Page 108 of Love Among the Ruins
CHAPTERTWENTY-EIGHT
DOMINIC
For the second time in the meeting, Galatis picked up the double-sided sheet of paper which comprised of the deal Dominic was pushing for, and examined it carefully.
“I have contemplated this in great depth.”
These were sweet words to Dominic’s ears. “And?”
“The profit share you suggest is not something I can agree to. You're being arrogant, Dominic. I have the biggest fleet, and you have ... nothing in comparison.”
Dominic released a welcome breath. They were making headway. Discussions, at long, fucking last. “We have the means, the technology and resources to help you to upgrade your old fleet, and we can also help to maintain it. Let's face it, Hector. Only those companies who embrace smart shipping will succeed. Steele Shipping is at the forefront, and we can help you, but help comes at a cost.”
“I need to think about it some more.”
Dominic forced a smile. “You've only had the summer.”
Amusement lined Galatis' face. “And in that time I gave you a grounding in Greek history.”
“You certainly did. I have been educated.”
“The pleasure is mine.” Galatis’ thick brows lifted in amusement. “I will discuss this further with my people”.
“Please do.” He prayed the man would move fast, this time around.
“We will meet again and discuss further.”
“That would be great. Let’s meet here again,” Dominic suggested, with a nod at the surroundings. A meeting inside an office, around a desk—only because Galatis was suffering from a chest infection—had been far more productive than any of the previous meetings. Who knew?
“Alexander has gone back?” the old man asked.
“He has.”
“It is a pity we did not meet.”
“He was busy,” Dominic replied smoothly.
Galatis tapped his fingers on the table. “You are eager to please your father, eh?”
“Aren’t we all?” Dominic smiled sweetly, but it was a smile he didn’t feel.
The old man started to cough. A low, dry cough that soon turned into a thunderous, rumble. He thumped his chest, and an assistant rushed to his side with a glass of water.
He took a few sips, wiped his mouth with a handkerchief another assistant passed to him. He sat back, his breathing heavy and labored. “Old age is a killer, Dominic,” he chortled, then burst out into a fully-fledged laugh.
Dominic smiled. “You have many years ahead of you yet, Hector.” He was anxious to get this wrapped up because after weeks of slow-as-a-snail progress, things had suddenly taken shape and had momentum. “Why don’t we schedule a meeting now for next week?”
“Next week I am busy. My nephew is getting married. My sister’s boy. You remember?”
Dominic nodded. “How could I forget? We should schedule something on your return. When will that be?”
“It’s in Santorini, and it will take me a while to get back to work.” He lifted his heavy hands in a can’t-be-helped gesture. “It is a Greek wedding, and there will be much celebrating. You are coming, no? I invite you.”
Dominic couldn’t hide it any longer. “We live in a small world, Hector. Your nephew is marrying …” he chose his words carefully, “a friend of mine, as it happens.”
“Demi Laskaris? You know her?” Galatis’ squirrelly eyes probed Dominic’s face for answers.
“Yes. Like I said, it’s a very small world and Demi has also given me an invite.” The man didn’t need to know that he and Demi had had a short, passionate summer fling.
