“Alone.”
Wren couldn’t stop her eyebrows from shooting up, but she quickly got her face back under control. “Define alone, Mr. Weisser.”
He gave her a lascivious smile. She could practically see the drool just waiting to spill down his chin. “I want proof that you are who you say you are to Barbie Gillis. I want you to call her up right now and tell her where you are. And I want you to set up an in-person meeting.”
Wren sniffed. “Barbie can choose to donate her money anywhere. I’m not a madame, Mr. Weisser.”
“Sure you are. Or if you aren’t, you will be, if you want a piece of pie.” He folded his arms and leaned back. “I want my pie, too.”
Ugh! So gross.
He massaged his chin. “And you just told me you hold sway over Barbie, that she won’t make a move without your approval. Do you want a deal for yourself or not?”
Wren sighed and frowned. “Fine. But we’ll talk numbers first. Five percent of every loan for five years. We’ll renegotiate after that.”
Weisser laughed. “You think you run the hospital? That’s what I get.”
Ha! Thanks for telling me that, idiot.
Wren laughed to cover her glee. “You can’t blame a girl for high-balling. How about two percent?”
“How about half a percent, the one-point five mil, and a meeting with Barbie?”
“How about the money plus that meetingalonewith Barbie, for one percent?”
He pulled the Mont Blanc back out of its holder and squeezed it. “Call her. Right now. I want proof this can be done.”
Without breaking eye contact with Weisser, Wren reached into the Birkin bag tucked at her side and pulled out her phone. She tapped in her code to unlock it. She hit one button and put the call on speaker. Three rings echoed in the office before Barbie picked up.
“Brooke? Have you got good news for me, sweetie?”
Wren smiled triumphantly. “I do. Mind if I put you on screen? I’m in Don Weisser’s office. Milestone Hospital.”
“Right. Yeah, absolutely.”
Wren hit another button and Barbie’s face filled her phone’s screen. She turned it around to show Weisser, who was turning bright red and trying to smooth his hair back.
“Mr. Weisser?” Barbie purred as she looked him up and down. “So lovely to actuallyseeyou.”
“Don, call me Don.”
“Of course. So, has my incredible Brookie talked you into taking my money?” Barbie laughed.
Weisser chuckled. “I think we’re closing in on a deal, yes. But, I’d love to do this in person. It feels so cold making this deal without you here. I’m a caring person, that’s why I got into healthcare.”
Wren tried not to gag.
“Oh, me too!” Barbie said. “Sure. When would you like me at your office? I’m tied up today and tomorrow, but I can get Brooke to set up a date.”
“Well,” Weisser drawled. “I was thinking it would be more comfortable to have you at my house. I can cook. I’m an excellent cook.”
Gag gag gag!
“Oh!” Barbie trilled. “I love a man who can cook. Brooke? Can I see you for a sec, hun?”
Wren turned the phone to face her. “Yeah, hun?”
“Are you good with him?” Barbie let a little insecurity into her voice.
