappointing her isn’t an option. Lead pumps in my veins as I steel myself for what lies ahead.
“If only it were that simple.” Defeat clouds my tone, the words tasting sour. I’m already in the thick of it. There’s no stopping now.
“Just as I thought.” Victory clangs in his voice. “The clock is ticking. You better get moving, Savannah.”
“The nail polish isn’t dry on my toes. I’m pretty sure she hasn’t started the second coat.”
“I don’t care.” Of course not. Why would he?
I grasp onto my last shred of hope. “It’s not possible for me to get wherever you are in that amount of time. I didn’t drive here.”
“I’ll send a car. Text me your location.” Then he hangs up.
I stare at the phone, my mouth poised open with a retort that goes unsaid.
“Well, that sounded pleasant.” Sarcasm drips from Clea’s voice.
“You have to leave?” The frown marring my mom’s face chips at my resolve to hide Landon’s true self.
“Unfortunately,” I mutter. “I guess there’s some super important meeting that requires my attendance.”
I have the sudden urge to run in the opposite direction. Landon is proving to be the impenetrable force I first pegged him for.
“We understand, sweetie. Work is important.” She sympathizes, of course. After being married to my father for over thirty years, hearing this excuse is second nature.
The knot in my chest tightens, clenching in a sharp ache. I’m a motivated girl on a mission to expose this guy for who he really is. “It’s totally fine. I have this situation under control.”