Page 79 of Perfect Night

“Where’s Sebastian?”

“In New York.”

“What –”

“Not here to talk about Sebastian. This is business.”

Gregory perked up, sitting straighter in his seat. His friend was much happier talking business than relationships and emotions. Gregory gestured for him to proceed, looking all professional, wearing one of his cute bow ties. Charlie had to suppress a smile, but he was nervous. He knew how Gregory was going to react, but he had to do this.

“We need to set up a payment plan.”

“For what?”

“The money you lent me.”

“I didn’t lend you any money.”

“The twenty grand.”

“That was for Pam, not you.”

“Gregory. I need to do this.”

“Counter-offer.”

Charlie sighed. It was Gregory’s stock response to any proposition. He’d even used it when they were discussing which takeaway to have.

“Go on.”

I need your help with a new project I’m considering.”

“You have a marketing team.”

“This is more of a research project.”

Charlie smiled. He loved doing research.

“This project needs your discretion, Charlie.”

“How long is it?”

“It’ll take a couple of weeks. I’ll pay you two grand a day, which is the going rate for consultants of your calibre. After the two weeks, we’ll be clear. What do you think?”

“Have you got more information on what’s involved?”

Gregory hesitated, and then tapped a few keys on his laptop, before converting it into a tablet and passing it to Charlie. His jaw dropped.

“You can’t be serious?”

“I thought it was time to try something different and then I heard about this. And I know just the man who can run it for me.”

“Langdon?”

Gregory nodded.

“He’ll lose his shit, but you know that. Where do I come in? You don’t want me to talk him into it, do you?”

“No, I just need to know if it’s a viable venture. Take the personal out of it. Does it make sense for me to put money in this?”

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