The Next Wife by Kaira Rouda (top 20 books to read .txt) 📗

We planned it this way. Serious. Techy. My hair is pulled back in a low ponytail. My pants and black T-shirt display my curves. Bright-red lipstick completes my look. I know the men in the office notice what I wear, and I enjoy the attention.

John wears a leather bracelet, the one with a metal peace sign on it, a gift from me that I know makes him feel young. We’re ready. The lines beaming from his blue eyes like sunlight convey warmth, experience. I think I fell in love with his eye crinkles.

The sheen on his forehead is the only sign he isn’t feeling 100 percent. I fight the urge to hand him a napkin. Sweat is so unappealing.

“So, how does it feel to be rich?” John begins the applause, and the rest of us join in. My heart pounds in my chest. I for one think being rich is the only way to be. And now, we have so much more, John and I.

John continues, and I feign devout attention. “I know it’s been a tough couple of months, with the quiet period and those nuisance lawsuits, but just look at those shares of EventCo popping!” John points to the television screen in the corner of the sleek conference room. It feels surreal. On a typical business day, charts and dry-erase marker scribbles cover the walls of this room in various bright colors. One of my jobs used to be wiping these walls.

Today, someone else wiped the walls clean, stark white, like a blank piece of paper. John and his black attire stand out more than usual. I decide to stand up next to him, enjoying the frowns from Kate and Ashlyn.

I smile at them both and wink at Ashlyn before turning my attention back to the TV screen in the corner. It’s tuned to Market Watch. The stock market never mattered that much to me, but now, with EventCo going public, it matters. It matters very much.

“Look at her go!” John exclaims. I jump before realizing he’s talking about the stock. Jeez, I’m not sure why I’m so on edge. I guess it’s just the excitement of today. The last day before everything changes.

John glances at me, a look of concern but mostly of what the heck are you doing standing next to me? in his eyes.

“This is so exciting, honey.” I kiss him on the cheek and whisper, “You should wipe your forehead.” I push a tissue into his hand, but he ignores me.

John continues. “Before we go out there and join the rest of the company to celebrate, I wanted to gather you all here and thank you. Because of your hard work, Kate and I were able to build the company of our dreams. I hope you’re happy with the results, and I hope you’ll still come to work, even if you don’t need the cash anymore.”

I lean into John and smile, sharing the moment in the spotlight again. I wonder if any media are here to capture this happy scene through the glass-front conference room. If they are, it will be a great shot. Me and my man, all in black, standing in front of a white background with an entire team around the conference table staring up at us with pure adulation. A business success stock photo to be sure.

But I don’t see any cameras, unfortunately, even though they should be there. This is a huge moment for EventCo. John started the company with Kate twenty years ago, and it’s grown to become one of central Ohio’s most prominent and well-respected companies. We’re the all-American success story based in the all-American city in the heartland. Come on, you can’t make this stuff up. We processed more than $1 billion in gross ticket sales last month. Successful beyond our wildest dreams, we offer online invitations, party supplies, and a one-stop shop for the hottest concert tickets all rolled into one. When I say “we,” I mean they. My only job since I arrived was to keep John organized and happy: first as his executive assistant and then as his wife. I guess I did my part.

I’m satisfied when John finally wraps his arm around my waist and pulls me in close. That’s better.

“Special thanks to Tish, who has put up with a very stressed-out CEO for these past few months. I know it hasn’t been easy keeping my schedule organized. And to all of you, I know I haven’t been the easiest person to work for lately.”

Was that a slam? I mean, I am officially his executive assistant, but I’m so much more than a scheduler. We’re married, so half of his half of this now-public company is mine. My chest thumps again with the bigness of it all. John’s right, though. To say he’s been stressed out is an understatement, but I smile and turn to the EventCo team.

“I’m so proud of you, John. You worked hard to make sure this IPO would be good for everyone. As for me, I just can’t wait to whisk you away for a much-needed vacation this weekend.”

Even though this is the first John has heard about our trip, he doesn’t react. That’s fine. We leave tonight after the festivities. I’ve packed toiletries. The private plane waits for us at the airport. It will be nice to have a little weekend together in the mountains.

We have so much to talk about.

CHAPTER 2

JOHN

I take a deep breath and wipe my brow. My heart pounds in my chest as I realize it’s all over.

I stand in this familiar conference room and look at the team—my team—and remember all we’ve accomplished. I spent my best years growing this business, and now, with the IPO, it’s a bittersweet moment. Going public will change everything, that’s what everyone tells me. I smile at Ashlyn, who narrows her eyes and glares at Tish standing next to me. I’m now aware that Tish is talking and that I should be