Fat Cat Liar Read online

  Copyright © 2018 by Ahren Sanders

  All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law.

  This book is a work of fiction. All names, characters, locations and incidents are products of the author’s imagination. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, locales or events is entirely coincidental.

  Editing: Kendra Gaither at Kendra’s Editing and Book Services

  Cover Photo: Rafael Garcia- Photographer

  Cover Model: Christian Balic

  Cover Design: Shanoff Designs

  Fat Cat: adjective

  “A wealthy and privileged person.”

  Table of Contents

  Title Page

  Copyright Page

  Fat Cat

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 22

  Chapter 23

  Chapter 24

  Chapter 25

  Chapter 26

  Chapter 27

  Chapter 28

  Chapter 29

  Epilogue

  Note from the Author

  Meet The Author

  Author Links- Keep in touch!

  Other Books by Ahren Sanders

  Chapter 1

  Greer

  “You look stunning, Kimberly. Absolutely breathtaking.” A lump forms in my throat as the woman in front of me studies herself in the three-way mirror.

  She tilts, turns, and twirls before facing me. Her smile beams brightly as the tears brimming her eyes spill out. A small sob escapes, followed by another, until she can no longer hold her head up and drops her face into her hands.

  I grab the box of tissues and wrap my arms around her, careful not to mess up her perfectly styled hair. She trembles gently, whispering, “Thank you,” over and over.

  “You’re going to be the most beautiful woman in the room tonight, and it’s an honor that’s due. This is a celebration of you, Kimberly.”

  She takes a few deep breaths, blotting her cheeks with the tissue. “Greer, I can’t believe that’s me in the mirror. For the first time in a year, I feel normal. Maybe even a little pretty.”

  “Pretty! Hell no, I said stunning and I meant it,” I tell her honestly. “Your husband is going to fall to the ground.”

  “Yes, he is. Considering I’ve spent so long in hospital gowns and pajamas, this is going to knock him out.”

  “Then I’ve done my job.”

  “Greer, what did you do to my masterpiece?” Haley, my hairstylist and make-up artist, comes in to find Kimberly’s face streaked, her meticulous make-up now smeared and spotty.

  “It was my fault, Haley. As soon as I saw myself, I cracked,” Kimberly confesses, a shimmer reappearing in her eyes.

  “I’m not surprised. Most of Greer’s clients usually have to take a round two in my chair. She has a knack for making people cry.”

  “These are tears of joy and appreciation. I can’t wait to see the faces of my family and friends.”

  “How about you get changed into the jumpsuit I’ve laid out.” I pat her shoulder and step back, giving her a small smile.

  She nods and disappears into the dressing room while Haley grabs my elbow and leads me to the other room.

  “I say this all the time, but you are incredible. Working with you is the highlight of my job.”

  “She did look beautiful, didn’t she?”

  “All your clients look beautiful.”

  “She’s special.”

  “You say that about most of your women clients. I think it’s called deep compassion and love for your job.”

  I shrug and look away shyly. She’s right; I do love my job.

  Being a personal shopper could be described as a dream. I catch the envy in people’s voices all the time, but I’m more of a specialty shopper. My client roster is filled with women who have been affected by cancer.

  It’s a fluke career I’ve fallen into. Truthfully, my mind is geared toward math, science, and technology. But after my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer for the second time, I found joy in helping her feel beautiful.

  When she made the decision to have the double mastectomy, I overheard her crying to my dad in anguish about the situation. To him, and anyone else who loved her like we did, it was inconsequential. She felt she was losing a piece of her womanhood.

  As soon as her scars were healed and she was feeling better, I brought her right here to Blakely’s Department Store, where we worked to find her the perfect items to re-establish her confidence.

  I may not have formal training in fashion, but I know how it feels to cherish, love, and sympathize with a woman going through cancer.

  When we lost my mom, Dad became my business partner. He had his lawyers draw up the paperwork and approached Blakely’s Department Store with a proposal to run my personal shopping business out of their Women’s Department. Being a high-end store, they were thrilled with the idea. I bring in a stable revenue stream since I do ninety percent of my shopping within these walls.

  One of the greatest perks is I get to contract with some of the best hair and make-up artists in the city on special occasions like today.

  “Is there any way to salvage this mess I’ve made of my face, Haley?” Kimberly joins us in the space I use as an office and salon.

  “Absolutely! I always expect a few tears when it comes to Greer, so I saved the main color pallet for after you saw her results.”

  “Good plan.” Kimberly comes to my side and takes both my hands in hers. “Please consider attending my party tonight. I swear to God, I won’t embarrass you by crying or gushing too much.”

  “I’d love to, but I have plans with my dad and a few friends. Call me with every detail tomorrow.”

  “I’ll do more than call you; I’ll bring coffee and give you a play by play.”

