“Mr. and Mrs. Carlton, thank you so much for making it to our office. Was your ride comfortable?”
“Yes,” Mr. Carlton says, shaking my hand. “It was so nice of you to send a car to get us. The driver was very pleasant. From Georgia. He used to be in the CIA but is now retired, enjoying driving around his hometown of Chicago. Very fascinating fellow.”
“Yes, Mark Sandberg, he’s a wonderful man. If you ever get a chance to get stuck in traffic with him, he’ll tell you some really good stories.”
“Well, I’ll be wishing for some holdups after this.”
I lean over and give Mrs. Carlton a handshake as my dad talks to her husband. “Mrs. Carlton, so glad you could make it. This dress is stunning.”
“Thank you. My friend Patricia Freeman from Free Designs made it for me. Isn’t she talented?”
It’s the ugliest garment I’ve ever seen. Looks like she rolled around in her tapestries and called it a day.
“You’re going to have to give me her contact information because I need an original in my closet.”
“I’ll have Marjorie send over the information in an email from me.” She touches my arm kindly and we both take a seat along with my dad and Mr. Carlton.
I offer some drinks for the table, hand out plates, and once everyone is settled, I take a seat. We spend some time talking about the weather and the run the Bobbies had in the playoffs, short-lived but at least they made it . . . unlike the Rebels. But once my dad clears his throat, it’s time to get down to business.
“Again, thank you so much for taking the time to talk to us about your property. We couldn’t be more excited about this opportunity.”
Mr. Carlton steeples his fingers. “It’s really between Domico and Heller and Parks. The proposals submitted are comparable, so it comes down to who we want to do business with.”
“Yes, I can understand that. Working with like-minded people is of utmost importance,” I say, sounding as heartfelt as I can.
This moment right here, where a deal is in the balance, this is what I was made for. I think on the spot, I’m quick to please, and I have no problem throwing down more on the deal to win it. I’m great at living in this moment. Anxiety and nerves don’t affect me; instead, adrenaline pumps through my veins as I use my ability to please and be unrelenting to my advantage.
“That’s why we’re leaning more toward Heller and Parks right now.”
Uhh . . . say what?
Keeping a smile on my face even though it feels entirely forced now, I say, “Thank you for being so upfront, Mr. Carlton. May I ask what is swaying you in their direction?”
He leans back in his chair and looks at his wife. “I must admit, this might sound a bit caddy, but when we started this business, we started it on the foundation of our morals and beliefs.”
“Which is incredibly admirable of you.”
“Thank you.” Mr. Carlton shifts in his seat, looking uncomfortable and I realize in that moment, this isn’t about what Mr. Carlton wants, this isn’t about pleasing him . . . this is about pleasing his wife.
He looks to her and she steps in, hands folded in her lap, her pearls shining like a bright beacon of hope. “You see, dear, I find the dynamic between you and your father inspiring. You have raised a fine daughter, intelligent, kind, a go-getter.” My dad nods his head in appreciation. “And passing the family business down to the next generation is what we’ve always dreamed of. Unfortunately, we were never able to have children.”
“Oh, Mrs. Carlton, I’m so sorry to hear that. I can’t imagine how that must feel.”
She nods solemnly and Mr. Carlton picks it up from there. “It’s been hard, building this business with no one to pass it on to, but it’s something we’ve come to terms with.” He clears his throat and takes a sip of his water. “Which brings us to this uncomfortable topic, but one we figured we should be open and honest with you about.”
“Which we truly appreciate,” I say, my ass cheeks clenched. What the hell could we possibly not have that Heller and Parks has? Hello, father-daughter duo, that is exactly what the Carltons want.
“As you know, Heller and Parks is a family operated business like yours. We’ve been working closely with Kate Heller, and we’ve gotten to know her quite well.” Fucking Kate Heller, talk about mean girl at her finest. She’s two-faced and has a mole the size of Texas on her ass. I saw it once when she was drunk and stumbling in the bathroom at a charity event. She puts on a good appearance for clients, but she’s as awful as they come.
“Kate is an . . . interesting woman,” I say with a smile even though it’s painful.
“Yes, and we recently found out that she’s engaged to Emmet Parks. They’re growing a family within the family with potential to pass down the business one day. It’s a beautiful story.”
You’ve got to be freaking kidding me. How gullible is this woman?
Mrs. Carlton cuts in. “We adore you, Dottie. We get along with you better and prefer your proposal, but this is important to us, and since you don’t have a significant other—”
“I have a boyfriend.”
I don’t know what comes over me. Desperation maybe?
But I lie out of my ass so fast that as the words fall past my lips, I even shock myself.
I laugh like a crazy woman trying to show off her teeth. Deep breaths. “Sorry for interrupting, but I have a boyfriend.” From the corner of my eye, I watch my dad slowly turn in his chair to look at me. Yup, I know what he’s doing. He’s chastising me with his eyes because he knows fully well there’s no special man in my life.
“You do?”
I nod. “Yup. He uh, he’s a professional baseball player, which is why I rarely talk about him. You know how people are . . . free tickets.” I catch myself and say, “Oh, but if you want free tickets, they’re all yours. I can get you the best seats. Just name it, they’re yours.” My dad coughs, and I gain my composure. “Anyway, yes, I don’t talk about him much to afford him privacy, but we’re very much in love. I can hear wedding bells in the future.” Oh God, I hate myself so much right now. Wedding bells? If Jason could hear me now.
“Really?” Mrs. Carlton leans forward. “I’m sorry to pry, but can I ask who?”
I gulp. “Yup, of course. He uh, just got traded back to Chicago. Jason Orson.”
Very softly I can hear my dad mutter, “Christ.”
“Jason Orson?” Mr. Carlton whistles. “He’s incredible. Where did you meet him?”
“College.” I nod. “Yeah, college. I used to frequent the baseball loft with my best friend, Emory, who is dating Knox Gentry.” Mrs. Carlton’s eyes light up. “Jason and I hit it off back then, stayed in touch, and during the off-season four years ago, we reconnected. When he was traded at the end of the season, it felt like everything was meant to be. Albeit, he’s playing for the Rebels, but I’ve been able to get over that quickly, especially since my man is finally in the same city as me.”
Mrs. Carlton clasps her hand to her heart, a sigh exiting her. “Oh, that’s so sweet. I’m so happy for you, honey.”
“Thank you. We’re happy and keeping things traditional. He has his own place, and we’re courting each other, building that foundation you and Mr. Carlton have talked about.”