“Since I called you, I am obviously not refusing to speak to you. Since your previous involvement was instrumental in nailing down the initial agreement, I thought your presence might work to put them at ease. You seemed to have a rapport with them. Now I see why—you have parenthood in common,” he said bitterly.
There was nothing she could say to that without seeming inconsiderate or resentful, so she took the path of least resistance and said nothing.
“Your new job called me today,” he said. “Are you still going over there? They said you asked for an extension.”
“I’m not leaving until I finish this deal.”
“Am I that horrible to work for? I seem to remember all those years ago how much you enjoyed working for me.”
“That was light years ago. We have way too much baggage between us. I don’t think we should work at the same place. It’s just best that I work underneath a different boss.”
“I wish you all the best when you leave.”
“Thank you, Harvey. I really did enjoy working with you, but it’s time to move on.”
He nodded and went back to his phone.
She fell asleep during the flight and awoke when she heard the wheels hit land. Startled, she tried to tuck her hair behind her ears, swiped her fingers beneath her eyes to catch any mascara smudges. She didn’t like that she’d fallen asleep near him, been vulnerable, had found herself still comfortable enough to nod off. She thought she should have been on guard, more circumspect, although it was admittedly a little late for that now.
They went directly to a high-rise hotel and checked in. She noted they were registered to separate rooms. After they left their bags, they went to the restaurant to meet with their associates. Mr. Gibbons was waiting alone, sipping a cup of coffee. He stood to greet them and Bella hugged him warmly.
“Will Jason be joining us?” she asked.
“He’ll be along shortly. He had a family matter to attend to.”
“I hope he’s well, and Maggie, too.”
“I’m afraid not, Bella. Maggie’s had a very unexpected health problem, and we find that now may not be the time to transition the company.”
“Oh no! I’m so sorry, Dave. Is there anything we can do? I mean, I’m sure you two are helping with the twins—”
“We’re doing what we can. Right now, he needs to focus on Maggie and not worry about anything else. I’m sorry that our deal fell through, but, really, now is not the time,” he said, obviously distraught. Bella patted his hand.
“Of course not. I mean, clearly we came to LA to try and negotiate a deal, but that was before we knew that Maggie had a troubling diagnosis. Will you excuse me?” she said, stepping out and dialing Jason Smith, “Jason, it’s Bella. Look, I don’t want you to come. We spoke to Dave briefly, and he didn’t go into detail, but it’s obvious you have a family emergency, and we can table everything until a better time, no problem. My prayers are with you and Maggie. You’re welcome,” she said and dialed another number, reaching Greta.
“Greta, it’s Bella. I need flowers, gorgeous lilies sent to Mrs. Smith and a gift certificate for a day spa, manicure, pedicure, massage. I want a guarantee they’ll perform the services in her home if she prefers. I want the gift card in a basket with one of those Teavana gift chests, a cashmere robe and slippers, a couple of glossy magazines and a Jo Malone candle. I need it there yesterday. Thank you.”
Bella returned to the table, and Dave stood when she arrived, “I just got a text from Jason. He said you were extremely understanding. I appreciate that under the circumstances.”
“We’re family, Dave,” she assured him, “This isn’t about money. It’s about uniting JS with Smith-Gibbons but more than that, it’s about all of us sharing the umbrella. Now stay and have coffee with us and tell me what Will and David did over break.”
He went to hand her his phone to show her pictures. At the same time as her, Harvey reached for it, and their fingers touched. A chill shot down Bella’s spine. He looked at her as their gazes momentarily locked. They had grabbed for the phone at the same time. She laughed it off, and he let her have the phone.
But there was something magical about his touch. She had never felt this kind of chemistry with anyone before. It was hard to stay focused around him. She hit a button and lost the picture.
“Here, I got it.” Dave took back the phone. He relaxed visibly and showed pictures from his photostream of the boys rock climbing, and of himself and Patty taking the boys to Universal Studios and eating at the Mellow Mushroom.
“These pictures are absolutely adorable,” she said.
“Thank you.”
“They’re so lucky to have such a close relationship with their godparents, Dave,” Bella said. “I’m sure it’s helping them a lot right now.”
“Yes, well,” Harvey began, clearly impatient, “do you think we could hammer out an interim agreement and get it to Jason so he can sign it without having to be in on the negotiations?”
“I’m sure Harvey didn’t mean to be callous. He’s only trying to take business matters off Jason’s plate at such a difficult time,” Bella put in, giving him the side eye.
“Indeed. I want to make things easier for all of you. If there’s anything I can do to help, just let me know,” he said awkwardly.