  “Sounds like a plan.” I grasp her hands and take a deep breath, knowing what I say next can bring a fresh round of tears. “Kimberly, I want you to listen to me. Cancer can take your hair. It can take your strength and resolve. It may change your body, and in your case, it can take your breasts. But what it can’t take is your spirit. Don’t let it get your spirit. Wallace loves you more than you can ever imagine, and your children need you, too. If a few pretty clothes, new lingerie, and a full spa day make you feel better, you come to me anytime.”

  She inhales sharply, nodding. “You’ve got it.”

  “Okay, go with Haley. I’m going to steam that dress and have it ready for you.”

  She nods again and looks at Haley. “Work your magic.”

  I sigh in relief when I hear Kimberly laughing. The heavy mood from earlier vanishes when she sits in that chair and Haley touches up her make-up.

  Thirty minutes later, Kimberly thanks us one last time and leaves. I plop in my chair and check my email as Haley cleans her station.

  “Another dream come true for one of your clients. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again—I love being here. Is it totally inappropriate fo
r me to beg you to hire me full-time?” Haley says after a few minutes.

  I stop reading and glance at her for signs of playfulness. Instead, I’m met with a hopeful gaze. “Are you serious? You’d leave the salon?”

  “In a heartbeat, if I could financially. Every time a client walks out of this place, I’m filled with a sense of accomplishment.”

  It doesn’t take more than three seconds for me to calculate the cost of taking on a full-time employee, including benefits. My financial statements flash in my head, and I know it’s a true possibility.

  “You’re running numbers in your mind, aren’t you?”

  “Of course.”

  “You never cease to amaze me. Brains, beauty, wealth, yet the kindest person ever.”

  She’s one of the only people outside of my core group of friends who knows who I really am. Greer Palmer, daughter of Kevin Palmer. I’m not ashamed of who I am, but it’s hard to blend in when people know you are the only daughter of a well-known businessman and billionaire extraordinaire.

  “Let me chat with my dad and run some more numbers. He’ll have to be involved.” This is a semi-lie because I already know it’s my decision, but I want to consult with his Human Resources team.

  She squeals eagerly and goes back to cleaning. I think about the prospect of expanding my business and what it could mean. It would allow me to incorporate so many ideas that have been impossible to implement thus far. A rush of excitement flutters through me.

  I shoot a group message to my dad and friends.

  Me- We have some celebrating to do!

  There are a few smiley faces, but Jenny is the only to respond.

  Jenny- You bet your ass we do! Hurry, everyone! Hurry!

  The message may be vague, but I know what’s coming. And it’s going to be awesome.

  •∞•∞•

  “The CONDOM worked!” Jenny shouts, bursting into the café.

  The place goes silent, all eyes on her as she dances in a circle, screaming in triumph. My dad’s eyes lock with mine right before we le ap to our feet, clapping loudly. The staff, who are all too familiar with Jenny and me, join in our celebration, knowing what this means. Then the customers erupt in cheers as Jenny curtsies and bows her way to our table.

  My dad embraces her first, spinning her in a circle with pride written all over his face. He hands her off to me where I tearfully hug her tight.

  “I’m so damn proud of you, Jenny! You rocked this!” I whisper in her ear.

  She backs away, her smile beaming. “I can’t take all the credit. I had loads of help.”

  “Regardless, you’re making a huge imprint on the world with this.”

  “Ricardo!” My dad waves at the owner of the café. “Every customer in here gets a treat on me. We’re in the presence of greatness.”

  Jenny’s cheeks turn pink, and she face plants into Dad’s chest.

  “Wait! Don’t start the party without us!” Bessie yells, flying through the door with Jonas and Enrique on her heel. They come straight to us, taking turns hugging Jenny until she collapses in a chair. “You know better than to start the festivities without the whole Nerd Herd,” Bessie scolds my dad playfully.

  “Won’t happen again.” He pulls back a chair for her to sit then shakes hands with the two men. “The excitement got to me.”

  “Word has spread like wildfire. Everyone in the lab is talking about this revolutionary new gel, and I don’t mean just our floor; I mean the entire building. Jenny, your team is going to be famous. Who would have thought the first time your name was placed on a patent, it would be working with prophylactics?” Jonas teases her.

  I snort, thinking about the day she showed up to my apartment in a panic when she found out the subject of her doctoral research. Her mood was a mixture of excitement and fear at being assigned to work with other scientists on creating, testing, and marketing a new gel for condoms. The purpose was multi-layered, ranging from alleviating latex allergies to encouraging safe sex.

  Her first group interview was with men between the ages of fifteen to fifty. She asked their hesitancy to use condoms so she could understand a little more. The responses sent her into a tizzy.

  When the session was over, she called an emergency Nerd Herd meeting and declared this might not be exactly what she was expecting for her doctoral research, but she was damn sure going to do her part to get this gel approved.

  Three years, one doctoral degree later, and today, the word came in. The gel was going to the FDA, and Jennifer Dennis was proudly listed on the patent.

