“You’re telling us that despite our market valuation, we don’t have enough cash flow to buy that fucker out?” David exclaimed, mirroring my own dismay.
“Not right now. If Albert were to wait four months, you’ll be liquid enough again.”
“And if he doesn’t want to wait?” I pressed.
He pinched his nose, drumming his fingers on the table. “You can still freeze this year’s investment. You have a clause in all contracts that allows you to freeze the investment for six months in extreme circumstances.”
“No,” I answered before he even finished uttering the last word. “That’s completely out of question.”
“It’s an option. That would give you enough cash flow.”
“No, it’s not. Our mentees are putting their trust in us. We’re not going to disappoint them.”
He nodded but shrugged. “I’m afraid this is all I could come up with.”
“Then find me something better, or we’ll be employing another law firm.” My voice was calm, but I was sure my rage was visible on my face. This was sloppy work. There was always more than one way to solve a problem, and I wasn’t tolerating anything less than the very best from the people I worked with.
After our lawyer left, David, Becca, and I just looked at each other without saying a word.
“Let’s not talk about any of this tonight,” David finally suggested.
Becca nodded. “I agree. I’m too overwhelmed to actually be of any use right now anyway.”
They both looked at me. If I pushed it, they’d stay for me and brainstorm together. It was a reminder that I was in charge.
“No, let’s call this a day. We all need to cool off first.”
They both rose to their feet before I even finished the sentence. We all left at the same time. I couldn’t stand being in the office anymore. I needed to stretch my legs and clear my mind. Yet all I could do during my walk was mull the lawyer’s advice in my mind. I wasn’t only in charge; I was also responsible for all those we invested in. They all trusted me, and I was determined not to let anyone down. I hadn’t gotten to where I was by playing into anyone’s games. There was a reason I had a reputation as being ruthless and tough, and Albert was going to be reminded of that.
It wasn’t the first time I was facing a roadblock. The only difference was that this time I had more people I wanted to protect. I remembered Tess’s apprehension before signing, how long it took to win her over. I was afraid she would go back in her shell, and I didn’t want this to drive a wedge between us.
I thought about how I was going to break the news to her as I left the office. Tess was attending a fashion show on the Upper East side, and even though we hadn’t made any plans for tonight, I needed to see her.
I arrived before the show was over and waited in front of the art deco building. Soon, people started filtering out, and it only took me a moment to spot her. She came right toward me.
“Handsome gentleman, you look familiar,” Tess exclaimed, a smile tugging at the corners of her lips. She looked absolutely breathtaking, though I only caught a glimpse of her red dress before she buttoned up her black coat.
“How so?” I replied, giving in to her game.
She tilted her head, narrowing her eyes playfully. “I’m not sure. Maybe you should remind me.”
I stepped closer, touching her lower lip with my thumb. “When we’re alone.”
She sucked in a breath, kissing my finger. “How come you’re here?”
“To make sure no one kisses you while you wait for a cab.”
She laughed softly, wiggling her eyebrows. “Not even you?”
“I didn’t say that.”
I dragged my thumb from one corner of her mouth to the other.
“Uh-oh,” Tess muttered.
“What?”
“We really should wait until we’re alone for that kiss. You give off dangerous vibes.”