Chapter 4

“I still have some of your things,” Brandon continued as we walked into the large conference room.

“Oh, you could have flung them out.” I gave him a weak smile. “I’m sure none of those clothes fit me anymore.”

“Yeah, perhaps not.” He shrugged and looked at my figure. I felt slightly self—conscious as he looked me over. I had definitely filled out since I was 18. Bigger br**sts, curvier figure, bigger ass. “But I didn’t know if there was anything you would have wanted to keep.”

“Oh, well, thanks.” I glanced at his face again, unable to stop myself from studying his features. I wanted to reach over and trace the lines of his face. It felt surreal to be standing here with him. This was the first time I’d seen him since we had broken up. I’d never gone back to the apartment after he had broken up with me. I’d gone to my dorm room and cried and cried and Meg had comforted me when she came back after her classes. I’d felt humiliated and used. Abandoned and abused, and I hated him and myself. If only I hadn’t lied. Things would have been different then. That’s all I could tell myself. Every day seemed the same and I waited by the phone anxiously, willing it to ring and for it to be him, begging me to forgive him and take him back. Only he never called. And I never called him. I was too scared that he wouldn’t pick up, or that he would tell me that he hated me. I held out hope for two months and then I saw a photograph of him in the New York Post at some function with some blonde. They were kissing, and the caption said something like Eligible bachelor Brandon Hastings off the market. My heart broke and I lost all hope of reconciliation. He was done with me. Forever. And there was nothing that I could do.

“It is good seeing you again.” He nodded. “Welcome to Marathon Corp.”

“Thank you, you too.” I nodded politely, as if he wasn’t the guy who bent me over a garbage can, f**ked me, and then dumped me.

“Try to keep telling the truth.” His eyes flashed at me and he walked away. I found a seat at the table and made sure to sit away from where he was standing. I didn’t want to be anywhere near him. I wanted to avoid him as much as possible. I didn’t want to hear his voice or look into his eyes. I wanted to pretend that this moment wasn’t happening. If I could just pretend it wasn’t happening, then maybe I could ignore the stirrings of emotion in my stomach. I sat down and leafed through the folder eagerly, pretending that it was the most interesting thing I had seen in years. I didn’t make small talk with anyone and I didn’t look up. Finally, a lady announced that we were all to sit down. I stayed where I was. I felt safe here. And then he sat next to me.

“Seat vacant?” His voice was low as he sat down next to me, and I nodded as I screamed inside. “I hope you don’t mind sitting next to the big boss.”

“Not at all.” I faked a smile and looked away.

“Liar.” He whispered and I looked up at him in surprise. His eyes sparkled as he stared at me. “It’s driving you crazy that I’m sitting here.”

“No, it’s not.” I stuttered and he reached his hand under the table and touched my knee.”

“I can feel your legs shaking.” He leaned towards me and whispered in my ear. “I’m sure if I slipped my fingers under your skirt, your panties would be wet as well.”

My eyes grew wide at his words. “What?” I gasped and pushed his hand away. “What are you doing?”

“What do you think?” He cocked his head and smiled before standing up. “Welcome to the Marathon Corp management orientation, everyone. I’m your new CEO, Brandon Hastings.” He looked around the room and smiled widely. “I’m happy to meet everyone this weekend and tell you the direction I see our company going in. We’re going to start off with some introductions and icebreakers, thanks to Human Resources, and then we’ll take a fifteen-minute break.” Everyone clapped at his words and he laughed. “I don’t want you all to fall in love with me too quickly. I’m a hard man to please, and as your boss I’ll be looking for your best work. I don’t take excuses or lies well, so if you want to continue working here, you will all put in your best effort.” Everyone was nodding in agreement at his words, and I had a worried feeling in my stomach. Was he setting everything up like this so he could fire me?

“So why don’t I start first, and then the lovely lady to my left will continue.” He smiled down at me graciously and I pretended to smile back at him. “My name is Brandon Hastings, and I’m in my early 40s. This is the third company I’ve run and it likely won’t be the last. I enjoy gourmet cooking—I know, I know, it’s not believable, right?” He laughed. “But I took a class with an old girlfriend and I haven’t been able to shake the habit, or her.” He laughed again and I could feel myself blushing. “Let’s see, I currently live by myself in New York City, though that may be changing soon.” He gave me a look and I stared at him, wondering what his last sentence meant. “You’re next.”

“Okay, thanks.” I stood up and took a deep breath. “Hello everyone, my name is Katie, Katie Raymond. I’m 25 and a graduate of Columbia and NYU. I live in New York as well, but I’m from Florida. As chance would have it, I also took a cooking class with an ex-boyfriend, but I rarely find time to cook. I guess he got all the skills.” I made a face and everyone laughed, except for Brandon. “Let’s see.” I said warming up. “I’ve only worked at Marathon Corp for about a month but I love it so far, so I hope that never changes. Oh, I’m in love with French movies, even though I don’t speak French.”