He burst back into my office. “What happened? I’m dying here.”
“You’re such a chick. Anyone ever tell you that?”
“Yeah.” He looked straight at me before getting comfortable on my recliner. “You—all the time. So what? Tell me what happened.”
“She apologized, and we’re good,” I said with a smile.
“That’s it?”
I shrugged, not knowing what the fuck else he wanted. “What else is there? She said she was sorry for running away, I accepted, and we’ll fuck later. The end. Happy?”
“You’re flying down there again? Why don’t you just move?” He pushed back in the chair and eyeballed me.
“Funny.”
“Twenty bucks says you’ll move for this girl before the end of the year.”
“Fifty bucks says I’ll fire you before that.”
He laughed. “I’m just saying, we’ve always talked about having an office down there.”
“No one cares about what you’re saying,” I joked. “Now, tell me you looked over that proposal.”
James straightened the recliner as he leaned forward, putting his elbows on his knees. “You were right. That one design issue will eventually backfire, causing frivolous lawsuits left and right. They’ll lose everything if they don’t address it before they release. What’s the status on their end?”
“They think I’m wrong.”
James slapped his leg. “So, we’re out then.” He knew damn well I’d never knowingly go through with a flawed investment. “Good luck, boys.”
“We’re out,” I agreed.
“Can I call them? Oh, please let me be the one to tell them they need to find new investors. I love that part.” He was practically foaming at the mouth.
“You’re a sick fuck, you know that? You’re the only guy I know who gets off on crushing people’s dreams.”
“That is not true.” He waved a finger at me. “I only get off on it when they deserve it. When they’re too arrogant to see reality, it gives me great pleasure to bring down the hammer.”
I smiled and nodded my head in agreement. Silently, I was thankful that James liked dealing with this aspect of the business. It made my life easier to be the decision-maker but not the one who delivered the news, especially when it wasn’t what people wanted to hear.
“What are you gonna do about Kate?”
His question surprised me, and I shot him a look.
“What do you mean?”
“Are you just going to let h
er continue to freak out? Or are you going to talk to her?”
“Last night I strongly suggested to Ben that he pay his little sister a visit. My concerns lie with Elizabeth, not with Kate.”
“So whipped.”
“Don’t even care.”
“This is great. Please tell me she has a hot friend for me.” He wagged his eyebrows, and I wanted to throw something at him again.
My mind instantly saw Barbara’s face. I knew how much he’d fucking love her and vice versa, but I wasn’t sure if even mentioning that would be a good idea while Elizabeth and I were still sorting ourselves out.