The waiters begin the elaborate whisky-tasting. Mandy chats with Linda, who every so often gives me a cold look over her drink.
I have a sinking feeling that I’m watching the agonizing death of this deal.
“Don’t worry.” Isaacs’s breath is heavy with the smell of whisky. “Linda thinks she’s still in charge, just because she has her daddy’s vote on the board. And his equity.”
My fingers grip my glass. “I don’t mind working with her. I try to stay diplomatic.”
“You see why I left her, eh?” Isaacs guzzles the rest of his drink.
More so, I’m seeing why she left him. I sip my whisky so I don’t have to comment.
“I mean, are you even listening to her? She’s corrupting the girls. Linda,” Isaacs calls, raising his voice, “don’t put that nonsense in their heads.”
“‘That nonsense’?” his ex retorts. “You mean a prenup? Knowing your worth?”
“She gave me her lawyer’s contact info, Benji-bear.” Claire blows him a kiss.
Isaacs blanches. “I never should have dumped Denise,” he mutters into his glass.
We’ve been sittingat the table for hours. Pepper has somehow migrated to my lap. The deal is slipping through my fingers. Everyone at the table is tense, and the whisky has done nothing to relieve that.
Everyone except for Mandy.
My assistant is still chatting away happily, regaling everyone at the table with antics of the latest crop of interns.
I signal to the waiter and slip him my card to pay the bill for the table.
Linda pats her mouth and stands up, signaling an end to the evening. “This was shockingly unproductive.”
“We’ll be in touch.” Isaacs shakes my hand, then Aaron’s.
“Happy to help any way I can.” I try not to let my fury about how this deal is imploding before my eyes betray me.
“I think I speak for everyone when I say we’d be happy to partner with Rainier Equity. You all have the staff, the funds, the experience…” Isaacs trails off.
Linda is not impressed. “He does not speak for everyone. We’re reviewing all of our options, Mr. Svensson. As I have learned the hard way, how a man conducts his personal life is a good indicator of how he conducts business.”
“There aren’t that many options on the West Coast,” I say, deciding to try pushing back slightly. “I think you’ll find Rainier Equity a fine investment firm.”
“No.” Linda looks down her nose. “There are, however, a number on the East Coast.”
My brother.
“I’m happy to come by Pacific Horizons so we can talk through specifics.”
“We’ll call you if we want to schedule a meeting.” Her tone says that I will get a call over her dead body.
Linda ignores my outstretched hand as she wraps her shawl around her shoulders.
“Good evening.”
“Bye, Linda! I’ll give you that recipe for doggie protein treats. I think your Yorkie will like them.” Mandy gives her a one-armed hug.
“Don’t let him string you along,” Linda says, glaring at me. “If you don’t have a ring on your finger and an ironclad prenup, move on and just adopt another dog.”
19
MANDY