  “I know I’ve said it before, but I couldn’t have done this without you guys.” Jenny looks at all of us with appreciation swimming in her eyes. “My team is excellent, but you all helped me behind the scenes. Your knowledge is unparalleled. I wish I could include you in my sources.”

  “Nope!” Bessie shakes her head.

  “Not a chance,” Jonas coughs out.

  “Nada,” Enrique states.

  “I’d have to kill you, and it would suck to lose such a brilliant mind,” I tell her lightheartedly. Well, kind of, because if she included my name on her research, I would want to strangle her.

  “I’ll never understand your modesty. It’s pretty special to have this level of accomplishment at our ages.” Jenny throws her hands in the air.

  “We’ll let you take the spotlight for all of us, Dr. Dennis.” I pat her shoulder and catch my dad’s smirk. He is usually the only one who calls her Dr. Dennis.

  Ricardo comes over with our order, which is always the same. Our little clique has been coming here since we all relocated after graduation. It’s also convenient since I live across the street.

  He surprises us all by planting two loud, smacking kisses on Jenny’s cheeks. Without a word, he rushes back to the counter.

  “Okay, Little G, I believe you had some news to celebrate as well. Tell us.” Enrique points to me.

  I shoot him an evil glare at the use of the ridiculous nickname. His cocky grin grows wider.

  “I’ll let it go because my excitement is at an all-time high. I have two pieces of news. Do you all remember the client I helped last May, the referral from the head of Oncology at Columbia University?”

  My dad leans in, indicating he knows exactly who I’m referring to. “The young woman who came to you on the verge of suicide?”

  “She wasn’t seriously thinking of ending her life; she was confused and scared. Her cancer took away her dream of having children. It was a momentary lapse in faith, but she quickly bounced back.”

  I reach over and cover his hand with mine, squeezing tight. “She’s getting a baby, Dad. The adoption is going through now, and they are expecting a healthy baby boy in October.” I tell them about the email I received and the specifics.

  “Annnnnddddd, my other news is…” I draw out the next announcement, building the anticipation. “I’m considering hiring Haley as a full-time employee.”

  “Hell yeah!” Bessie and Jenny shout together.

  “That is wonderful.” Dad agrees with them.

  There’s a fresh round of smiles and questions as I tell them about my conversation with Haley. All of them approve of the choice, especially Dad. He sends a message to his VP of HR and arranges a phone call.

  “Well, it’s funny you should bring up business.” Dad pushes his coffee to the middle of the table and clears his throat. “I’ve been wrestling with an issue at work, and the way I see it, there’s only one solution.”

  He moves his gaze around the table, locking eyes with everyone for a split second before returning his attention to me. There’s a mischievous glint in his stare, and a familiar thrill stirs in the pit of my stomach.

  He doesn’t have to say anything. We all know what he’s hinting at.

  “Yes,” Jonas says.

  “Absolutely,” Bessie, Jenny, and I all say.

  Enrique claps his hands and rubs them together, a crooked smile curving on his lips. “Looks like it’s unanimous. The N
erd Herd is back in action!”

  Chapter 2

  Lawson

  “You fucked up, Lawson, but you’ve come this far. Now’s not the time to lose your temper,” I mumble under my breath and straighten my tie, inhaling deeply.

  The instant I open the boardroom door, all eyes are on me. Beads of sweat form on the back of my neck, trickling down as I fight the urge to clench my fists. My grandfather glares at me with a mixture of disappointment and concern, his gaze holding mine until I slip into the seat across from him at the table.

  I try to appear calm, reclining slightly, and linking my hands to rest on my stomach. I make sure to lock eyes with all four men before speaking. “I take full blame.”

  “Tell us what happened?” Rob, my uncle, as well as our Vice President of Architecture, asks.

  “Bad planning, not enough research, and poor investment choice,” I answer as briefly and honestly as possible. “It won’t happen again.”

  “Dammit, Joshua! I trusted you on this. I was sure you were ready.” He slams his fist so hard on the table water ripples in the glasses. I swallow down the irritation at not only the use of my first name, but also the insinuation he’s made.

  He knows I prefer to be called Lawson and that I’ve worked my ass off forever for this company. There’s no way in hell I’m going to be reprimanded like an amateur.

  “I take great offense to your implication that I’m not ready to step into my rightful place in this organization,” I argue, sitting up and glaring at him. “I’ve been working at Morris Construction and Development since I was fifteen years old. No one in this room or outside of these walls is more knowledgeable or insightful about how to run this division. My blood, sweat, and tears have gone into this company as much as anyone.”

  “That may be true, but there’s more to running a division than having knowledge of hammers, nails, and roofs. This is a different world.”

  “That’s a major fucking insult to my intelligence. Last year, I closed one of our largest deals since this company’s existence. I’ve graduated ten-fold from hammers, nails, and goddamn roofs.” My blood boils as my dad shifts uncomfortably in his seat.