No, no, no! This isa make lots of moneymodel.
‘Make no mistake, ladies and gentlemen. This is a cash-producing business,’ I offer. As well as a labour of love. ‘We foresee our growth leading all the way to a successful exit where we intend the market leader to pick up E-Volve.’
And for this little company to be swallowed by another, making me rich. Though, in all honesty, I’d be happy at this stage not to be declared bankrupt.And it’s close, believe me. But this isn’t just about me. It’s also about the people who have invested their time and their energy to get our app off the ground. The people on my small team deserve a reward for their faith. Also, I’d like to buy a half decent bottle of wine from time to time while no longer regarding ramen as a food group.
‘Matches,’ murmurs a man to the left of Jones, and I jump on his comment.
‘Yes, Matches is definitely in our sights, given they are the biggest player in the online dating marketplace. They’re our ultimate aim.’ Our best-scenario exit strategy.Cha-ching!
Jones nods, and there seems to be so much consideration in that small action that it’s hard not to become excited, those butterflies beginning to soar.
‘While I’ll admit to being intrigued,’ he begins, ‘I’m not entirely sure your model fits with our portfolio.’
I resolutely ignore the dip of their wings because this issoup their alleyway. Even if I have to knock them out, then drag and dump them in that alley myself.
‘I’ve done my homework, Mr Jones,’ I respond evenly. I’ve considered their reputation, studied their press and website, and prepared for this response. ‘Given your recent investment in the Grant app, I believe this is very much in line with your portfolio. Romance may be seen as low-tech, but we both know apps available to Android and iOS are where the money is.’
I have his interest—I can feel it, my hands curling into fists behind my back as though I can almost touch that thick wad of cash—but just when I sense he’s about to answer, my attention moves to the figure in the doorway once more. Only this time, the shadowy man has been replaced by that of a woman—a woman young enough to be an assistant or intern. She bustles her way deeper into the room, handing Mr Jones a note. He unfolds it, scans the contents, then slides it into his top pocket. Something tells me the tide has turned.
‘Ms Welland, I’m afraid we must adjourn for the day.’ A protest rises in my throat, but I manage to hang onto it. ‘Your pitch was impressive, and you’ve given us a great deal to consider.’
‘Just don’t consider too long,’ I reply, aiming for a kind of haughty confidence. An unspoken threat. This deal is too good not to be in, my friends. But maybe I’ve overshot as he doesn’t answer. Instead, he inclines his head before he and his team file from the room.
‘Do I want to know what he said to you as he left?’ I ask when Luke and I are the only two left.
‘Only that he wanted to see me this afternoon,’ he answers, tugging on his ear before sliding his hands into his pockets and tipping back on his heels.
‘Do you think he didn’t buy my pitch?’
‘Ols. No. That’s can’t be it. Your pitch was great—spot-on! It’s my job to bring interesting options to the table. I only wish I was a couple of positions higher than I am on the decision-making end because I’d snap this deal up, just like I want to snap you up.’
‘I’m not sure what you mean,’ I demur.
‘No, but you will. Tonight.’ He’s careful not to come closer or display any connection between us as though we’re being watched, which is entirely possible in an office built from glass. ‘It went well, really well, Ols. Promise.’
‘You’d make a good boss,’ I tell him, wishing I could say I’ve retained my earlier confidence. ‘You give good pep talks.’
‘I also give good pillow talk.’
‘Is that so?’ I conceal my ridiculous smile by beginning to pack up my things.
‘My dirty talk is on point, too,’ his low-pitched voice teases.
It’s official. This is happening tonight. The level of innuendo between us has never been this blatant.
‘I’ll take that under advisement. God!’ I add, the word hitting the air as a groan. ‘I could do with a drink.’
‘To celebrate, not to drown your sorrows, right?’
‘I can’t celebrate something I haven’t achieved.’
‘Great things are still waiting for you.’ As he pulls his cell phone from his pocket, he frowns down at it. ‘You’re going back to the office?’
‘No. I can’t face them yet.’ The truth is, I didn’t tell the team about this morning’s pitch. I didn’t want to build their hopes up, though they’ve been hinting that Luke might use his connections to get me in the door. And he has. But I’ll be devastated if I haven’t held up my end of things.
‘And we’re still on for tonight?’
‘Well, if you’re offering... ’ I draw out the words that are heavy with meaning.
