"Running off to play pirates?" I asked. The idea held no appeal whatsoever. "I guess I can't nitpick. At least you have a plan."
Another sweep of phone alerts rattled across the executive floor. I was one of the first to whip out my phone and check the news. As soon as I saw the headline, I cringed. The Ramsey Foundation, headed by Ellison's tour-de-force father, had just announced plans to start a public relations consulting firm based in San Francisco.
Berger chuckled as he skimmed the article. "Looks like you had a plan all along. Maybe you didn't come up with it, but you're definitely set for life. Lucky bastard."
"What do you mean?" I asked, feigning innocence.
"Looks like your soon-to-be father-in-law has set you up to be a respectable businessman. Can't complain about that, Rainer. You're getting handed your very own firm." Berger bit his lip and tried not to be jealous.
I hoped the announcement would have another meaning, but it didn't seem likely. The glances I was getting from the other junior executives showed they had come to the same conclusion. Ellison and her all-powerful family were pulling all the strings to get their darling daughter exactly what she wanted. Me, on a silver platter.
"I'm not engaged," I said, but there wasn't much fight in my words. Tasha was still meeting with Stan. It was all over.
"Well, while you keep telling yourself that lie, the rest of us have been marking our calendars. Rumor has it that Ellison wants an autumn wedding. You'll be married before Halloween," Berger said.
I stifled a groan. "No one should be planning my wedding except me," I said.
"So, you admit it; marriage is on the horizon?" Berger asked.
"No. That's the opposite of what I meant." I shifted to get around Berger before I lost my temper. "I'm not going to be railroaded into anything. Not a new job or a marriage or even dinner at French Laundry."
Berger held up his hands and laughed. "Good luck with that," he said. "I'll take a raincheck on dinner, but I'm for sure putting my money on September. That's right, there's a betting pool on your high-society wedding, and I'm going to win it. Gotta keep that yacht afloat!"
I refrained from punching my friend and now former-colleague. Instead, I hit the stairwell and headed back to my office. All I wanted was to see Tasha, but it was doubtful she'd ever come to my office again. I slammed the door.
"Mr. Maxwell?" a faint voice called through the door.
I tore it back open. "I'm so sorry, Topher," I told my assistant. "You probably have a few questions."
My eager assistant was unfazed by the business upset. He came into my office with a clipboard and his resume all printed out and ready to go. "I don't want to bother you, just offer my application for any of your future endeavors."
I shook my head. "Sorry, Topher, but I'm not the one you should be talking to. Though, now that I think about it, I have the perfect person to give your resume to."
He looked hopeful. "Would you maybe be willing to write me a recommendation too?"
I shook his hand and agreed on the spot. If Tasha took Topher on as an assistant, she would be well-supported, he would be happy, and I would have a way to check in on her. It was a selfish, ridiculous idea, but it was the first good one I'd had since hearing the news.
"What about you, Mr. Maxwell? Do you have plans now that Hyperion is closing its doors?" Topher asked.
I scrubbed both hands over my face. "No. I'm a little blindsided at the moment. But, don't worry, something will come up. And, no, it's not going to an autumn wedding."
Topher shook his head vehemently. "I've tried to stop the rumors, but no one believes me."
"Tell me about it." I laughed. "Wait, so you believe that I'm not marrying Ellison Ramsey? You might be the only one. What makes you so sure when everyone else is betting on the wedding date?"
Topher smoothed down his tie. "I know that you are not engaged to Ms. Ramsey because you haven't sent me ring shopping."
"Maybe the ring is a family heirloom," I said.
My assistant scoffed. "It would still have to be sized. And I haven't so much as ordered flowers for Ms. Ramsey."
I shook his hand again. "Topher, you are the best assistant a man could have. Tasha will be lucky to have you."
"Ms. Nichols? You're recommending me to Ms. Nichols?" Topher's voice bumped up an octave out of excitement. "Thank you, sir. Thank you!"
I waved off his gratitude and slumped into my desk chair. "She deserves the support, and you deserve the chance. If I can make that happen, I'll be happy."
Topher hesitated in my office door. "So, you won't be joining Ms. Nichols in her next venture?"