Call It What You Want

Chapter Thirty-One: The Dream

RYKER STOOD IN front of the mirror and lazily brushed his teeth. He had a hard time waking up today—mostly because he came home at 1 a.m. and he may still be a young man but he preferred to go to sleep at a reasonable hour unless it's about his girl.

He leaned on the doorframe and swiped through the Instagram stories. He stumbled upon Laavanya's and a wide smile layered on his face when he saw that she was with Julie, Paris and Sydney. It was an unexpected group of people but he couldn't stop smiling. He slid into her chat.

Ryker: Looks like you had a lot of fun last night

Laavanya: Too much fun, still hungover

Laavanya: But I did invite Sydney for dinner this weekend

Ryker: Okay

Ryker: Now sober up. We have a meeting with Edison today

Laavanya: Yeah.

Laavanya: Speaking of which

Laavanya: Z didn't like the draft, he wants me to re-do it

Ryker: What?

Ryker: Did he say why?

Laavanya: No

Laavanya: I will forward you the email

Ryker: This is not great news. George is not going to be happy about this

Laavanya: I know

Laavanya: There is actually something we should discuss. Work related

Ryker: With him or me?

Laavanya: Both

Ryker: Okay, I will see you at office then

Ryker: Should I set up a meeting with HR soon?

Laavanya: I am afraid Mr. Edison will kick me off of the project if we go through with it now

Ryker: You earned the project

Laavanya: I know but you are, afterall, the head of the department. Mr. Edison had specifically asked me not to date you

Ryker: What???

Laavanya: Not you, by name but anyone in authority

Ryker: Laav

Ryker: What the hell are you talking about

Laavanya: We will talk about this later. I have to shower

Ryker: Okay

Ryker put his phone aside and washed his mouth. His text conversation replayed in his mind as he showered and got dressed. He didn't feel like eating so he grabbed an espresso on the way and gulped it down before reaching the office. He got out of the car and threw the keys towards the valet. Diana greeted him with a curt smile and he tried his best not to glare back. He had two meetings lined up before the one with Laavanya and George.

He walked into his cabin and read the email Mr. Z had sent Laavanya. He re-assessed the draft Laavanya had sent him. George must be expecting positive news from the two of them about this project and while a client not approving the first draft is a completely normal thing but since Mr. Z was a celebrity, George wasn't going to be pleased with the news.

It is understandable for Laavanya to think that the disapproval of her first draft would have a distasteful effect if they went to the HR after this but Ryker was simply worried that she was having second thoughts and disguised it behind this reason.

There was a knock on his door and Samuel peeped inside.

"Is this a good time?" He asked.

Ryker checked the time and nodded. "You have two minutes. Speak."

Samuel walked inside and sat on the chair in front Ryker. He took a deep breath and gulped. "Mr. Morris, I am not a jealous person." Ryker already regretted letting him in. "And I am not a coward either so I chose to come to you directly about this issue."

"And what is the issue, Mr. Williams?"

"I believe you are showing favouritism towards my colleague."

"Elaborate."

"You gave my project to Jennifer for final touch ups and a review. I know she is great but I felt insulted and this is not the first time this happened. Previously, I scored this company a new client but you gave their book to Jennifer. Am I reading this wrong?"

"Jennifer?" He wanted to laugh but Ryker took a breath instead. "You have a good eye for colours, Mr. Williams but Ms. Larsen's skill set lies in fonts and illustration. I don't have to explain to you why I did what I did but the client that you brought was very hands-on and they chose Ms. Larsen, not me."

Samuel went silent.

"Anything else?"

"Um, n—no." He got up from the chair left right when a client walked in. Samuel held the door for the author and was out of sight before Ryker and Vivian Keepnes shared a formal handshake.

"How are you, Ryker?" She asked as she sat down and crossed her leg over the other. She folded her hands over her legs. Her bright red lips twisted into a pressed smile. "How is Rain?"

"Why did you want to meet, Vivian?" He asked as his voice turned cold. "Especially since you almost got me fired from my last firm. Are you here to do the same?"

"Oh, Ryker. I told you to not take it personally. I was teaching your employee a lesson, I didn't ask you to take the fall." Vivian had turned 40 a couple of days ago. The wrinkles and her soft voice could fool anyone into thinking she was a sunshine of a woman when in reality, she was a snake.

"You slept with one of my ex-employees. And when John threatened he would go to your husband, you blamed him for sending him drafts that seemed provocative. I was not letting you do that to him." Ryker and Vivian used to be friends. He was the one who asked her to join his previous firm. They had even shared drinks many times and told each other about their personal lives. Vivian's soft motherly features had fooled Ryker into opening himself. But after what she had done to his employees, he could never trust her again.

Vivian blew a breath while shaking her head in disappointment. "Let that go now because I come bearing good news." She tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear. "I am hiring Piper & Lawson. I figured I'd straighten things out with you before I sign the deal. Also I have been hearing a lot about Laavanya Shaw. I am looking forward to working with her."

He smirked. "I will make sure Ms. Shaw is busy every time your project comes up."

She scowled. "Is that a threat?"

"A promise."

Vivian scowl turned into a smug smile. She let out a deep breath and stood up. "You will understand why I did what I did when you marry someone."

"Marrying someone is a promise for commitment. And I don't intend on breaking it." Ryker stood up and buttoned his blazer. He buried his hand in his pocket. "I will marry someone I love. She is going to be the one for me."

Vivian snickered in contempt. "Keep dreaming."

Ryker played with the tiny box in his pocket. "I am living the dream."