Page 16 of Building Romance
I guess there’s only one way to find out. I lean forward and begin to read.
Let’s see what Fletcher McDowell is offering. It’s probably a contract with the devil himself, but maybe, just maybe, I can use it to turn the tables. Can I outwit my rival? Possibly. Although I’m talking about a multinational corporation with a team of lawyers, so the odds aren’t in my favor. But I have one thing that Fletcher doesn’t have…an entire building of supporters right across the street.
CHAPTER EIGHT
Fletch
I stare out at the city. Our company’s headquarters are located on the top five floors of this twenty-eight-story building.
I watch the little ant-like people walking on the streets below. In the distance, I can just barely make out Hearts Lane Park. I wonder what Cam Tanner is up to today. Did she read my contract? Is she considering it?
I smirk at the memory of her telling me I was permanently banned from her store. She acts all feisty with her fighting words, but somehow based on my conversations with Al and that Hutch guy, I think she’s actually a giant softy. I just don’t know how to break that outer hard candy shell to get to the gooey center.
I turn back around and take in my office with its expensive furniture and high-tech communications. I’ve never known any different. My grandfather took the company public before I was born. He expanded it globally and managed to stay at the helm of the board. He was so successful that the board easily voted in my father when the time came. I suppose they thought the apple didn’t fall far from the tree.
And I’m sure they’d vote for Spencer or Dalton, but definitely not me. I ruined my chances of that years ago. No amount of success can undo an internet search.
I curse my younger self under my breath as I walk back to my desk and sit down. God, I was an idiot. I’d blame it on youth, but I knew I was fucking up even back then. I just didn’t care. I was so self-centered.
People expect me to be that way still. But somehow, when our mom had a cancer scare and Dad called to tell me, I just changed. In an instant, I realized none of the people around me were my real friends or family. I got on a plane from Ibiza and went straight to see her.
Realizing I could lose a family member snapped me out of it, whatever it was. Fortunately, Mom was fine. At Mom’s encouragement, Dad offered me a shit job at the company and I took it. For the first time, I wanted to be a McDowell. Not just for the perks, but because I wanted to be part of something bigger than me.
I study the plans for the new store that are lying on my desk. I’m supposed to approve them, but my mind keeps drifting back to Camryn. The contract I had our lawyers draw up wasn’t as harsh as I originally had wanted.
It provides for the sponsorship. We get to keep any recipes developed for the show for exclusive use at our stores, which will of course be attributed to her. If she wins, she gets to keep all the money. If she loses, we get a fifty-fifty stake in her company with the ability for her to buy us out after five years. Now, it will only take one year to put her out of business, but who’s counting?
Dad wanted us to take full ownership, but I know she wouldn’t even consider that.
I’m about to head over to the store to see our progress when I see a text.
Unknown: I have my own terms and conditions. I can meet you at your store at three today.
One hundred percent Camryn. But I also want to fuck with her.
Me: Who is this?
Unknown: Seriously? (glaring emoji)
Me: Seriously.
Unknown: Three P.M. Fucker.
I laugh out loud.
Me: I’ll make sure to be prompt, Ms. Tanner.
Unknown: Try bringing some manners as well.
Me: I’ll have you know, I am the epitome of manners.
Unknown: (laughing-out-loud emoji)
Unknown: Wait. Were you serious?
Me: I’m always serious.
Unknown: Interesting. Not what Page 6 had to say about you when I looked you up.
