If he’s disappointed, his face doesn’t show it. Instead, he sits down and encourages me to do the same. I awkwardly hold my laptop and notes, realizing there’s not much room here.
“I’ve reviewed your contract and also have notes from Stella,” I say as I open my laptop.
“We don’t need to get into that just yet.” He laughs and gently shuts my laptop.
We don’t? Weird. I thought the whole purpose of the meeting was to exactly get into the contract.
“Okay, what would you like to discuss?”
“How’s the trip been?” His smile is too bright, showing all his teeth like a shark caricature.
“It’s beautiful out here,” is all I can manage to say. The last thing I want to do, when Vivian is minutes away from the lodge, is have a friendly chat with Royce. However, sometimes you’ve got to play the game. It’s bothersome but some people need to hear themselves talk. I’m getting the feeling that Royce is that kind of person.
“Have you done any activities around the lodge? I know that was one of the big pulls for Jack to get us to host our event here.” He leans back, pouring himself a glass of wine.
I didn’t expect our meeting to take this direction. Also wondering if I’ll ever have the chance to meet with Royce when he doesn’t bring up hisbro, Jack.
“Actually, I wenthiking—”
“Grim’s Peak? Lucifer’s Ledge? Crestview?” he interrupts, speaking so fast, I can barely catch what he’s saying.
I laugh because of how those all sound like advanced trails or spots. “No, we actually did the trail that’s about fifteen minutes from here. Not sure what it’s called. It was my first time and I enjoyed it.”
“That’s not even a hike. It’s a walk.” He cackles at his own joke. “You’ll have to let me take you on arealhike.” He emphasizes real, making his stance on where we went very clear—it doesn’t count.
“I’m a beginner so it was perfect for my first time out.” I deflect his offer.
“There’s no way you’re a beginner. Not with those legs.” He grins and tips his head down, to get a glance at them under the table. He might be trying to be playful but it’s not quite landing.
My hands are clasped in my lap, my knuckles white. I laugh nervously because I don’t know what else to do. So I try to pivot the conversation.
“Believe it or not, I’m a beginner.” I throw my hands up in fake surrender. “Okay, you wanted to talk about some priorities and goals for the next five years. What’s on your mind?” I do my best to take control of the conversation and give Royce an opening to talk. His favorite thing.
“Sure. Happy to get into it. Are you interested in dinner?”
Is this guy for real?
“I have a friend flying in and we haven’t seen each other in a while. We’re having dinner later.”
That isn’t the answer he was hoping for. The people-pleasing part of me wants to screamyes, grab a menu, and do exactly what he asked.
“You agreed to a meeting but it seems you’ve double booked yourself.” His voice is flat. “I thought you were out here for work, but I may have my lines crossed.” Immediately, he goes for the gas-lighting.
The part of me that can’t stand that disappointed tone of voice, all self-abandoning and eager to accommodate others, wins. “I’m certainly here for work. The plans for her to come were last minute and she won’t mindwaiting a bit. Why don’t we grab some apps and a glass of wine while we discuss?”
I don’t want to do any of this, but this is an important client. It shouldn’t be difficult. Especially since he brought the contract extension to us a year early.
The thought of going back to Stella and letting her know this meeting veered into a complete disaster makes my blood run cold. Panic and guilt surges, forcing me to comply.
He pauses a few seconds before nodding and pouring me a glass of wine. He gestures for the server to come over and orders appetizers.
I dare not bring out my phone to text Viv. I told her I’d get a hold of her as soon as the meeting wraps. She’s not expecting me at any specific time. And because she’s Viv, she’ll get it.
Royce seems to be in a better mood but not like the version of him a few minutes ago. He’s short, to the point, and a bit annoyed.
We drink wine, the appetizers come, and we’ve barely discussed the contract. He slips in the bare minimum amount of work appropriate topics while having this innate ability to drive the conversation back to himself. His homes. Upcoming vacations. Overall success. Upcoming press events. New products. With each minute, he’s less annoyed and more vibrant.
Basically, ninety-five percent of this conversation is useless.
