“I’m not asking for charity; I’m just saying I’m not buying an entire new quarter panel for your jacked-up SUV.”
“J.J., stop,” Libby said. “We’ve got something to talk to you about.”
“Not the scratch?”
“Not the scratch,” Libby confirmed.
“What then?”
“I’d like to hire you to consult on my new project,” Stone said.
“Well, I’d like you to kiss my?—”
“J.J.,” Libby interjected and put her hand up.
“What? Is he nuts?” J.J. directed this at Libby, who shook her head “no.”
“He’s not. It’s a great opportunity. Just hear us out.”
J.J. narrowed her eyes.
“I need an expert,” Stone added, “and you’re the expert.”
ChapterEleven
J.J.
“I want you to take the lead in setting up my new venture,” Stone continued. “The salon will take the remaining spot in the north side of Irish Hills downtown.”
“You’re the best person for this,” Libby added. “You know the local clientele, and you’re on the pulse of what they do in Ann Arbor and the bigger places. My hair hasn’t looked right since you left.”
“That much is true,” J.J. quipped. Her friend was talking fast, though, barely letting her get a word in edgewise. This was a sure sign that Libby was in full “save Irish Hills” mode.
They explained the situation, and Stone offered a ridiculous rate for J.J.’s services. To be fair, J.J. didn’t have a clue what a reasonable rate for helping someone set up a salon should be. She just knew it couldn’t be the amount of money Stone Stirling was throwing around. And they told her she’d have the power to decide everything.
“From décor to services offered, to staff, whatever you say goes,” Stone said.
“No.”
“What?” Stone’s eyes were wide at that response.
“No, I said no. I’m here for a week, maybe two, and then I’m out.”
“J.J.,” Libby said, giving her a look that meant business.
J.J. ignored it.
“Fine, I’ll double the offer,” Stone said.
J.J. choked a bit and then tried to cover that up with a laugh. Doubling a ridiculous offer didn’t make the idea less ridiculous. “Did you inherit a billion? Because negotiation tactics like that will have you downgraded to millionaire in no time.”
“Stone, why don’t you let us talk?” Libby said. “We’ll catch up tomorrow, okay?”
“Okay, triple, but that’s it. And you will have to buff out the Range Rover.”
J.J. rolled her eyes.
Libby stood in front of her and began ushering Stone out the front door, while saying, “Triple sounds right. She’s tough, but that’s more like it. I’ll call you with details.”
