Enemy Beloved

16 | business matters

He walks in followed by a guy I don't remember seeing in my office before. He looks young, dressed in a baggy old suit and dress pants, and has a thick brown beard on his face. His brown hair is long and tied up behind his head in a neat bun.

"Remember when I told you I needed to take a vacation?" David begins and I nod, still looking at the strange man who has his hand clasped in his front and is watching us attentively.

"Yes, when do you plan to leave?"

"Tomorrow," David replies and then turns to the man. "Let me introduce you to Mr. Jake Gallagher — my replacement."

I study the man before me. He is young but I can tell that he is older than me. He seems nervous to stand before me by his fidgeting occasionally but confident enough to make his blue eyes meet mine. He stands tall, at about six feet probably.

"Mr. Gallagher?" I direct towards him, just to see if he responds.

"Yes, sir," he answers immediately. His voice sounds a little forced but attentive.

"Jake here has outstanding communication skills. He was the only one with the most useful qualifications in the interview." David introduces the man. "He will be perfect for the job given a chance."

"Hmm..." I clasp my hands under my chin as Jake Gallagher smiles awkwardly at his praise. "Are you sure about him, David?"

"Absolutely, sir. As I said, he was the best candidate. Highly qualified in every aspect."

"Every aspect?" I repeat, my eyes focused on the newbie. "Do you agree with him, Mr. Gallagher?"

Jake looks at David before opening his mouth. "I don't know about every aspect, sir. But I do have good communication skills and will give my best if I get a chance." There is no hint of hesitation in his voice.

Impressive

I look at David and find him watching me with a grave expression on his face. For all the years I have known my assistant, that expression could mean only one thing — he is afraid I may refuse to take the guy and cancel his vacation.

I would have done that but after being called a murderer this week, I have little intention to be a douchebag.

"I'll take him." I get down from the desk and take a step toward the new intern. "Mr. Gallagher, you can start tomorrow. Remember, I'm keeping you because I trust David with his decisions. I hope you won't disappoint. You must remember, David here brings hard work, patience, and leadership to Jackson Capitals. While you are here, I expect the same of you."

"I won't disappoint, sir." He smiles, showing his perfect white teeth, before forwarding his hand for me to shake. I take it. "I look forward to working with you."

Jake Gallagher's blue eyes fix themselves on me. His hand is cold and hard — like the hands of someone who is used to harsh labor.

"So am I, Mr. Gallagher," I say, giving his hand a shake, his grip firm in mine.

***

"Where do you plan to go, David?" I ask, taking a sip of my black coffee as we walk around the office.

It is past eight in the evening and Mom has called me several times asking me to come home. I refused very politely. I want to give Claire her space while I take my time away from her.

My assistant's cheeks flame up red. "Hmm...Switzerland. I plan to finally propose to Linda."

I choke on my drink at that. Did I hear him right? Did he just say Linda?

I turn to him cautiously. "Linda? As in my flight attendant?" I enquire. "She is your girlfriend?"

"Ye...yes, sir," David stammers. "I hope that's okay. Linda doesn't work for the same department so I thought it wouldn't be a problem if we..."

He looks around him, feeling uncomfortable to meet my gaze. I have strict laws for people who work under me — no romantic relationships should exist between them but there are loopholes. David's good at finding them. Linda doesn't work for the same department and they can hardly influence each other's work.

"Huh...David?"

"Yes, sir."

"If Linda asks you anything about those strip clubs." I take a sip of my coffee, recalling the conversation I had with Claire on the plane, which Linda easily overheard. "Do know that it's all Claire's fault and not mine."

The color drains from David's face. "What? She...she knows...but how?"

David is a nice man but some men find it hard to let go of their bad habits. I hope Linda forgives him.

Jake Gallagher will have to prove his best if he expects me to keep him here permanently. As for tonight, David sent him home with some files to prepare for his first day at work tomorrow.

"Now, calm down." I touch his shoulder in reassurance. "I didn't say that she knows for sure. But if she asks, then do know that it's all my wife's fault, even though she had no idea about you and Linda. Your girlfriend might have overheard some things"

"Oh my God!" David gasps. "Mrs. Jackson promised me she wouldn't tell anyone about it. Not even you."

You told her about Kendall, dude. Now have fun revealing my secrets again.

"She's a hard one to trust," I comment, finishing my coffee and handing the empty cup to David's shaking hands.

My phone goes off and I dig into my pocket to pick it up only to find Rose's name flashing on the screen again.

"Yes, Rose, David got the bill—"

"Vaughn!" Rose's frantic breathing silences me instantly. "It's Claire...something's wrong. I can't find her."