“I can’t listen in, even if I promise not to intrude?”
He answered me with a shake of his head.
“She’s not allowed to leave my penthouse for any reason.” He turned away as a woman in light blue scrubs appeared next tohim. “Send me updates every few hours, and share notes with the doctor when he drops by.”
“Yes, Mr. Cross.”
“Focus on feeling better.” He pressed a kiss against my forehead. “That’s it.”
The woman strolled over with a medicine vial and a syringe, and before I could protest, she stuck my arm.
I let out a breath as the needle slid under my skin, while Harrison gave her a few more instructions.
After kissing my cheek, he squeezed my hand and left the room.
I tried to put together one more argument, to call out to him for one more chance, but the world suddenly tilted and went black.
THIRTY-SEVEN
HARRISON
The next morning
Dr. Ryan
Your CFO would like me to tell you that her updated notes for today’s meetings are in your personal cloud.
Please let her know that I’m well aware.
Is she feeling better than she was yesterday?
No, but she keeps arguing with me about it…
How many times has she tried to leave?
Four and counting.
“Can we start our presentation, Mr. Cross?” a voice made me look up. “We’re excited to share our proposal for a new revenue stream, along with our investment proposal.”
“I’m all ears.” I set down my phone.
“Perfect!” He gestured to someone outside the boardroom, and within seconds, people dressed as oversized coffee cups walked into the room singing.
Completely off-key.
“All the reasons Sweet Seasons will sing higher profits…
All the reasons Sweet Seasons will be Cross’s best option…”
Two cups—one dressed as Starbucks and the other dressed as Tim Hortons—stabbed each other with straws. Then they fell backward onto my table.
This better be a joke.My jaw tightened.
“Don’t let their beautiful singing fool you, Mr. Cross,” the leader said. “The lyrics on their lips are just the beginning… If you agree to let us invest, we’re proposing something no other coffee shop has… Daily theater!”
I resisted the urge to roll my eyes as the dancing coffee cups passed out their agenda. Then I logged into my cloud and clicked on Andrea’s notes.
First meeting of the day will be utter bullshit. Smile. Nod. Wear one AirPod and listen to music or a podcast while they talk. (AirPods are in your left breast pocket. You’re welcome.)
