“I warned you what would happen if you didn’t break this thing off, Tyler,” he growled.
“I know,” I said in an offhand manner that I knew would make him want to jump my shit.
His jaw bulged, a sign that I’d indeed gotten to him this time. “So why are you still with her? She’s your stepsister.” He continued, his voice raising a few octaves. “Do you have any idea what kind of image problems this relationship will cause for Armex?”
I chuckled. "You know what? You're hilarious. First you badger the fuck out of me about settling down. Then, when I finally do find a girl to settle down with, she’s not good enough for you."
"That's not true and you know it, Tyler,” Dad growled. "You know very well why I don't approve of this relationship." He snorted with contempt. "If you can even call it that. And by the way, you haven't fooled me one bit. I still don’t believe that you're willing to settle down. You want to know what I think?"
I crossed my arms. “You’re going to tell me anyway, so go ahead.”
"I think you got scared shitless when I threatened to replace you with Charles Whitmore, so you hastily latched onto the first girl you could find to put up with your bullshit to show me you’d changed." He scowled. "Well, you can drop the act now, Tyler. As long as you end this farce of a relationship and continue to behave, you’re in no danger of losing your position with our company."
I hated to admit it, but for the first time since entering the room, I was pissed. My father was implying that I was scared of him and his threats when the truth was, I wasn't afraid of any fucking body. "Is that what you honestly think? You think that my relationship with Victoria is a farce?"
Dad gave me a puzzled expression. "It is, isn't it?"
“No!" I said sternly with my most convincing voice.
My dad stared at me for a few moments before a surprised look took over his face as it dawned on him. "You're telling the truth, aren't you? There really is something between you two. I must admit, Tyler, I'm shocked."
I swallowed, feeling a heavy sensation pressing against my chest. I hated it. I hated how Victoria made me feel . . . like I was in . . .
I can hardly even think those words. I even promised her help with her career, I thought, when I don't even know if I'd be able to keep my word.
Hiring her was one thing; that I could do. But promising that I’d help her start a fashion business? What the fuck was I thinking?
I wasn’t thinking, that's the problem, I thought. My mind was mush. I'd have said anything if it meant I’d be able to fuck her again.
There was something about being with Victoria that fucked with me.
She's dangerous, a voice in the back of my mind warned. She could ruin you. Not that I wasn’t well on my way to doing that myself.
My dad's voice broke me out of my reverie as I pushed the unwanted voice out of my thoughts.
“Well, Tyler?”
“Look,” I growled. "We aren't related. I really don’t see the big deal here.”
Dad stared. “You’re not stupid Tyler, but let me spell it out for you. It’s not that big of a deal, you’re right. But you know how the media spins things.”
“Who cares what these people think, Dad? Maybe they shouldn't live their lives judging others and mind their own damn business."
He took a deep breath, gathering himself. "Maybe in another time and place I'd agree with you, Ty, but these people that you need to please are not just regular old people. They’re our customers, or potential customers. The very people that allow you to live the lifestyle that you do. You do care about that, don’t you?" He shook his head. "I don't even see why I have to point this out to you. You know better. You know that our competitors will have a field day with this.”
“Well it’s too late now, Dad. What’s done is done, and this isn’t just any old relationship that I can just end . . .”
“Well, son, I think you’re going to have to make a decision. Victoria or your position at Armex.”
"That's such bullshit! I'm not breaking up with her," I declared defiantly.
"Tyler-"
"In fact," I said loudly, speaking over him, "I'm going to hire her, even if it is short-lived. So not only will you be firing your son, but your stepdaughter too!”
* * *
“That’s just five,” Jeff said as he leaned back in his seat across from me. I’d summoned my fellow colleague to my office for a little a private chat about what to do about the soon-to-come vote for my removal. He was enjoying a cheeseburger with bacon and fries from Wendy’s while I dined on a grilled chicken sandwich. “You need at least six.”