Taking Care of Business

By Savanna Grey

Hilary Franklin was born with the drive to be successful at whatever she takes on. Never in her wildest dreams would she have envisioned the rocky path she ended up taking or how challenging it would be. Collective moments in our lives shape and mold us into the person we become. For Hilary the past 10 years have held many of those moments, but none so much as the inner turmoil she is battling with her own morals and the corporate world she is immersed in.
Suiting up and being the only one in the room in a skirt is nothing new for the "Bat Woman" but deciding to stand up for what is right this time could be the end to her future that she has invested so much of herself and sacrificed so much for.

Gabriel Stanopolis may have a word or two to say about the decisions she makes one way or another.
Will she be strong enough to make the right choice for herself or will she bound by golden handcuffs and cave to appease the new powers that be? Love is a stumbling block she can't afford to let stand in her way.
Will desires of the heart be set aside while she takes care of business?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Savanna Grey
• Release date: Feb 23, 2015
• ISBN: 9781507010716

Book preview

Chapter One

Ties that bind

Resentment burned in my belly as I watched our President of Operations walk up to the podium. He had made me cry, and I hated him for that – still. Regardless of what I now refer to in my own mind as the incident having occurred a year ago, some transgressions are never forgotten.

The applause died down as Ted Wright began to speak, welcoming the guests in the downtown Richmond Hyatt Hotel ballroom to the retirement celebration for Harry Trent. For the past 45 years Harry had been Vice President of Operations for Elite Provisions. That was longer than I had been alive.

I glanced around the banquet tables filled with my coworkers—mostly men and their wives—focused on the stage. After ten years with the company and one of just a few females who had breached the ranks of leadership within the Good ‘Ole Boys Club, I still felt like a square peg trying to fit into a round hole.

The hair on the back on my neck tingled. I searched for the source, and my eyes locked with Gabe Stanopolis’s. I had schooled myself for the last five years to keep a blank expression when our paths crossed, but regardless of the practiced poker face, I couldn’t prevent my hand from tightening on the champagne glass it held.

Awareness tingled down my spine. I acknowledged his presence with a nod of my head and turned back to my date sitting beside me. Jake was a gorgeous specimen of the male species with a brain to boot. We belonged to the same business association and had met at one of the monthly gatherings. I enjoyed his company and conversation. We’d been out a few times, but it wasn’t anything serious...at least not for me. 

The same tingling feeling on the back of her neck caused me to glance back to where Gabe was sitting just three tables over. His gaze still penetrated, a scowl marring his brow.

Everything alright? Jake’s hand grasped mine as he raised it to his lips. He’d caught the exchange between Gabe and me.

I smiled up at him. Of course. How could it not be? I have the pleasure of your company and a wonderful meal. Never mind the company we are keeping. I whispered the last part so only he could hear me.

Jake was aware of my long-term struggle with some of the individuals I worked with. Let’s face it. A woman in the meat processing industry was still uncommon and wasn’t welcomed with open arms, especially by some at the helm that functioned under the old school mode of operation.

How many times had I heard or seen the surprise on people’s faces when I had been introduced as a plant manager? A woman for a plant manager? Completely unheard of in some people’s eyes. It really was comical, even five years later.

Have I told you how amazingly beautiful you look tonight? Jake murmured close to my ear.

He certainly knew how to charm the ladies. You might have mentioned it, but I don’t mind hearing it again.

I had taken great care with my appearance tonight not for anyone but myself. It was rare for me to be in a dress, not to mention to have the opportunity to have my hair and nails done. Wearing a hard hat, khaki pants and boots for the past ten years with no finger nail polished allowed on the production floor took a lot away from a woman’s femininity. Nights like tonight reminded me that I am a woman indeed.

Her sapphire blue low-cut, tight-fitting cocktail dress showed off her curves in all the right places without being trampy. I didn’t know how long the heels were going to last, but it was nice not feeling quite so small as the normal 5’4" short stuff that I am. My brunette shoulder length hair was swept up at the sides with diamond-studded combs. Soft curls surrounded my face on each side. I liked what I had seen in the mirror before leaving home tonight. I felt good.

More applause drew my attention back to the stage as Harry was called up to speak. Everyone loved Harry and hated that he was calling it quits. He’d certainly earned it though. I thought about the ten years I had been part of the Elite family. At least that is what leadership called it. We were a hundred-year-old company that was still fourth generation privately owned. We wanted to still act like the mom and pop company, but we had grown to be too big to maintain that feel no matter how hard we tried. With a corporate office in Phoenix and seven manufacturing facilities, we were supplying quality deli meats across the United States.

