I was so sure she was going to say something back to him. It surprised me that she only pursed her lips and sat down. The rest of the time she looked as though she had swallowed a lemon. We got an earful about it later. She went on and on about neither one of us having stood up for her. That she was shocked I’d let him speak in such a way.
“It’s going to be so entertaining watching the two of them. That much I know. Gerrit isn't one to back down.”
“No he’s not.” Kinley falls back onto the bed with me once again. I hit the light next to my bed, and she pulls the blanket over us both. My phone dings again. The word husband lights up my screen and it can only be Gerrit. I still can’t believe he took my phone. Actually I can, but programming his name as husband?
Husband: When you got home you should have texted me you were safe.
“What the hell?” I show it to Kinley. He’s either worried about me or really controlling. Only time will tell. I debate sending a text back. Before I can do anything, it dings again.
Husband: Goodnight.
Well then. He issues his order and then bounces. I drop my phone onto the nightstand, remaining as confused as ever as to who Gerrit Kane truly is.7GerritI lean back in my chair, tossing the signed baseball in the air and catching it. My CFO and CBDO continue to argue it out over this conference call. I promoted Martine to chief business development officer less than a year ago.
It’s his job to bring in new opportunities and to come up with a plan on how he will make the opportunities play out in our favor.
I let them go at it because it’s good for Martine. That and my mind keeps drifting to Kennedy and why she hasn’t responded to my two texts that I sent last night. That is not going to work for me when we’re finally married.
“It’s not worth the time.” Abigail’s patience is finally wearing out. She hates nothing more than repeating herself.
I catch the ball again as Emily lets herself into my office with a few folders in her hand, closing the door behind her. It was a good day in the business world. It was a gamble when I bought the Fero estate years ago. I’d gotten lucky and someone told me the family was having problems. I swooped in, making an offer that put a large dent in my bank account five years ago.
I’d snatched it up and then I sat on it for a while. It wasn’t long before offers started coming in. A few times I’ve been tempted to let it go because I would have made a good profit off it, but Abigail reminded me that we didn’t want only a good profit. We wanted a fucking phenomenal one. She was the best when it came to numbers. I’ve never seen anyone that can even hold a candle to her when it comes to working with them. It’s why I hired her and trust her opinion.
The land lies far out of the city and could be used for so many things. I didn’t want the headache of breaking it down and selling it in chunks.
It was worth the wait when I got a call from Google wanting it for their new development. They were going to put in all kinds of shit from my understanding. Even a campus.
Emily stops before she gets to my desk, her lips pursing for a moment as she looks at the baseball, making me remember she got me the ball. I can’t remember why. It may have been for the Christmas exchange. I frown at that. I’m sure this ball cost more than the allotted amount you were supposed to spend.
“Just hear me out,” Martine tries again. Abigail sucks in an audible breath. I take her cue and finally cut in.
“You heard her, Martine. The profit isn’t worth the time.” He tries to talk again, but I keep going. “I know you’re new at this and I promoted you because I knew you’d have great ideas like you did with the Warner deal. That said, Abigail should be very important to you. She can give you the numbers and show you the data. If she says it’s not a good idea you should listen to her. I trust her implicitly when it comes to this.”
He starts talking again, saying that we’re both right and that he does trust Abigail. I half listen as they continue talking about other business ventures. I motion for Emily to give me the files she’s holding. I hand her the baseball. She puts it back on its stand as I open the files.