After lunch, we make our way to the UpperHouse offices, but instead of going to the third floor, we head to one of thetop floors. “Where are we going?”
“We have an executive office on the topfloor. For important meetings or when we want to impress people. I also have anoffice up here. Really, it’s Cooper’s, but for how long I don’t know.”
I give him a confused look. “What doesthat mean?”
“He needs to go back and finish two moresemesters of classes at Harvard. He’s probably going to do that this fall.”
“Is Alan really pressuring him?”
Cole gives me his calm look. “Can wepostpone this conversation until later? I want to tell you—in fact—I think wehave a few things we need to go over, but let’s do it after this meeting withthe Mezzos.” His hand slips from my back to my ass, giving it a gentle squeeze.He leans in, breathing into my neck, “I’ll show you my office.”
“Ooh, I will hold you to that, Mr. Holt.”The elevator opens to a large foyer that is very light, with windows on bothsides. Two enormous doors are propped open and I can see Alan and Cooperstanding inside, talking. We are the last of Prescott-Holt and Everett toarrive. Kit, Race and Preston are down at one corner huddled around a laptop.When they see us enter, though, they quickly close the computer.
“Looking at something you shouldn’t,boys?” I scold mockingly.
“Making some plans,” Cooper says.
“What plans?”
They all look at Cole for the answer, soI do, too. “Another thing we need to talk about. Nothing big, I promise.”
“Fine.” I look at everyone, “Um—so what’sthe plan? Do we have one?”
“We listen to the Mezzos’ offer, and thenwe tell them to hit the road.” Cooper expresses matter of fact.
My eyes get wide and my mouth drops open.“Please tell me you’re all kidding. Ha, ha, the joke’s on me.” But nobody evencracks a smile. I scrunch my eyebrows, feeling disgruntled. But then I rememberI own every share of Lawton, and I can do what I want.
“Uh-oh.” Kit croons. “She’s thinking.”
“And exactly what are you thinking, Katiegirl?” Alan asks, standing at the head of the table.
“Oh Alan, if anyone can guess, it’s you.After all, you’re the one who gave me The AT Corporation.”
Alan smiles but then hits his cane on theconference table, making me jump. “Damn women.”
Cole pulls me aside. “Promise me we willdecide together, Kate, everyone.” I look around the room at all the men whohave put me ahead of themselves. Cole’s right, we need to decide together. Iowe them that.
“I promise.” I turn, facing everyone. “Ipromise we will decide together.” The elevator dings and everyone turnswaiting. Within a few seconds, Rafael Mezzo, Vincenzo Mezzo and another man,who is tall withblackhair, come into the room. Vincenzo looks just the same. A tall willowy framewith stark white hair and olive skin. A tension forms in the room but it’s tobe expected, it’s not overbearing…yet.
“Mr. Mezzo,” It’s Preston who speaks.Stepping forward and extending a hand. “I’m Preston Holt.”
“Pleasure to meet you, Mr. Holt.”Vincenzo shakes Preston’s hand. This is my grandson “Rafael, and my othergrandson Antonio, he is my attorney.” We make introductions. They are stiff andkept very formal.
“Kathrine Cook.” Vincenzo takes my hand,kissing it lightly. “What a pleasure to see you again.”
“Thank you.” Is all I dare say. “This ismy husband, Coulter Holt.” Cole doesn’t say anything but shakes his hand.
“Ah, much like your grandfather, I see.”I glance from Alan to Vincenzo. I thought they were just acquaintances.
Alan is the last to come forward. Heholds his hand out stiffly and the two old codgers shake hands, although itlooks like the act may kill both of them.
“Please sit,” Preston says. No one sitsat the head of the table. The Prescott-Holt company sits on one side and thethree Mezzos sit on the other.
“I come with a peace offering,” Vincenzostates. “I will not hide the truth that I wanted Lawton shipping. We have a newfacility in Asia opening and needed the shipping company. Buying the companywas an easier fix than a contract or trying to open our own. I had hoped whenPrescott-Holt had decided to expand, we could do business, but there has beenbad blood between us for a very long time.”
Alan scoffs. “You tried to steal mywife.” He’s beginning to lose his cool, and what does he mean tried to steal,like kidnap? But Cooper takes his cane, placing it on the other side of him.
“As I recall, she wasn’t your wife at thetime.” Vincenzo grins.
