“Do you really think I would be able to do what you do and still be employed?”
Nick looked at her confused. “Like what? I do my work and make sure my department runs smoothly.”
Kalilah rolled her eyes. “I’ll tell you what, let me show up to work on Monday in jeans and only focus on my departments running smoothly and nothing else my titles require and see if I’m not reprimanded immediately.”
Nick propped himself up on his elbow and looked down at her. “I wear jeans because I am IT….”
Kalilah shook her head, interrupting him, “No. You’re the VP of IT. Your subordinates need to wear jeans or khakis because of the physical work they do. You are supposed to run the department. You know, step in only when absolutely needed. There are a lot of people between you and your regular support agents. If you didn’t want to do VP things, you should have let one of your directors or managers have a fair shot at the position. It’s not like it’s a financial issue for you.”
Nick could feel the irritation running through his body. “My dad didn’t hand me anything. I had to interview through HR like everyone else. In fact, it was harder because he was adamant about not letting me slide through. I work my ass off every day.”
Kalilah sat up too, her big brown eyes burrowed into him. “And you are the only one aware of the work you do, Nick. Why? Because you are not present when needed or necessary. Hell, you didn’t know who I was. Why? Because you don’t go to the meetings that are MANDATORY for every other VP. Hell, your sister conference calls into the meetings from a different state.” Kalilah poked him in the chest to drive her next point home. “Your dad does care because he covers for you and hasn’t fired you. Any other VP would be job hunting by now.”
Nick felt indignation more than anything. “I’m busy when the meetings happen.”
Kalilah wasn’t buying it. “Every week for a whole year? You don’t think I’m busy? We are short a VP. I am the head of two different departments, and all of the VPs report to me which requires me to have extra meetings. I get info about you and your department from your dad! Nick, admit it. You don’t want to do the other things, so you don’t.”
Nick stared out of the window and watched the clouds pass.
She waited silently for Nick’s rebuttal but continued when he didn’t speak.
“A few months ago, one of the other VPs was having major technical issues for a big project. I told him to consult with you, and he laughed, Nick.” Nick snapped his head back in her direction, giving her his full attention.
“I asked him what was so funny about my suggestion and he said, ‘The golden child cannot be bothered with actual work.’ You said you didn’t fit in with the other VPs, and it’s probably because we’re all stressed and tired. Every week YOUR chair is empty.”
She put her hand on his cheek. “I believe you when you say you’re working because I know you and your work ethic. But, people can only believe what they see, and you fall short in the obligations department.”
There was that word again. Obligations. Nick nodded. Deflated. He still didn’t speak. Kalilah decided to give him a different perspective.
“Your dad is supposed to be Andrew Sinclair, the hard-hitting, tough businessman with high standards and a no-nonsense attitude, yet his son and employee cannot bother to show up to mandatory meetings, comb his hair, iron his clothes, or dress like a VP.
You don’t think that undermines his authority? That it doesn’t make him look like he’s soft or the kind of guy that would give an unqualified relative a job? Nepotism at its best. He probably is disappointed, but it’s not because you’re not good enough; it’s because your everyday actions tell him that you do not respect him or the legacy he’s built for y’all.”
Nick rubbed his face. “Am I that bad?”
Kalilah shrugged. “I think you were in your own world and just weren’t paying attention to the implications of your actions. I think you’re wonderful; however, I do believe you should try harder at your other responsibilities.”
She straddled him and ran her fingers through his hair. “I like your hair, but not for work. I think it’s time to cut it. It’s almost ponytail length. If you want a style…” She scrunched up her face while she thought. “You could cut it like John Mayer on the Rolling Stone photoshoot. The one with him in the kitchen. That would be cute on you.” She looked at the rest of him. “You know…I don’t think I’ve ever seen you without facial hair.”
Nick kissed her to distract her from further inspection. “I’ll think about it. Okay?” That was the last thing he said before he pulled her nipple into his mouth.
Kalilah strolled into the restaurant twenty minutes late and was treated to disapproving glares from Natalia and Cayla.
“What?” They continued to look at her until she broke. “I was on the phone. Okay?”
Cayla was the first to break her silence. “With Niiiicckkk.” She rolled her eyes then continued. “You two really act like a couple for a non-couple. I mean, what’s the deal? You still haven’t de-virginized the dude yet?”
Natalia’s eyes grew as big as saucers, and Kalilah tried to quiet her, but Cayla didn’t seem to notice. She was on a roll.
“How much work does it take to take his virginity?”
Natalia put down her martini and started coughing since Cayla caught her off guard.
Kalilah rubbed Natalia’s back and glared at her sister. The server came and took Kalilah’s order. Once he was out of earshot, Kalilah berated her sister. “What in the hell is wrong with you? You just tried to kill poor Natalia. And how is MY sexual frustrations bothering you?”
Cayla frowned at Kalilah, but Natalia was the next to speak. “Wait! Can we start from the beginning? I’ve obviously missed something big.” She stressed her point by holding her hands far apart.
Cayla eyes grew huge when she realized what she’d done. “Oh. My bad girl, I didn’t realize that you hadn’t told Natalia yet.”