At least, I hope I am.
MAX
I swear, my phone always rings at the most inopportune moments. I was kissing her. I had her in my arms. Then the real world had to call and pull me out of that bubble.
Oh, what I would give to be back in that bubble.
“Florian, I’m glad to hear from you.” I answer the phone as I walk down the hall to my office. I step inside and shut the door, hating that I left Iris out there without being able to talk to her.
“I received the proposed agenda for the meeting next week. I wanted to call and ask what you think you are doing.”
I frown. I always knew Florian would be my biggest obstacle to this idea. He is the one who helped my father move the home base to New York in the first place.
“I’m saving the company money and bringing it back to its roots. We have had a lot of scandals over the last couple of years. Not only have our stocks taken a hit, but so has our money. New York might have been an option back in the eighties, but now it has become too expensive. This company is bleeding money just by existing here.”
“Your father would be disappointed in you,” he hisses.
“We don’t know what my father would or wouldn’t be because he is not here. That is a low blow, by the way,” I say, keeping my tone cool.
“I’m speaking the truth. He moved away from Boston to start something of his own. He would hate that you are bringing it back there.”
“Or would he be proud that I am doing what is right by the company and also making decisions for myself? He moved away from his father to make his own way, so would he be proud that I am doing the same?” I ask.
“Don’t be ridiculous.”
“Listen, the vote doesn’t have to be unanimous. You have made it clear by this phone call that you will not support it. So what was the real reason for your call? To bully me into withdrawing my proposal?”
“No.” He clears his throat. “I am running for chair of the board next year. I thought we could discuss a little quid pro quo. You support me for the position, and I will support this venture.”
I want to laugh in his face. I don’t need his support. I also don’t need him being the chair of the board. He is a pain in my ass as a board member as is. He would be a nightmare as the chair.
“Why would I want to do that? You don’t approve of anything I do,” I tell him.
“It would be beneficial for the company. I have its best interests at heart. Hell, I helped build it.”
I want to tell him that he should retire by that statement, not be seeking a more powerful position on the board. I don’t, though. He is a stubborn man. He will run for the position whether I support him or not.
“I will think over your offer and let you know my decision at the board meeting. I thank you for calling, but it is Sunday, and I have plans. I will see you next week,” I tell him.
I hang up the phone, not waiting for him to respond. I sigh, rubbing my forehead.
He is going to be a problem.
Dialing Mason, I wait for him to answer.
“What’s wrong?” he groans as he answers.
“Are you still sleeping? It’s like nine.”
He laughs. “Ari kept us up watching movies last night. What’s up, brother?”
“Florian called. He doesn’t support our proposal, but he would be willing to support it if we back him for the chair position next year,” I tell him.
“Fuck no. That’s a terrible idea. He tried to get the board to rally against me when everything with Mom was going down. I have no doubts he would use the move as a reason to oust you. We can’t give him that power.”
I let my head fall back against the door. “I know. I don’t want to support him, but what are the chances this falls through?” I ask him.
“We have a good presentation. We structured it to show how the company would benefit, which in turn means they will benefit. Keep the confidence. Don’t let Florian get into your head. He’s an asshole.”
