“What? When was this?” I jumped then settled back into my seat. “Sorry—not the point, please go on.”
“Nearly three years ago, before I’d ventured off on my own. Anyway, that’s when I finally paid the man a visit at his office. He recognized me the second I walked in. I assured him Hayes Enterprises was going to advise the client against the location but warned him that if there was one, there’d be others,” he shrugged. “I gave him my contact in case he needed it. You know, for advice.”
I nodded slowly. “So now you two get together to talk about...business?”
He laughed. “That’s what Ron likes to call it. At least once a month. It was his idea. Especially after folding. I had the means to save it, Isabel. I did. But he refused. Said he didn’t deserve the company if he couldn’t keep it up himself. But I could tell he was done trying. So I didn’t push.”
As much as I had no idea what this meant for me and Scott, how much bigger a mess this made, how much bigger a lie. A lie that I’d now brought his father into—I was grateful for the story he shared with me. That the man I was falling hard for trusted me enough to share it.
People around us started to stand and I looked up, confused.
“What’s going on?”
Scott smiled and winked. “We’ve landed. Welcome to L.A., beautiful.”
28
SCOTT
I hopedthere wouldn’t be a pop quiz on what the damn hell this man was talking about all night because I’d likely get a big fat zero.
Spencer Friedman’s eyes were pinned on Isabel from the moment we’d approached his table at the hotel restaurant.
The man and I had spoken on two occasions a while back and I knew he was interested in my work. He’d done his research, knew I had a knack for turning sinking small businesses into thriving corporations. Most in less than two years.
I knew I had this account—or rather several of them—if he hadn’t even considered anyone else. If he had, he would have told me what they were offering by now.
“And in my opinion, it’s all pointless unless you’ve tried it both ways and know exactly what works one way versus the other,” Isabel explained to a highly agreeable Spencer.
“Brilliant, can you give me examples?” He grabbed his wine glass and gave it a twirl before leaning back. “How does it work in your company?”
Isabel glanced at me. “I’d much rather use an example of one of your firms. Which one comes to mind?”
He grinned. “Shadow Enterprises,” he rattled off the top of his head. Then explained what they sell and a little bit about their strategies.
“Well, that’s either a terrible example or a great one, Mr. Friedman. Because they shouldn’t be using vendors. Everything should be done in house and if they don’t have the means, then something else is wrong. It’s a giant red flag when everything is outsourced in small to mid-sized businesses, surely you know that.”
Spencer’s eyes wandered before he sat up, uncomfortably. “Yes, yes of course. I had the same thought. The place is too authentic to be outsourcing half the company.”
Spencer and I talked logistics about what these transactions would entail, how often I’d fly in to meet with various CEO’s and if I were to hire a crew. After that he was all over Isabel’s personal life, which she dodged as skillfully as she had the day I’d met her.
I was as impressed as I always was when it came to her and even a little amused.
“I’m sorry, I don’t believe I caught your last name.”
“And respectfully, Mr. Freidman, you won’t, I’m here to assist Mr. Weston. To be quite honest, my being here is a conflict of interest and I prefer not to discuss anything outside of my expertise.”
Wow. I tried to contain my brows shooting up but failed miserably.
He nodded and flashed a bright smile. “That’s too bad.”
I cleared my throat. “Spencer I’m not going to lie, you’ve made a really good offer to join your quest, but there is one thing that is a drop dead deal breaker for me,” I started.
Spencer leaned back. Waiting for the shoe to drop.
“I’m not interested in hostile takeovers. Everyone gets their fair share and a chance to refuse and/or negotiate.”
“Of course, of course, I know your morals, and I’m willing to work with them. Except for one or two accounts, possibly. They’ve been nothing but difficult from the start and we have the means for a takeover.”
