Justifications and Judgments: A Modern Pride and Prejudice
"So, we'll set you up in Algiers next week. There's been an awful skirmish with local insurgents lately, but I'm not too concerned that the uprisings will influence our plans there. In fact, they'll likely improve our success considering the traditionalist system. And, I know you probably have concerns about their views on women, but really, I don't see that being a problem for you. I mean, considering how you've behaved this week, you're clearly adaptable and submissive when you have to be. Now, I know that the dress code is a bit of sticking point for most women, but really, what's a head scarf in the grand scheme of things. Not to mention that Marcus, my assistant, will be with you the whole time, so you won't actually have to worry about meeting with the higher ups at this point. Obviously they can be quite intimidating and frankly I just don't want you to be solely responsible for something that essential at this point in the process. And, before you say anything about it, I know that Becca is a concern for you. I can't make extensive promises about holidays yet as the details of your contract will have to go through legal first, but I can promise you that you'll have Christmas off, so that will certainly allow for family visitation. Oh, and I forgot to ask, is your passport current?"
Stunned. That was the only way to describe her expression. Maybe overwhelmed. Acutally, verging on infuriated was more like it.
"What the hell are you yammering on about?!" She shouted at him.
"What?" He looked genuinely confused. "The job. In Algeria. With my company. You said…"
Without preamble she cut him off.
"Are you kidding me? Why in God's name would I ever work for you?!"
He looked bewildered.
"Because we share the same values and…"
"Whoa buddy. Let me stop you right there. The only thing we share is a hatred of yams, and that is certainly not something to build a partnership on. And really, I can't believe you of all people have the nerve to bring up values. VALUES! As if you actually care about anything other than money and your own goddamn self." Her anger was really building now, and there was no quelling the fire behind her words. "How could you possibly think I'd want to work for you? You represent everything I want to spend the rest of my life fighting against!"
Now it was his turn to step in unprompted. In the minute and a half it had taken her to spout those words of vitriol his expression had transformed from eagerness to confusion and was quickly morphing into outrage, which unfortunately, he was failing miserably to conceal.
"I apologize Ms. Dawson. I seem to have misunderstood our earlier dialogue."
With that remark Darcy turned to exit the room only to be stopped by a cut glass tumbler hurtling into the doorframe.
"Where the hell are you going?! You opened up this little Pandora's box and I am NOT about to let you leave without saying my piece since there's no chance we'll be seeing one another again. Ever."
Startled and cross with his brow furrowed and his jaw clenched, Darcy gestured for her to continue and simply said, "Proceed."
"That is so like you!" Sam huffed derisively. "Freaking infuriating, haughty SOB. And after everything you've done? To Dave and my sister? Huh?! God, I can't rectify the fact that you're still breathing. But that's how it goes, right? Big, bad billionaire gets to treat everyone like crap, turning up his nose at the little people, and no one things anything of it, but then one day someone challenges that perfect aristocratic, patriarchal POV and you practically guillotine them."
"Pardon?" He snuck in as she took a breath.
"PARDON?!"
She threw another glass. This time at the fireplace since he'd moved away from the door and in her general direction. In fact, through all her shouting and seeing red, she hadn't noticed how close their proximity really was.
"I'm talking about Dave and my sister!" I'm talking about ruining the reputation and opportunities of a young man who was supposed to be like family to you. And for what? For squandering money on yachts and cigars and Rolexes and Bentley and weekend trips to Europe when you have could have been saving lives. I'm talking about separating two people who truly cared about one another because you've got an ego the size of Texas and can't fathom being associated with anyone who doesn't belong to the 1%. How could I ever work with, God, even know someone who'd so quickly belittle the aspirations and affections of the people I love?"
"I see. Well as I said before, I apologize for misinterpreting our earlier conversations. I'll no longer offend you with my presence. Good evening."
Though she might have been wrong, Sam definitely thought she detected an undertone of snark in that last remark. But, she didn't have an opportunity to call him on it because with that simple statement and nod of his head, Darcy left and she could only stare after him, exhausted, seriously peeved, and in desperate need of a drink. Too bad she'd already shattered the stemware. C'est la vie.