“MissValentine won’t be staying long enough for that,” he answered before she could reply. “You may go Dawson.”
He regretted the dismissal the moment he uttered it, for when the secretary departed, he closed the door behind him, and suddenly, the room seemed far too intimate.
“I didn’t know if you would be in,” she said, “but I thought I’d take a chance. I’m sorry if I’m disturbing you.”
“You’re not,” he said, his assurance as much for his own benefit as hers. Surprise visit or no, he had no intention of allowing himself to be disturbed by her in any way.
That resolution had barely crossed his mind before she moved closer to his desk, and the delicate scent of jasmine was a forcible reminder of sultry afternoons in bed with her. Valiantly, he ignored it.
“What do you want, Lola?”
The question was curt, his tone barely cordial, but if she noticed, she gave no sign. “Nothing earth-shattering. I simply wanted to inquire when we shall be convening our first partners’ meeting.”
So much for thinking she’d be satisfied with a part in the play and would leave him in peace. “I’m not sure I know what you mean,” he hedged. “There is no need for a meeting at this time.”
“No need?”
“The annual partnership meeting convenes in January. It’s always been a formality, of course, for Henry never felt compelled to attend. But if you wish to do so, that is your prerogative.”
“I do, yes, but that’s almost nine months away. I should think a change of partners warrants a meeting now, don’t you agree?”
He didn’t, but she gave him no chance to say so. “As long it’s not during rehearsals,” she went on, “I’m happy with any date and time within the next week or two that would be convenient for you.”
He feared no time would ever be convenient. Lola, alas, was not a convenient sort of woman. “Whatever you wish to discuss, let’s discuss it now.” He gestured to the chair opposite, and when she accepted the offered seat, he resumed his own. “Best to have it over and be done, I suppose.”
“It’s not a matter of having it ‘over,’ as you put it,” she said as she settled her skirts around her. “We need to discuss how we’ll operate under our new partnership. Set up our ground rules, so to speak.”
“Ground rules?”
“Yes. I should like to review the first-quarter financial statements. The box office receipts, expenditures, production costs, all that sort of thing.”
“Certainly. I am happy to forward them to you. Inform Dawson where you wish them to be delivered—to the Savoy, or to the office of your solicitors—and you can peruse them at your leisure. Now, if that is all...”
He started to stand up, but Lola did not take the hint, and he sank back into his chair. “Obviously, it’s not,” he muttered.
“I think reviewing the company’s financial condition is something that we ought to do together.”
He stiffened. “That is neither necessary nor appropriate.”
“Denys, we each own fifty percent. Neither of us has a controlling interest, so it’s important that we learn to discuss and decide things for the Imperial together.”
“Henry never found it necessary to involve himself in the running of the Imperial. Why should you?”
“Because I want to be involved. Henry didn’t, partly because he was three thousand miles away and partly because he had many other projects that required his attention.”
“You’re pretty occupied yourself these days. Or isn’t being in the play and understudying the lead enough to keep you busy?”
“I’m not doing this to keep busy. I am yourpartner, and unlike Henry, I have no desire to be a silent one. I appreciate that this isn’t easy for you, and I’m sorry about that, but it can’t be helped.”
“Just what is it you hope to accomplish here, Lola?”
“Theater is my life, Denys. I want to participate in all facets of it.”
“Why?” he demanded. “Why can’t performing be enough to satisfy you?”
“Why can’t managing your estate be enough to satisfy you?” She didn’t wait for an answer. “Because you love the challenges that being a man of business provide you, that’s why. I’m not any different.”
“You can hardly be a man of business, Lola. Because you’re not a man.”
