Mr. Big Deal (Mr. Big 4)

CHAPTER23

Luke

* * *

The next dayI spent a couple of hours in the office, while Alexa recuperated at the apartment.

While I was sitting at my desk, going over the financial sheets John had provided for my signature, I heard a knock at the door and Adam Pierce poked his head in.

“Do you mind?” he asked, pointing to the chair across from my desk. “There wasn’t a receptionist outside, so I took the liberty…”

I stood and waved him in. “Of course, Adam,” I said, and we went to the sofa against the wall by the windows. “You’re always welcome. My receptionist is off today. I’m on my own.”

He sat and adjusted his jacket. “Good time last night,” he said and nodded. “I enjoyed our dinner and the chance to meet everyone involved.”

“Me, too,” I said. “It was a fun night.”

He smiled and then he looked uncomfortable, like he had something difficult to say.

“Is there a problem, Adam?”

“Well, yes, there is. I don’t really know how to say this, but Carol told me after we left the venue that Elena had been saying really nasty things about Alexa to her all night and once, when they were in the washroom, Elena said something nasty while Alexa was in the washroom. Carol was really offended, but tried not to look it because of course, Elena is one of our partners. I wanted you to know that I’m considering kicking her off the board and out of the deal. I needed you to know just in case it was a problem.”

A shock went through me. “Alexa never said anything, but I guess she didn’t want to do anything that might cause problems, but that’s clearly unacceptable.”

Adam nodded. “Carol couldn’t let it go and I agree. I wouldn’t accept a male colleague making comments about one of the partner’s wives. I don’t think it’s right for Elena to do so.”

“I’m fine if you want to remove her from the board. How much of a hit will we take if she pulls out of the deal?”

Adam shook his head. “Not much,” he replied. “If we have Hanson on, we don’t need Elena and her harassment.”

“Good,” I said and shook my head. “I can’t believe Alexa didn’t say anything. I’m sure she was hurt because she’s sensitive about her post-baby weight.”

“Alexa is a very intelligent and capable young woman, and you should be proud,” Adam said. “Anyway, that’s all I really wanted to say other than I’m glad we had the dinner together.”

He stood and we shook hands and I escorted him out of the office to the elevator. We spoke about our next meeting and then I said goodbye as he took the elevator down.

* * *

When I arrived backat the hotel, Alexa had packed up our bags and was waiting to go back to the beach house.

“How was your morning?” she asked and slipped her arms around me.

“Very interesting,” I said and led her to the bed. I sat her down and sat beside her, taking her hand. “I had a surprise meeting with Adam Pierce this morning. He wanted to let me know he was going to kick Elena off the board and out of the deal.”

Alexa frowned. “Why? What happened? I thought she was one of Seneca’s partners and is on their board.”

“She was, but Carol came to Adam after the dinner and said Elena was talking about you in a very nasty way, and even while you were in the washroom. Why didn’t you say anything to me?”

Alexa closed her eyes. “Because what she said was true. I’m not from your world. I’m not from wealth. I still have excess baby weight that I can’t seem to shake.” Tears escaped her eyes.

I took her chin in my hand and turned her to face me. “You are the most beautiful, wonderful woman I’ve ever known. I love you. You should have told me. It was unacceptable for Elena to be so nasty and shows that she lacks the kind of professionalism we need on the board and as part of the deal. She’s gone as of today.”

Alexa smiled through her tears. “I felt so embarrassed that she had such a low opinion of me, and I wanted to tell you, but I didn’t want it to become a problem for the deal.”

I pulled her into my arms and kissed her warmly. “Never hold anything back, okay? We have to be completely open with each other so there’s no distance between us.”

“Okay,” she said, her face serious. “Could you remember to hit the laundry basket when you take off your boxer briefs at night, so I don’t have to pick them up? I mean, if we’re being totally open with each other…” Then, her eyes narrowed, and I knew she was joking.

I laughed out loud. “I asked for it,” I said and kissed her.

* * *