Fat Cat Liar

There’s a look of pain on his face that sends my stomach plummeting. “What the hell is going on? You okay?”

He shakes his head and exhales loudly. “Lawson, I don’t know how to say this—”

The way his voice dips sends a chill throughout my bloodstream. “Just say it.”

“You’re fucked. Royally fucking screwed. The office is on fire with the news that Kevin Palmer has arranged for all scale models to be displayed tonight at the Builders Association Dinner. Uncle Rob got word late last night. It’s a huge surprise incorporated to go with the theme of Revolutionary Wonders. Rob sent an inner-office memo requesting all members of management to attend tonight. His goal is for us to schmooze and hobnob with hopes of meeting Kevin Palmer.”

My vision grows spotty, and I stumble back into the door. The room starts to spin as the walls close in around me.

“Lawson, that’s not all.”

I remain silent but raise my eyes to his, pushing him to continue.

“Rumor has it Kevin’s beyond excited and making a huge announcement. Grandpa and Rob are convinced it’s going to be a lift on the blind bids. The companies that participated in the RFP and completed a design will be a part of a presentation Kevin is giving. This will allow for each company to be recognized in a professional and praise-worthy manner among a crowd of peers.”

This can’t be happening.

This can’t fucking be happening.

“If they recognize the company, my name will be released,” I croak, the blood draining from my body. My knees threaten to give out, and I brace against the door, unable to catch my breath.

This is it. Tonight, Greer will know who I am. My identity will be fully exposed in a room full of men and women I’ve known most of my career, some of whom I’ve gladly pissed off on numerous occasions.

As soon as each firm and company is identified with their design, the sharks will start circling. We will all finally know with whom we are competing against.

It always opens with small whispers that eventually grow loud with the intent to discredit the other firms in some way.

The war will begin. All of us will be disgracing the other designs, finding flaws in the plans, and making snide remarks to try to sway decisions.

I’m the master of manipulation when it comes to this ploy. My arrogance and conceit come in handy while I tear apart my competitors with no remorse.

It’s what makes me who I am and gained my reputation.

Grandpa Clive and Uncle Rob will expect no less. They’ll want me to pull out all the stops to ensure we have the upper hand. Without even seeing the other designs, I already know we have the advantage.

Because of Greer.

A bottle of water is shoved in my hands, and Clay’s face comes into view. His expression is grim and bleak.

“I can’t let her find out this way.” My throat scalds at the probability.

&nbs

p; “You have to go to her, tell her now.”

My heart stammers in my chest. I was so fucking close to getting out from under my mess.

Saturday, I was meeting Kevin, taking him and Greer to dinner. I was going to waste no time in telling him my plans for a future with her. The way she explained his obsession with her mom, I knew he’d understand.

Next Monday, I was going to request an immediate leave of absence.

Then I was taking Greer far away from here and explaining our meeting wasn’t a coincidence. I would come clean with my original intentions, explain that I changed my mind the moment I realized my mistake. I was going to use every ounce of strength in my body to show her how much I love her.

I was preparing for the backlash and the hurt.

I was preparing for the anger.

I was preparing for the fight ahead of me.