James
The lights and sounds of the club are blinding and deafening. You’d think it’d make for a terrible meeting spot for deal making, but personally it’s my favorite.
It serves the same purpose as it does for those on the dance floor. It’s liberating and entrancing. The chaos of music and fluorescents dancing around us creates a dreamlike atmosphere where inhibitions are to be cast aside like a suit worn on a long workday.
Sadly, my would-be business partner is unfazed. Mattheo Ingram has cultivated a reputation in white-collar circles. The man is said to be ruthless to the point where it borders on sociopathy. In fact, I’ve heard a few people within his reach have a quiet bet that there’s some ‘American Psycho’ shit going on behind closed doors.
Seeing him now, I can understand the rumors- though they seem to have been made by people who are shit at judging character. Deep in his eyes is an unshakable will, with the quiet fury of a war general.
The man’s gaze barely shifts from me as we sit across from each other. We may as well be sitting inside the stagnant sterile air of an office.
Still, I need to cut a deal with this man.
“Mattheo, I’m sure you’re well aware of the steady decline of your industry,” I say, as if I’m trying to give him some friendly advice.
In truth, it’s a gentle threat. I’m unsure if he even blinks. I continue.
“More and more shopping is taking place online. You need to give them a reason to leave the quiet comforts of home. I’m currently in the possession of a great many retailers; luxury retailers, as well as entertainment companies. Things that just can’t be captured in a picture with a blurb next to it.”
For the first time since our initial handshake, the man speaks.
“So, what are you proposing exactly?”
I crack a smile.
“A partnership. You let me rent out a few stores in your malls at a discounted rate. I will have my market researchers scout out each of your malls and find the most appropriate attractions, then we renovate your malls into entertainment centers. Your malls will return to being the primary pillars of entire counties. We will immediately establish them as a premium experience.”
Seconds pass without a word.
I rethink my proposal. The pitch is solid- it’s a classic win-win. He gets the increased profits of a reinvigorated consumer base, and my companies get secure guaranteed work for the near future. On top of that, my share of the market expands- and I do so at a cheaper rate than if I did so through our individual subsidiaries.
His expression remains solid as he answers.
“You’ll pay the usual rate. Each shop you wish to set up will be individually approved, and the same will go for any of your renovations.”
I stare at the man, dumbfounded.
“Then what would be in it for me?”
His counter proposal is ridiculous. It removes any and all point of me even agreeing to a deal. Transactions going case-by-case takes time, putting me at the mercy of competitors. Theme parks have already begun moving into outdated malls; taking advantage of the quickly dying industry. The practice is only going to become more common over the next decade.
“I don’t know Mr. Harold; you arranged this meeting. You tell me.”
The balls on this guy. He’s straight face-fucking me and acting like I’m the one asking for it.
“I believe my initial proposal is more than rewarding enough for both of us. Yours takes away almost all of the advantages I seek to gain,” I say, fighting to keep my cool.
“You’d get the standard revenue you’d expect from the stores plus attractions you hope to build,” he says coldly.
“Mattheo, I…”
“Mr. Ingram,” he chastises as if I’m some underling.
I don’t give him the satisfaction and continue as if I weren’t interrupted.
“You and I are both aware of the logistics of what you’re proposing. I’m offering a large-scale revamp of your entire industry. You’re asking me to build a skyscraper but I have to negotiate every individual floor as we go.”
“Again, Mr. Harold; you’re the one approaching me,” he says.