Unwanted Heat

“There’s a clause in the contract that says all employee positions will remain as is for the first six months. After that, PFS will reevaluate and determine whether or not to continue their positions. If their position is eliminated in the first three years, every employee will be provided with a severance package along with a letter of recommendation.”

“Sounds like a good thing?” she’s obviously struggling to see why the other party hasn’t signed yet.

“It is,” I agree. “For some reason, Alex, my vice president, thinks that they are having second thoughts and do not believe that I would hold up my end of the contract.”

“But if it’s in the contract, aren’t you obligated to follow through?”

“Yes and no. There are certain safeguards put in place where I could get out of the clause if something came up. However it’s a clause that is only used in dire situations. Alex thinks they just want to hear from me that their employees will have jobs. It’s a family owned business that has been passed down from one generation to another, but unfortunately the owner’s father had a gambling problem and borrowed money from the company. They’re barely staying afloat right now and have more debt than they should have. We’re offering them a solution where the company remains intact but requires an overhaul in a few areas.”ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

“If you don’t mind me asking… why am I needed tonight? It sounds like a business negotiation.”

“We won’t technically be negotiating, since all that is done already. Essentially we are meeting to reassure him that the clause in the contract stands, nothing more. As to why you are here… apparently having a date will make me look more trustworthy, at least according to Alex. The owner is bringing his wife so I assume the idea is, if I bring a date, I look more like a person and less like a businessman who wants to destroy their company.”

“Ah, got it.”

“Sir, ma’am, we need to leave now,” Carter interrupts us.

“Thank you Carter. Do you have any other questions, Kenzie?”

“No, I think you covered everything.”

“I’ll apologize in advance: this is probably going to be a very boring dinner for you.”

“It won’t be a problem.”

Carter escorts us to the parking garage where my SUV is waiting. The ride to the restaurant is short since the traffic is light despite the rush hour. I’ve purposely left early enough so that we are the first to arrive at the table. Over the next ten minutes Alex and Ella arrive followed by Mr. and Mrs. Forrest, the owners of the shipping company. Once again, Kenzie seems to fit right into the group, making conversation easily with Mrs.

Forest and Ella while Alex, Mr. Forrest and I discuss business.

The next time I glance at my watch, I’m surprised to see that more than two hours have passed since we arrived. Kenzie sits comfortably next to me, discussing recipes with Mrs. Forrest. I knew she worked at the bakery but I had no idea how much she enjoys baking until I watch her passionately discuss different techniques.

“And that’s why Ella does all the cooking, you see, Kenzie, I just burn everything no matter what setting I use on the stove!” Alex laughs as Kenzie finishes a story how one of the girls at the bakery accidently burnt an entire batch of muffins one morning.

“He does, you should see it. He once burnt a pot of boiling water… I ask you: who does that?” Ella laughs.

“Well, I’m sure he was just distracted-” Kenzie tries to defend Alex.

“Yeah, he was distracted by the game that was on TV, or by an email that his boss sent,” which earns me a glare, “or by a car that drove too fast down our road or by a ringing phone… you see, Kenzie the list just goes on and on.”

“What can I say, I’m easily distracted,” Alex doesn’t disagree with anything Ella said. Instead he laughs with her and then leans in to kiss her quickly on the cheek.

“Mr. Parker, Mr. Clark, you will have the finalized contracts Monday morning,” Mr. Forrest says a few minutes later when the table falls silent.

“Wonderful, we look forward to them,” I shake his hand, sealing the deal.

Carter has already taken care of the bill for our meal, so we quickly say our goodbyes and walk out of the restaurant. Mr. and Mrs. Forrest leave, followed next by Alex and Ella, leaving Kenzie and me on the sidewalk.

“Carter has arranged for a car to take you home: it should be arriving any minute now,” I explain, shooting Carter a death glare for not having the cab here by now. Apparently the one he called didn’t show up so instead he had to call a car service. This would be so much easier if I could just have Carter take her home, then be assured that she arrived safely and we wouldn’t have to rely on someone else to get her home.

“Nicholas, it’s fine, I could just take the subway. There’s a stop just a couple of blocks-”

“Kenzie, I can’t let you take the subway home. This may not be an actual date, but I’m too much of a gentleman to let you do that. The car service will take you home tonight and I promise they won’t tell me where they drop you off.”

“It’s unnecessary but I appreciate it nonetheless.”

“Thank you for this evening. Everything went smoother than I expected,” I say.

“I’m sure you will be happy when you receive the signed contract on Monday.”

“Sir, ma’am,” Carter gestures to the car that is slowing just in front of us.

“Thank you again, Kenzie, especially for rearranging your schedule at the last minute to accommodate me,” I lean down placing my lips against her cheek gently. I swear her breath hitches when I squeeze her hand in mine just before I pull away from her.

“I believe Bridget has been in touch about next week?”

“Yes, I’ve confirmed with her that I’m available.”

“I’ll see you then.”