Page 70 of Levi
“Youhavea business partner.” A puzzled look flashes on her pretty face. “You’re looking at him,” I clarify. “Now, we just have to find you a good team.”
Her mouth opens and closes a few times.
She shakes her head and blinks furiously at me.
Clearly, she’s processing.
“Really?” Her voice is high and incredulous.
“Really,” I confirm. “Let’s do this together.”
She nods. “Okay.” One word, but it’s still laced with hesitation.
“My brother and I have this affirmation for when we’re about to start working on the concept for a new stage.”
“What is it?” she asks, wide-eyed.
“Let's go fuck some shit up!”
She laughs and laughs and laughs.
“It’s our way of stating we’re about to shake up the status quo... that’s why our business is built on word of mouth. Thinking outside the box sounds cliché, but that’s how great ideas come to life. That’s how you turn lemons into lemon tart.”
“You mean, lemonade,” she says, playing along.
“Stretch your mind beyond the mere beverage,” I tease.
She laughs. “So how do we think outside the box to save Daddy’s company?”
“I’m glad you asked,” I grab her by the arm. “Let’s go back to your office and sketch out a plan.”
* * *
Jules’s office is tinyand bare bone, such a contrast to our offices. I suggested we sit in the small conference room instead.
“Let’s start with the most pressing issue,” I say, sitting next her. “Remind me again who’s the majority share holder and what’s the split.”
“I am. Daddy left me fifty-one percent of the shares.”
“Do you have an accountant?”
“We use a firm,” she says.
“Is your accounting up to date?”
She averts her gaze.
“It’s not,” I conclude.
“I wanted to make sure the employees were paid. That was my priority.”
Yet, the fuckers jumped ship on her.
“Okay, that’s the most important thing right now,” I say. “Then, we’re going to get them to evaluate how much it would cost for me to buy out Hillary’s shares—”
“Absolutely not,” she declares, glowering at me, her eyebrows pinching as she folds her arms over her chest. “I can’t let you do that, Levi.”
“Why not?”
