Page 86 of Love Among the Ruins
“Because like a dinosaur, that fleet might be big, but it is becoming outdated and soon it will die out. He hasn't done much to bring it into the modern era, and we've identified an opportunity. We specialize in tech, and we can help Galatis. He's still living in an old world, but the world has moved on. There are huge challenges in the shipping industry, new environment regulations, security risks, cargo loss due to containers falling overboard—it happens, believe it or not—and tech and digitalization are more important than ever—”
“It feels as if you’re giving me the presentation you should be giving to Galatis.”
“You did ask.”
“I did.”
“I’ll shut up then—”
“No!” she cried. “Please continue.”
“Where was I?”
“Your containers were efalling overboard.”
“You were listening?” He sounded surprised.
“Yes, I was listening. Continue.”
“Compliance, safety—maritime shipping lines need to focus on that, and things like improved shipping procedures, risk assessments, better cybersecurity and training, these things are increasingly becoming important. We believe making alliances is the way forward. We can offer Galatis a way to do business with us. Ninety percent of goods are transported by container ships. Shipping isn't going anywhere, nor will it be replaced, but if Galatis doesn't move with the times, his business will die and other savvier companies will dominate. We might not have the fleet size, but we have the know-how for pretty much everything else he needs. We can share vessels, and we can invest heavily in his business, providing resources and know-how, to help him upgrade his fleet. Shipping is going through a digital transformation and we’re at the forefront of tech. We can create the tools Galatis, and others, need. We want to increase our market share, and this is the perfect way to do it. And, partnering with Galatis allows us to enter the sea transport market on a much bigger scale.”
“But what's in it for him? Maybe he's just giving you the middle finger, and he's not really interested, so he’s playing with you instead.”
“We can offer so much in return.”
“It sounds to me as if you need him more than he needs you.”
“He needs us, he just doesn't know it yet. He thinks he can resist change. He can't. Don't even get me started on things like the greenhouse gas emissions. Shipping companies are moving toward carbon neutrality and we've invested heavily into research and development on that front, looking at alternative fuels and zero emission vessels in the future. But Galatis hasn't done much on this at all. He knows what we're offering, he has the proposal I worked so hard to put together. We're perfectly placed to do that. My father is aware of the old rivalry between many of the shipping magnates. They don't like each other. They're bitter and jealous. He's not going to partner with a Greek company because of old wounds, but The Steele Corporation, the parent company behind the shipping business, is huge. In the US we're a major player. Galatis is interested, but he's giving me a hard time because I've come to him. I'm already at a disadvantage.”
“But why are you going only to him?”
“What part of what I told you doesn’t make sense?”
“Don’t use that tone with me Dominic. I’m not Miranda.”
He cocked his head. Dipped his brows. The pain killers were having an effect on her not unlike that of a few cocktails. Her tongue was loosening fast.
The apology obviously wasn’t coming. “I just don’t understand why you’re so desperate to do business with him when he treats you with such contempt. Why can’t you seek out smaller alliances, and then you can spread the risk, and you have more experience at your disposal. That’s what we did at the taverna. We used to have only one cook, then Adamos hired another one, and it was better.”
“That would explain the waiting times,” he muttered.
It took her a while to understand but what he meant. “It’s very sad that you’re still upset about how long you had to wait before someone took your order.”
“Given that it was you, I’d say the wait was worth it.”
Her heartbeat came to a screeching halt, like a horse suddenly reined in by its rider. This, she liked. This openness. This niceness that was so nothim.
She tried to steer the conversation back to safer pastures. “B-but …you are brothers, you and Alexander. You must have gotten along at some point in your lives?”
“We did. But he’s very competitive. Thinks he knows everything. Thinks I’m just his kid brother. He’s opinionated, uptight and a bit of a snob. You would hate him.”
This made her smile. “I don’t hate you, and I would have said you were all of those things when I first met you.”
“Oh really?” The words were wrapped in sarcasm.
“But it turns out that you’re actually very sweet.”
“Or maybe that’s how I am with...”