I have no regrets. Harry was saying. Elite has been my family for 45 years...more than half my life. My hope and request of those of you continuing to carry the torch is that you never forget where we came from. It’s the foundation that this company is built on. We must never lose that.

A strange feeling had settled in my chest. It was hard to describe. I had had inklings of it for months, but couldn’t identify the source. It made me fidget in my chair. It was uncomfortable to say the least. What was the matter with me? I had a good—no—great job that I had worked tremendously hard for, a beautiful home, wonderful friends and family and...I was alone. The thought slammed into my chest as if someone had shoved me, even causing me to catch my breath.

I was lonely. Yes, I dated, but it was never for very long. I had not found anyone I was willing to commit to or that I wanted to –not since him. My gaze returned to Gabe. Fortunately, he was focused on Harry.

Harry received a standing ovation. I sucked in another cleansing breath and stood as well. Jake placed his hand at my back as he stood next to me. All of a sudden I felt claustrophobic in this room full of people. I needed a minute to myself.

I excused myself from the table, letting Jake know I needed to go to the ladies room. I greeted numerous people on my way to the back of the hall. The lights were dim as they were showing a slide show, chronicling the many changes the company had seen over the last 45 years. I just needed some space.

The glare from the bright bathroom lights caused me to blink several times to gain my bearings. The mauve interior of the room was welcoming and soothing. I pretended to check my make-up and hair as one female washed and dried her hands. It appeared the room was now empty.

Planting my hands on the sink for support, I stared at myself in the mirror.

Get it together, girl. Suck it up. It’s not the time for self-revelations, I told myself.

Unfortunately, you can’t lie to yourself. Your conscience has a way of digging things out of the deepest recesses where you have buried things and forces you to face them. Like now, damn it!

You still love him. The words vibrated so vividly in my head someone might as well have said them aloud.

My head bowed as I tried to push the thought back behind the door I had locked it behind...or so I had thought. Damn you, Gabriel Stanopolis. Damn you.

Shit. Looking in the mirror, the truth looked back at me mockingly, my blue eyes shining brightly; pink lips a grim straight line. Okay. So what? Doesn’t matter. He doesn’t feel the same way, and neither one of us are willing to compromise our careers, so let it go. I firmly admonished my own conscience.

Taking a fortifying breath, I slammed that memory shut and relocked the door I’d hidden it behind. Time to get back in there. Maybe just maybe I can salvage the rest of this night and have a good time with Jake. Lord knows he was willing.

As I rounded the exit I slammed straight into a brick wall. Hands circled my arms, startling me. I looked up into eyes of chocolate that were all too familiar. I instantly tensed.

Oh, excuse me, Gabe. I didn’t see you there. I kept my voice level even as my insides quivered.

As I attempted to side-step he countered and blocked my exit. What’s your rush? Anxious to get back to Goldilocks? Gabe quipped.

He could be such an arrogant ass. As a matter of fact, I am. If you will excuse me, have a good evening.

I turned to go, but not before he said, Don’t hurt yourself in those shoes, Sunshine. He hadn’t called her that in a very long time. I halted for just a split second, but didn’t turn around. I kept walking, but he knew I had heard him. It was always better not to engage in verbal banter with Gabe. You never won. He was a master at comebacks. I was too... two hours later.

I settled back in at my table with Jake and six other occupants. Calissa Whitney was the Corporate Controller along with her husband Jeff, Director of Engineering David Orr and his wife Eileen, and Tammy Wells from Finance and her husband Larry. Calissa and I had worked together since the beginning. She had hired me in from the consulting role I had with the company.

Conversation flowed at the table as dessert was served. The moment I had been experiencing passed, and I began to enjoy the evening.

Cheesecake! My favorite. I almost groaned.

Leaning over, Jake fed me a bite of his and whispered, I can think of other things we could do with whipped cream. His devilish grin spread across his handsome face.

I couldn’t help but giggle. He made me feel sexy and desired. What girl didn’t enjoy that?

Careful  Conover. I might just take you up on that.

I’m counting on it. He turned back to his dessert, but his left hand rested on my thigh, his fingers gently caressing.

Okay, this could turn out to be a very enjoyable night after all, I thought to myself.

Zoning back in to the table conversation, I wasn’t surprised to hear talk about who would be stepping up to assume Harry’s position of Vice President of Operations.

Word is that one of the owner’s relatives will be stepping in. David was sharing with the table.

That’s not what I’m hearing on our floor. People are saying that Marcus is a strong front runner. Calissa countered. Marcus was the CFO of the company.

