Page 49 of Fake it For Good
“You are out of your fucking mind,” I said, laughing. “Seriously, are you drunk?”
“I’m not drunk. I wanted to see your face when I told you I’m coming for you.”
I rolled my eyes. “Great. I’m warned. Oh no. This is my face. Are you satisfied?”
“You think this is funny, but I’m serious,” she said. “I heard you bought a new house. I just wanted to warn you to watch your finances. I’d hate you to go bankrupt. I know how important your houses are to you.”
She was such a bitch. “Go away.”
“I’m tired of being second,” she said. “I’m going to take over that top spot. I’ve just put together a deal that’s going to make sure I’m the number one toy company.”
“Seal a deal with a sweatshop in China?” I quipped.
“You’re always so self-righteous,” she said. “Like you are the only one that sells good stuff. You’re not. I’m going to show you how to run a proper business. I’ve got so many deals lined up, your head is going to spin.”
“Good for you,” I said. “Now, leave.”
She hopped up. “You’re so smug. You think you’re the king of toys. Like you’re fucking Santa Claus.”
“I am the king,” I said. “I’ve been at the top for years and I will stay there. My toys are good. Amazing. My company has a good reputation. I don’t believe for a second you’re nipping at my heels. I have quality on my side. And integrity. People know my brand. They know I only sell good stuff. My products are not going to make a kid sick if they chew it. The plastic isn’t going to snap and become a choking hazard. You don’t give a shit about quality. You don’t care that your cheap products are going to make kids sick. You’ll never be number one.”
“Watch me,” she hissed. “You think you’re going to be at the top for the rest of your life. You think you can go out and find another woman to take my place and have the same success. I made you. I made the business into what it is now. That woman is not me.”
“Thank God,” I said. “If she was you, I would have to commit myself. If I ever make that mistake again, Iwillcommit myself. Period. You were a mistake. I learn from my mistakes.”
“Quit being a little bitch,” she said. “You’re so dramatic. I cheated on you. Big deal. Everyone does. You know I helped you launch your company into the next level. Without me kissing ass and making your investors feel good, you would not be standing here today. I did that for you. I made you.”
“And then you broke me, and I made myself,” I said. “Now, leave. I will have security throw you out. Get out.”
“This isn’t over,” she said. “I’m going to find out who this woman is.”
“You do whatever makes you feel better, Kelly. I’m not interested in what you do or don’t do. I do not care.”
“You know that’s not true.” She snatched her coat. “You care. I know you do. You can say what you want, but I know you loved me. You were crushed when I left you.”
“I left you,” I corrected.
“We could go back,” she said.
“When hell freezes over,” I replied.
“She doesn’t measure up.” She looked me up and down. “You could do better.”
I opened the door to find Denton still hanging out in front of my office. He growled at Kelly as she walked by. “Grow up,” she snapped.
“She’s leaving,” I said. “Please make sure she finds her way out.”
“Gladly,” Dana said. “Move, Kelly. I’ve carried children that weigh more than you. I have no qualms about carrying your ass out of here.”
“Still classy, Dana,” Kelly said in a smug tone. “Way to surround yourself with trash, Cane. It’s really working for you.”
“Cane, let me off the leash,” Denton said. “I bite. You might want to walk your skinny ass out of here.”
“You guys are so gross,” Kelly muttered.
I went back into my office. I didn’t give a shit what they did to her. In their minds, she got away with murder. My friends were loyal. She wouldn’t know the first thing about loyalty. Denton and Dana stood by me, and after what I had been through, they were determined to keep me from ever being screwed over like that again.
“What a fucking bitch,” Denton said and walked into my office behind me. “I don’t understand how you put up with that woman.”
