My gut twists in anger. “You do realize that that exponential growth you’re so looking forward to has lives attached to it, right? We earn money when people come into our clinics, sure, but that means more people are out there, strung out on booze and drugs.”
“I’m aware of this, Neil. We’ve been over this many times before.”
“Then, you should know it doesn’t make me all giddy inside to see you grinning from ear to ear about the growth we can expect.”
“I understand that, but—”
“Do you know what would make me happy? To have McKenna Rehab no longer necessary.”
“What?”
I lean in farther on my elbows. “See? You and I have two very different end goals. I want to make it so there is no longer a need for rehabs across the country. That people no longer feel the need to turn to drugs and alcohol to make it through daily life. I loathe seeing repeat clients.”
“I understand your position, Neil. Really, I do.”
“I don’t believe you do, which is fine. And since the board has given me the clearance to make this decision on my own, I’m going to have to turn this deal down.”
As the words leave my mouth, I feel the sense of relief that lets you know you’ve made the right decision. The decision I should’ve made weeks ago, but didn’t. I’d been holding out hope that this deal really would garner the type of service for all of McKenna’s clients that I’d been looking for. The truth is, however, deep down, I knew this wasn’t the right move.
Unlike Waldrich, I place our clients and patients above profits. Our business models aren’t compatible.
“Neil, this is a mistake. I ask that you reconsider your position.” He pauses when I shake my head adamantly.
I rise from my chair. “I would apologize for all of the back and forth over the past few months, but I’m sure it’s just a matter of business for you. Tens of other rehabs would love to get into bed with you.” I stop, staring at him sternly. “McKenna isn’t one of them.”
Stepping back, I wait for him to get out of his seat, as it’s more than apparent that this meeting is over.
“I’ll have my assistant walk you out. I have a staff meeting in a few minutes,” I say over my shoulder as I stride down the hall to my office.
Entering my office, I feel a weight lifted off of me. In the beginning, this deal seemed like the right thing to do. After McKenna’s initial expansion a few years ago, I knew we’d need to partner with a larger healthcare firm to make our rehabs even more accessible for those who either didn’t have insurance or their insurance companies wouldn’t pay for rehab. Waldrich seemed like a fix to this issue. But the more I dug into Waldrich’s business dealings, the uneasier I grew.
I hired a PI to do some investigation. He visited a few other rehab facilities that Waldrich operated, and as I suspected, his findings weren’t ideal. That was what sealed the deal for me. I reported to the board my conclusions, and they agreed to my decision to turn down the contract, despite the potential millions it could’ve infused into our budget.
As I stare out of my window, letting out a breath, the relief I initially felt begins to settle. My mind starts conjuring up another potential problem. A low burning in my gut tells me this won’t be the last time I hear from Larry or the company he works for.
Chapter 14
“Damn, how the hell did I get so lucky?” Neil growls close to my ear, his hand tightening around mine as he helps me out of the car.
I swat at him, pushing him away. “You’re going to wrinkle my dress if you keep that up,” I warn. We’re in the middle of dropping Neil’s car off to the valet outside of the venue where McKenna Rehab is having their annual holiday party. It’s a big deal as it helps the institution raise a lot of money in a single night for the company.
“We could go back to my place, and you take the entire thing off,” he says in my ear.
My panties become soaked from his proposal, but I shake my head. “I did not straighten my hair and do these pin curls for nothing,” I remind him as I pat the side of my hair that’s in a tight updo, with a few curls falling to one side.
“You are so damn beautiful,” he says for probably the tenth time of the night.
“Thank you.” I lift my head, upturning my lips to allow him the kiss he moves in for.
“Guess I’ll have to wait for the end of the night for more of those.”
“I guess you will. Do you see how great my makeup looks? Don’t you dare try to smudge it before our night’s over.”
He laughs, and my stomach muscles tighten. The truth is, I wouldn’t mind heading back to Neil’s place. Since Thanksgiving, we’ve been to so many holiday parties. I can barely keep count of what number this one is. Yet, I know this is the one that means the most to him.
While he says he doesn’t care too much for schmoozing with others just to get financial support for his rehabs, he’s very good at it. I’ve watched him over the past few weeks at the various holiday parties and dinners we’ve attended together. He has a way with people.
The same charisma that attracted me to him from the very beginning draws others to him, making them want to give to his cause. And his passion for what he does is second to none. People can’t help but be inspired to open their wallets and give.
