idioms...saying understood by native speakers part eleven
Lynn thought she actually might faint, her heart was beating so fast... but then she heard the Chairman laugh.
"Your girlfriend? I thought you were gay." Then he paused, "Besides, who is the better man? A chief officer or a Chairman of the Board?" He started to reach out to grab Lynn again.
"What did you just say?" Lynn's eyes flashed as she clung to Rick's right arm, after dodging the Chairman's reach.
Rick could feel her trembling... but those eyes were on fire right now. Anger, not fear was motivating her. He laid his other hand on top of hers.
"I have always liked men who work for a living. You obviously are enjoying the fruits of Rick's labors, and as for gay,,, you really don't know your son."
"I bet I know him better than you do."
"Really? How, since he did not grow up in this house?"
The Chairman red in the face yelled out, "Well, of course he could never live in this house... being the bastard he is."
Lynn's hand gripped tighter into Rick's arm. Not batting an eye at this revelation, she laughed. "Hate to tell ya, but this guy who you are calling a bastard obviously has the ability to be a Chief Officer. It is how he grew up that prepared him, more so than growing up in this rich squalor. Much better to have weathered storms, than being a greenhouse plant."
"Aren't you quite the tigress?" Appreciation appeared more evident on the old man's face. "I bet you have a price, don't you?"
Lynn moved quickly. "Old man, eight years ago I entered this company straight from school. I believe in it. I believe in the motto. You are part of the founding family, how the heck can you be a chairman of a toy company and be such a sleaze. I can always find another job. I don't have a price." Poking the man in his left shoulder to emphasize every word.
Rick thought, he is gonna feel that in the morning. Then he pulled her away. "Look, Lynn. Calm down. It's not worth it."
"Calm down?" Arms crossed, she whirled back on the old man. "You apologize. Me, I am not important... I am just an executive assistant. But, your son is probably the only one you've got or at least the only one who will talk to you!" Lynn unloaded both barrels now, "Apologize to your son!" Lynn stood her ground, tapping her foot impatiently.
---
"Rick?"
"Yes, Dad."
"Do you need an apology?"
"only to Lynn. I already know where I stand with you."
"Boy, you sure know how to pick em. She is really something special."
"Then we finally agree on something, as long as we also understand, she is mine."
The old man shrugged. "Win some, lose some. Come on you two, let's go eat." He strolled out.
Lynn's jaw dropped.
"Hey, are you okay?" Rick looked at her shaking.
"D d do I still have a job?"
This time Rick pulled her into a very gentle comforting hug. He kissed her forehead and then smiled lopsided, "What do you think?"
"I don't know what to think... is your dad a sleaze?"
"Pretty much, but he has never tried to pull me into providing him a girl before, he usually reserves that for my Uncle John." Taking her by the arm and leading her towards the dining room.
"Hey, you don't think I am going to eat with that guy."
"Come on. I might need your protection again." Rick smirked as he suddenly got punched in the arm.
"Um, Rick, I understand the situation, but, how are we gonna explain this girlfriend business?"
"It isn't as far fetched as all that now is it?" Rubbing his shoulder, he took her arm gently. "Come on, we will talk it out later. Let's eat and then get out of here. I can't stand this place."'
to be continued.