Total pages in book: 60
Estimated words: 61939 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 310(@200wpm)___ 248(@250wpm)___ 206(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 61939 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 310(@200wpm)___ 248(@250wpm)___ 206(@300wpm)
The terms were generous and more than fair.
Twenty-two percent layoffs with severance packages.
Two hundred million dollar investment with another hundred million a year later.
Crisis averted.
Company goes public.
Life goes on.
“Ready when you are, Mr. Cross.” He unwrapped the box, revealing a glittering gold pen. “I knew you wouldn’t be able to wait to get this deal done.”
I took the pen from him and set it down.
Then I picked up the contract and tore it in half.
“What the hell?” He snapped. “We stayed up all night working on your last-minute demands.”
“I’ve had a change of heart since last week,” I said. “I can’t lay off anyone.”
“Can’t or won’t, Mr. Cross?”
“Both.” I set the ruined sheets down. “I made someone I love a promise, and I’ll lose her if I agree to this.”
“And?” He looked like he’d swallowed something sour.
“Not only that,” I said, “but I figured out a different way to run this company, so…I’ll validate your parking and cover any travel fees on your way back to California.”
“If you think for one moment that I’m going to leave this city without a deal being signed, you’re sadly mistaken.”
“I don’t think that at all, Mr. Lay,” I said. “I know that, and you do too, because you’re smart enough not to threaten a man who’s worth more than quadruple your net worth.”
“The same man who was begging for people to save him from a bad deal, you mean?”
“I’m going to let that smart comment slide,” I said. “Don’t make the mistake of trying for another one.”
“The Wall Street Journal reporters are on their way here right now, Mr. Cross,” he said. “We’re supposed to take a picture with the signed contract together.”
“Would you like to take that photo in front of the lobby water fountain instead?” I asked. “The coins have never shone brighter…”
“I would like for you to honor our deal by keeping your word and not being a liar.”
“I honestly don’t care about lying to you,” I said. “There’s someone else I lied to first who didn’t deserve it.”
“I’m telling the reporters everything.” He clenched his jaw. “Everything.”
“Okay, then.” I headed to the door. “In that case I’m not validating your parking or your travel, but I’ll be generous and let you use this room while I’m away. You can talk to those reporters as long as you want. Well, except…”
He crossed his arms.
“We did sign an NDA, so if you’re stupid enough to violate that, I will sue you into the seventh circle of hell and you’ll never be able to invest with anyone ever again.”
“Fine.” He looked rattled, but he shook his head. “I meant what I said, Harrison.”
“Trust me.” I looked at him one last time. “So did I.”
FORTY-EIGHT
ANDREA
“Miss Andrea Stone?” The receptionist at Spicy Book Brews called my name.
I forced a smile, hoping this interview would be “the one” that led to a new Harrison-free job.
A new Harrison-free life.
“Our CEO is ready to talk to you, Miss.” She opened the door, ushering me into a small white room with hanging pink teacups.
A woman in an all-gray suit walked over and extended her hand.
“Such a pleasure to meet you, Andrea,” she said. “I’m Farrah. Can I call you Andrea?”
“I would love that, Farrah.” I smiled and took a seat across from her.
“Okay, so…” She clasped her hands. “I’m in love with your resume, and I totally think you’re the right type of person who can help us run our business!”
“I hope so…” I pulled out my notebook and clicked a pen. “Can you give me the details I mentioned over the phone? Current revenue and profit margins? Employees? Et cetera?”
“Well, right now, we’re raising money by selling merch through social media.” She picked up a hot pink hoodie. “We’re on track to have enough of these sold to cover this month’s rent, but my dad will totally cover the rest if we’re short.”
“Um, okay… How many romance books do you sell a day?”
“I’m not sure.” She tapped her lip. “I’ll have to count sometime.”
“Do you know how many cups of coffee you sell, then?” I asked. “Do you have a goal you want to reach?”
“Wow.” She leaned back. “You’re, like, really professional, huh?”
“Yes…”
“Right now, we’re just existing off vibes, you know? We just want to eventually be the top spot where people buy romance books and coffee, so, um, just tell us how to do that, okay?”
I shut my folder and stood to my feet. “It was nice meeting you, Farrah. I wish you the best of luck with this place.”
“Ugh! That’s it?” She scoffed. “What about helping our business?”
“This isn’t a business—not even close,” I said, sounding a little too much like Harrison. “This is a passion project, a fun little hobby that might have potential if you ever decide to get serious.”
“Excuse me?”
“You wasted my time by inviting me here, but I’m going to give you some solid advice that I hope you take.” I narrowed my eyes at her.