What have you heard, Hilary? All eyes turned to me awaiting a response. This was murky water. It was never good to comment on situations such as this. They always backfired or came back around.  I had heard the same things already mentioned along with a few others, but nothing concrete. She didn’t want to get in the middle of this, but she had been wondering the same thing. The company was keeping the next VP of Ops very tight-lipped.

Nothing you all haven’t heard. It’s been kept very quiet. I guess we will find out soon enough. I figured that was a safe enough answer.

Maybe they will surprise us and make you the new VP. It’s not like you couldn’t do it. David shocked her by saying.

Calissa snorted. Yeah, right. Like that’s going to happen. She noticed my frown at her reply. Hey, no offense, girlfriend, but you and I both know they aren’t going to promote a woman to that level. You know how hard a road it was as plant manager and now as director. You know what I mean. She tried to play it off, but I did know exactly what she meant...all too well.

Jake’s cell phone buzzed in his pocket. Checking it, he said he needed to take it and excused himself.

Calissa elbowed me in the side and snickered. Where did you find that mountain of deliciousness?

Yes, inquiring minds do want to know, Franklin. Do tell. A deep familiar voice said from behind my chair.

For the second time that night, I looked up into Gabe’s deep brown eyes. Yes, I’m sure it’s the newsflash of the night, Stanopolis. I continued to look up at him, practically shooting daggers now. I raised my eyebrows questioning, asking him without words what he was doing over at my table.

Did you need something? I casually asked, hoping he was just passing by. No such luck.

A word please. It wasn’t a request. Gabe didn’t ask you to do anything. He commanded.

Sighing inwardly, I made to stand as he pulled back my chair. I turned to face him.

What is it that can’t wait until Monday, Gabe? I said quietly so that I wouldn’t be overheard.

Not here. I need to talk to you about something, and I don’t want an audience.

He turned and started walking toward the back of the banquet hall, leaving me to follow.

God but he was arrogant just leaving me there to follow like a puppy!

He always managed to piqué my temper these days. Apparently tonight would be no different. He came to the entrance/exit to the ballroom and pushed through one of the doors into the wide foyer. He crossed the hall and stopped next to a small table with two sitting chairs.

Turning as if he had no doubt I would be behind him, he motioned for me to sit. Have a seat.

I think I’d prefer to stand. Just then I spotted Jake leaning again a column as he spoke into his cell phone. He spotted me at just about the same time and waved. My date will be wondering what I am doing.

Gabe followed my gaze to where Jake stood and chuckled, his snarky leer lifting the corner of his mouth. No, we wouldn’t want to keep pretty boy waiting, would we?

Now I was getting irritated. What do you want, Gabe? Suddenly the atmosphere surrounding us changed. The air felt thick. Heat flushed and reddened my cheeks.

His heated gaze took me by surprise. He said nothing. He just stared down at me...almost through me. He took a step closer and started to speak just as Jake interrupted.

Hey, HIl, that was the office. We are having trouble at an audit site. I’m really sorry to do this, but I’ve got to go. I will arrange for a car to take you home. I’m so sorry.

Great. Just what I needed. No worries, Jake. I can take care of myself. I understand. Go! Take care of your clients.

He embraced me and placed a quick kiss to my lips. Leaning in close he said, Rain check on the whip cream?

Smiling, I pushed him back. We’ll see. Then he was off.

Nice date to leave you flying solo. Gabe threw at her.

What? Like you wouldn’t leave a date if work called? You and I both know better. I threw back at him.

Touché. He smiled. Damn his sexy Greek smile.

Again I ask you, what did you want to talk to me about, Gabe? My patience was wearing thin.

A door to the ballroom opened and music filtered through. The dancing had started.

Gabe continued to stare down at me, his eyes narrowing with a well-known look of mischief.

Dance with me first. He commanded as he took my hand and started walking back toward the ballroom.

Have you lost your mind? I had to concentrate on not tripping over my own feet to keep up with his 6’2" frame.

The lights were even dimmer. Only a soft glow illuminated the room. Of course a slow sultry song was playing. What was I—Alice in Wonderland? Had I fallen down a rabbit hole?

Gabriel, we cannot—He turned as we reached the dance floor and pulled me into his arms.

One arm circled my waist pulling me in flush against him while he grasped the other and held it upright forming the perfect dance position.

Dance with me. I need your full attention.  There was no time to reason with him as he took control and proceeded to lead me around the dance floor. Unless I wanted to make a scene and draw what I was certain would be even more attention to ourselves, I had no choice but to play this out.

"You do realize the tongues will wag at the site of us dancing together, don’t