Total pages in book: 135
Estimated words: 129027 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 645(@200wpm)___ 516(@250wpm)___ 430(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 129027 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 645(@200wpm)___ 516(@250wpm)___ 430(@300wpm)
Good thing I don’t intend on fucking up this job.
I just chuff out a laugh and clap him on the back in return, a tad harder than necessary so that he lets out a little cough and frowns at me.
“Oh sorry there, Mr. Roberts. Gotta take it easy on old bones, huh?” I laugh softly again to intimate that I’m just joking. “Don’t you worry a bit. I’ve got Kira’s back.”
He pulls away from me, still frowning. “Yes. I’m sure you do. Just remember there are eyes on you, young man. The Roberts name still holds more sway in this town than you think.” Then he shifts again, all out glaring in an obvious attempt to intimidate me. “Don’t make me crush you. Next time you’re in a room with my wife, be more polite.”
All I can do is give him a tight smile as he turns on his heel and walks off.
Fuck. As much as I hate assholes like him, he’s the kind of person I’ll likely be taking on if this security agency gig really takes off.
If it’s not sunk before it can even get it off the ground because I piss off the wrong girl’s father. There are permits and licenses I have to get before I can really start my own company. Stuff I bet Mr. Roberts actually could fuck up if he wanted to because the old bastard probably still is connected everywhere in the securities industry.
Then I shift my eyes back to Kira.
I still wouldn’t take back a single one of my actions since I stepped on this property. Or do anything differently if I had it to do over again.
I might understand people and be less of a hot head than I used to, but I’m not sure that’s ever going to make me politically savvy enough to bullshit my way to where I want to get.
But this security agency idea is the only thing I’ve been passionate about since—
Well in a long while.
I give my head a small shake.
It doesn’t matter. Right now, me and him want the same thing: Kira’s safety. And for me to avoid being in a room with Kira’s mother ever again. No big deal. Done and dusted.
Right before dessert, Kira’s dad stands up to make a toast. It’s been a calm, boring evening, fine by me. I’ve been profiling everyone in the room and clocking anyone whose eyes linger on Kira a little longer than usual.
“I want to thank you all for gathering together tonight to celebrate our beloved daughter Kira’s engagement. I can’t imagine a finer young man than Drew here.” He’s walked around the table and clamps one hand firmly on Drew’s shoulder and the other on Kira’s. Then he turns his head up toward the ceiling.
“Father God, I want to call upon your name to bless the righteous union of these two young people to your glory. Father God, we know you do not just dole out your blessings upon the unworthy, but only to those deserving of your name, to the people of God who will one day walk upon the streets of the gold in the new heaven and the new earth. No good thing will he withholdeth from them that walk uprightly. Psalm 84:11. And so we call down your blessings upon Drew and Kira to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with you, O God. Amen.”
“Amen,” comes a resounding chorus of voices.
I look around at the couple of other security guards posted around the room. I didn’t know we were praying. There’s a round of applause as Kira’s father goes back to sit down. Huh. I also didn’t know people applauded prayers.
Granted, I don’t know much about church, but from what services I was dragged to in my chaotic childhood, I feel like I do remember something about not performatively praying so other people can hear you. I always thought that was a good point because I can remember wondering why the pastors always had to be so long-winded.
Next, Kira’s fiancé stands up. I shift slightly in my at-ease stance and struggle not to roll my eyes. This oughta be good.
Drew looks down at Kira and reaches for her hand. After a moment’s hesitation, she hands it to him.
“My beautiful Kira.” He swallows like he’s holding back emotion. I’ve always had a knack for knowing people, and I can tell it’s a performance for the crowd. “We’ve known each other ever since we were little kids playing in the sandbox together, with my mom yelling at me to stop tossing sand in your hair.”
Polite chuckles come from around the table.
I’ll give it to the guy. He’s good at playing their game. He knows what to say and how to make them all eat out of the palm of his hand. He’ll make for a good politician like his daddy.