There are no scheduled meetings in the boardroom today, so Brielle shows me how to set it up for the future. It seems easy enough, and I’m grateful that Bree’s here helping me through it.
At around five-ish, Aiden and Niall come out of their offices. Brielle is packed up, ready to go as I finish off the last of my work.
“You did well today, Aiden.”
“Thank you, Father.” Aiden smiles.
Niall walks straight past, completely ignoring me. Seems nothing has changed there. Rolling my eyes, I stand, and Aiden walks over, placing his arm around my waist. Together we join Brielle and walk to the elevator.
“Thanks again for all your help today,” I say quietly to Brielle while stepping into the elevator.
“Aiden,” Niall shouts, making Brielle and me jump.
“Yes, Father?”
“Make sure she works quicker tomorrow, will you? We’ve important meetings, and I can’t have her being slow and dim-witted.”
My head jolts back a little as I glance at Aiden to see his face turning red. I take his hand and shake my head at him infinitesimally. He frowns, furrowing his brows in confusion but keeps quiet. It’s hard to believe his father talks about me as though I’m not even in the same room. But I guess Niall is a nut I’m just going to have to try to find some way to crack.
Brielle’s fallen face shows nothing but sympathy for me as I shrug and takes my other hand in support.
The elevator chimes, interrupting the strained moment, followed by a quick exit by Niall, leaving the three of us to step into the lobby. Brielle then makes her leave to catch up to her father.
“Jeni, what the hell was that about?” Aiden asks, with agitation in his tone.
“If you say something to him, it will only make matters worse.”
Aiden runs his hand through his hair. “He’s so fucking frustrating. I really wonder why I even bother to work for him,” he grunts as I inwardly cringe. This is exactly what I was trying to avoid. I don’t want Aiden and his father to be each other’s throats again because of me.
“He is who he is. I’m not going to let him get me down or get in between the two of you. He’s your father. You shouldn’t let it bother you either,” I try to placate him.
“Always the peacekeeper, but I won’t have him talking to you like that.” Aiden exhales.
We walk down the stairs to the parking garage, and I say nothing more.
Mike opens the door, and, as usual, I clumsily climb in while Aiden slides in beside me effortlessly and takes my hand in his.
“Jeni, I have to speak with my father.”
I shake my head. “It’ll make matters worse. I can handle it. I think I can handle most things now considering what we’ve been through. After all, he is your father, and I need to harden up where he’s concerned. I’m hoping he’ll grow to like me… eventually.”
“I can’t stand the way he treats you. He has to get used to the idea that he’s not the number one person in my life anymore. The minute you change your mind or it gets too tough, I want you to let me know, and I’ll let him have it. I won’t have him treating you badly.”
“Deal!”