My sessions at Orange Theory, virtual therapist on The Difference, being able to fly to New York for a weekend to see my best friend Beth, sending my dad on his first trip to Vietnam in twenty years, and being able to meet the monthly obligations on both my student loans and my lawyer—all of that was made possible by my job. So yeah, it sucks to cancel my plans, but with the salary that Derrick’s job comes with, a flight to Paris from Houston won’t break the bank like it might now..
My smile is fully sincere when I respond. “What’s the assignment?”
Her eyes narrow, and she leans back in surprise. “Dina, I don’t want you to feel as though you have to lie to me. I know it’s your birthday, and I imagine you planned something lovely in Paris. I’m asking if any of it is set in stone, not because I want you to cancel everything but because I want to see how we can work around it.”
“Oh—well, I just didn’t want to seem ungrateful. And truly, there’s nothing I’ve planned that won’t wait.”
She nods. “I offered you this job because it took character and courage to write that email. Those are qualities you can’t teach or put a price on. But candor is important. I know everyone is scared of me. And I know it will take some time for you to get used to working so closely with me. But you’ll find that I’m not a dragon who rips the heads off the employees who disappoint me. I’m just a woman with a lot of responsibility and not a lot of time. I think time will do more to convince you of that than anything I can say.”
I laugh, surprised at how good-natured she is about the nickname the staff uses behind her back. “Okay. And thank you. I’m thrilled you trust me to dive right in. I’ll do my best, I promise.”
She nods in approval. “Well, I’m glad. And even though I’m asking you to work this weekend, I hope that some parts of the assignment will feel like a bit of an upgrade.”
I can’t hide my relief. “Thank you for considering that.”
“Of course. I’m an old dog, but I’m learning some new tricks. As you know, we’re expanding in Europe. And our plans hinge on the purchase of smaller specialty food chains. We have our eye on Dupont. You’re familiar with them?”
I nod. “Yes, they’re a small London-based grocer that opened six locations in France last year. They expanded too quickly and are now looking for a buyout.”
Surprise lifts both her brows. “Very good.”
“I did the research for the brief Derrick presented.”
“Of course, you did. So you know then, that there’s a day of investor meetings in Fontainebleau on Saturday. Erin was going to go and make our presentation. Derrick was going to accompany her and do a little reconnaissance—and make sure there weren’t any landmines that could blow up in our faces.”
“And you want me to go with you instead?” I point at my chest.
She shakes her head. “I can’t attend.”
My jaw drops. “I’m flattered, but I don’t think I’m any replacement for you or Erin.”
She laughs. “I’m not asking you to. I want you to do the work Derrick was going to, but a little differently now that I’m slotting you into his place. You’ll leave for Paris tonight. You’ll have Thursday to get ready. On Friday you and Tyson will attend a social function with Mr. Dupont’s son and self-proclaimed successor, George Jr. Saturday morning, you’ll head out to Fontainebleau with Tyson and the rest of the attendees. The men will head into their meetings. Their partners are invited to spend the day at the spa and do some sight-seeing. Where are you staying?”
“I’m sorry. Did you…say Tyson?” I ask, praying that I heard her wrong.
She nods, a placid, patient smile on her face. “Yes. He’s going in Erin’s place and will make the pitch she put together. And you are going to pose as his girlfriend.”
5
Too Good to Be True
Dina
I choke on the tea I just sipped and cough.
She hands me a napkin, and I dab my lips and catch my breath. I should have known it was all too good to be true. If she’d told me I was going to be drawn and quartered, my reaction would have been less extreme. “His girlfriend?”
“Only for the sake of appearances. I’ve had my team create your backstory, and a file on the attendees we’re aware of has been emailed to you.”
“Why do I have to be his girlfriend and not just his colleague like Derrick was going to be?”
“Derrick wasn’t going to be her colleague. Partners and spouses were invited, and he was going as her date. Little did I know they wouldn’t be pretending. And trust me, you’ll get more out of them if they think you’re a hot piece of ass instead of a professional.”
I’m used to her blunt, sometimes callous way of communicating, but her lack of outrage at what she just described is too much. “Why would we want to do business with people like that?”
“Because we’re a business. Until we can wish the leaders we want into existence, we’ll have to work with what we have. I thought about sending Tyson alone. I think he could handle it all, but he’s friendly with Dupont’s son, and I don’t think he’ll be capable of the objectivity needed for proper due diligence.”
I nod. I understand why she wants me to do the digging, but there’s got to be a way to do it without actually spending time with Tyson. “Wouldn’t it be easier if I worked more like an advance team? Dig around and make sure he has everything he needs for the meeting on—”
“If you’re his girlfriend you’ll have access to spaces that we’d otherwise have to hire someone to enter in less than ethical ways. Like their offices at the manor.”
Her expression loses all its softness, and she holds a finger up when I open my mouth to protest again. “This isn’t a strategy session. My team and I have already decided that this is the best way forward. If I want your input, I’ll ask for it.”
Chastised, I clear my throat and nod. “I understand.”
“I know you do. I also know that you and Tyson don’t get along. Which is bizarre because you’re both such smart people.”
“I don’t have a problem with Tyson,” I rebut quickly, my heart racing.
One arched brow wings up, and she narrows an eye at me. “I wasn’t asking, Dina. I have eyes and a brain. And I don’t expect everyone to like my children—hell, I don’t like them all the time.”
My heart is in my throat, but I nod slowly. I didn’t know she had a clue about the tension between us. I would die if she also knew why.
“I understand why you just did it, but don’t lie to me again, Dina. If you do, and I find out—and I always do—I won’t trust you anymore. And I can’t work with people I don’t trust. Do you understand?”
I take a deep breath. “I do.”
“Good. Because Derrick’s role oversees the entire company, Paris included. As managing director of that office, you and Tyson will work together on a regular basis. Take it from someone who has to juggle my personal feelings with what’s best for the company every day, I understand it’s not easy. But if you want to succeed in business, you’ll need to learn how to do it.”