Page 50 of Negotiation Tactics
Did I really lose sight of the one thing that matters the most in my life because of a man?
“Dad.” I clench my hands into fists and let determination flow through me. “I’ll fix this.”
We shouldn’t.I recall Josh’s words. Ironic, but oh so very effective when he knew I can’t resist someone going against me. This is on me, all of it, this mess. I let myself get fooled because I couldn’t resist him. Because he is the first person to rock my world so profoundly.
I thought I’d found someone who was fun to be with even outside the bedroom, who didn’t care who I was. It was freeing, but that’s how they get you. I should’ve known better and kept this strictly as sex. Or better yet, I should’ve moved on.
But it’s too late now. The regrets do me no good. I’ve already made the mistake the moment I acted on impulse and offered Josh the one thing he’s been after from the very start—influence over the commission.
And now I have to fix that mistake.
18
Josh
Ican’tbelieveit.It’s mom’s anniversary tonight and I’m buzzing. There are some last preparations to wrap up and we are a Go. I’ve confirmed the food already, the number of people attending and the bingo prizes—I tick off the tasks from my mental checklist—so what’s left is sneaking in her present and decorating the third floor function room of the hospice.
I grab my blazer and backpack off my creaky office chair and pick up the gift-wrapped commemorative clock we ordered for her. It’s custom-made, with the hands held in place by the union’s logo, which is made from metal. The background is the photo from her first day as the Union Head. I’m sure she’ll love it, especially since she’s been asking me to get her a replacement clock for weeks, which I’ve been conveniently forgetting to do. A lot more people than I expected chipped in, but I’m not really surprised because everyone loves mom—she is a great person and one of the best Union Heads to date, holding the record for the number of cases won.
Smiling, I make my way to the kitchenette to let Mariam know I’m heading out so I can put up the decorations. She sends me off with two cookies, asking if I need help. I turn her down politely since Lily will be joining me in an hour.
Speaking of her, she’s been going to the gym with Brady and occasionally Alistair. Since they reconnected, they’ve been hanging out at least once a week. It’s nice, and I’m happy for them.
The train ride to Elmonica makes my stomach twist in anticipation. It’s been a busy few days, but that will finally be over tonight. I’m excited to have my free time back, because I haven’t seen a certain bad boy billionaire in a while. We’ve been texting, sort of, but he’s been swamped with some work thing, so it’s been scarce.
Begrudgingly, I acknowledge that I’m a little disappointed, but putting a bit of distance between us has helped me take a step back and figure out where I stand. Honestly, the truth is a bit scary, but I really enjoy his company… I think I might even like him.
This all started as a way for me to find dirt on him, but things changed. I don’t have any reason to blackmail him anymore since he kept his word—I’m meeting with the commission soon. They should have a date for me by the end of this week, so, if everything goes in my favor, I might get a chance to speak to them as early as Monday.
But let’s not get ahead of myself. First, I need to get this party over with.
Just as I step off the train and grab a coffee from the place by the stop, my phone starts vibrating. I fish it out of my pocket to find an unknown number is calling me.
“Hello?”
“Joshua Anderson?” a deep male voice asks.
“Yes, that’s me.”
“Good afternoon. This is Barry Wallis with the Devon Holidays Commission for Union Matters.” My heart leaps and I squeeze my coffee cup tighter—I wasn’t expecting the call today! “Are you able to come to ourheadquarters tomorrow morning at ten-thirty so we can discuss the Union’s demands?”
“Y-yes! Of course!” This is so unexpected, and I don’t know whether to feel dread or anticipation or both. “Ten-thirty works for me.”
“Great,” he says without inflection. “Let a receptionist know when you’ve arrived and they’ll tell you where to go.”
“Thank you!”
The man clicks off without another word, but his rudeness doesn’t annoy me. It can’t. Because things are finally moving forward. I am this close. No matter what, I’m winning this. I won’t let Alistair’s help go to waste.
I’m a little surprised he doesn’t call right after to congratulate me, but seeing as he hasn’t replied yet to my morning text, I’m betting he’s most likely stuck in some soul-draining corporate meeting. With the end of the transition period quickly approaching, he’s been having a lot of those in-between all the other things he’s been doing. Poor him.
But I am impressed by his dedication. He genuinely cares about the company, and not just the numbers. He wants to make it more successful, and also a better place for everyone, including his hard-working employees. This is the first time I have met such a billionaire if I am being honest—all the others I know or have heard of only care about the money.
I love that he’s different.
Giddiness accompanies me to the hospice. My mom is already waiting in the spacious function room, hanging garlands from the pastel blue curtains. The light green walls beneath them are peeling from age, and the beige carpet is just as worn, but the massive windows and theblooming flowers scattered around make the space airy and bright.
“You are in a suspiciously good mood today, Josh. Spill it already!” my mom prompts me, crossing her arms.
