Rosslyn looked across the table directly at Dylan, as though she could read his thoughts. “That goes for you too. I don’t want our son or daughter around such language.”
Dylan waited for her to threaten them with washing their mouth out with soap and water, but she didn’t. From the look in her eyes, she didn’t need to. The saying was true: you don’t mess with a mama. They are fierce creatures who will do anything to protect their young. However, this child was half Lawson, and they were very capable of holding their own. It was a good thing too, because they’d proven to be stubborn and, at times, one hundred percent jackasses. In business it worked well. In relationships, not at all.
“I promise, I’ll be on my best behavior,” Dylan committed, knowing that still wasn’t saying much.
“I really hope so, because I need to ask a huge favor Dylan.”
Swearing wasn’t enough?“I’ll see if I can help.”
Rosslyn smiled. “I’m hoping you can step in and watch things at Grayson Corp. for me while I’m home too?”
“Me? There isn’t someone within Grayson Corp. who would be better suited?”
“I’m sure there is, but suited is one thing, trust is another. I spoke to Charles at length about this, and he informed me you might be the one most willing to take on such a challenge.”
Great Charles. Now you have confidence in me.A year ago, Dylan had been out to prove to his brother that he could run the company as well, if not better, than he did. Now he wasn’t so sure he wanted the job. And either way, he definitely didn’t want it at their former competitor.
“Rosslyn, you taking over the company was one thing, you’re a Grayson. I’m not sure putting a Lawson in charge, even temporarily, would be wise. What makes you think they’ll listen to a word I say?”
“First of all, they weren’t that fond of my Uncle Max. They did what he said because they feared him. That’s not how I run the place. I run it with mutual respect.
Naïve. They will eat you up and spit you out.They may have feared her uncle, but they stayed out of greed. They loved the money more than anything else. It was a lesson she was going to learn, and hopefully Charles could help ease the pain when she did. There was no room for friendship in business.
Maybe she was right, and he was the correct person for the job. It’d give him a chance to feel things out at Grayson Corp. and set a few people straight who might think she didn’t have some serious backing on her side. It shouldn’t matter what name was on the side of the building. Rosslyn was a Lawson now, and her company now fell under their protective umbrella. I just hope I don’t sink it while she’s gone.
“You’re having a baby tomorrow, remember? When do you think you’ll need me there?” Dylan asked.
“Tomorrow,” she grinned. “Don’t worry. I have my assistant Liz ready and able to help you with whatever you need. She’s been with the company for long time and knows just about everyone in the building.”
“So she worked for Maxwell?” Dylan asked. She nodded. That already was a flag to him. First thing Rosslyn should’ve done was clean house and get rid of all the people who were loyal to Maxwell. Just filling in, not taking over. It was going to be hard to hold back and not do a clean sweep of the place. But that would be an impulsive move, and one he didn’t have the right or authority make. That didn’t mean it shouldn’t be done.
“I’ll be there. Tell your assistant I take my coffee black.”
Rosslyn laughed. “I can tell her, and she’ll say you should pick it up on your way in. Liz is no pushover.” There was an odd expression that came over her face, then her eyes widened. “Charles, I think we need to call this dinner meeting short.”
“What’s wrong sweetheart?” he asked.
“I think my water just broke.”
Charles was up and out of his seat barking orders as though Rosslyn was about to have the baby right there in the restaurant. Maria came out of the kitchen when she heard all the commotion and took control, not that she was any quieter than Charles was. Dylan stepped back and let them sort it out. This wasn’t his wife and delivering a baby wasn’t going to happen. Hell, he didn’t even want to witness it.
“Don’t worry. My mother will have them all calmed down and on their way before you know it,” Sofia said softly next to him.
He’d been so distracted with all the shouting that he hadn’t even heard her approach. “I’m surprised you’re not over there helping.”
She wrinkled her nose and said, “I’m a waitress, not a doctor. Besides, I haven’t had a baby. What do I know about it?” Probably more than me. “Why don’t you come over to the other side of the room and I’ll get you that drink. You look like you could use one right now.”
“I think you’re right.” He followed her and sat at the bar.
“What can I get you?” she asked.
“Anything on tap.” Right now, he wasn’t picky. If he was home, he’d have a shot of bourbon or two. But not only was he driving, he needed a clear head in case something did go wrong and he was needed. Not that he could do anything, but at least he’d be focused enough to know it.
Sofia handed him a glass of beer and then said, “She’s going to be fine. Women have babies all the time.”
“I’m not worried about Rosslyn; it’s my brother that looks like hell. I’m not sure he’s ready.”
Sofia chuckled softly. “I think all expectant fathers look like that. It’s the only time you have absolutely no control over anything and you can’t stand it.”