53. Coffee #3
“This is ridiculous.” Raymond’s nostrils flare. “You’re turnin’ down a three-million-dollar deal over some missing payments totaling less than three hundred grand.”
“And that’s downright embarrassing they haven’t been paid,” I say, glancing down at my phone as if I’ve got someplace to be, but it’s only to help stabilize my emotions, keep them in check.
I put it face down on the table and glance back up at them.
“How can we justify partnering with anyone when we can’t even keep our own house in order?
” I jab my finger into a copy of the offer set in front of me.
“We’re not going down that road now. Signing deals without resolving our internal issues?
It’ll be the same old cycle. Sacrificing core values for a quick fix?
” I shake my head. “Those are the types of emotional decisions that won’t fly here. ”
The room falls thick with tension.
Gerald looks from me to Raymond, then lifts his hand. “I think it’s time it comes down to a vote.”
I slam the door behind me as I walk into the penthouse. My heart’s still shaking, still revved up from the meeting.
I hear someone in the kitchen before I turn the corner.
Andrew’s propped against the counter, arms folded, as if he hasn’t moved since I left a few hours ago.
“You weren’t at the hotel,” I say, dropping my purse on the island.
“I drove all the way to the hotel, talked to your boss, who’s looking for you.
She’s tellin’ me to let her know when I find out.
‘Cause your ass was supposed to be there an hour ago. Then I get roped in for, like, ten minutes hearin’ about the history of the automobile—”
“Donnie?”
“Yeah. Donnie. And you weren’t there.”
His body unstiffens, and he raises his hands up at his sides. “Course I wasn’t at the fuckin’ hotel, Allison. Been waitin’ right here for you, goin’ crazy.”
A beat passes,
his gaze flickering over me fast.
He stands taller. “Well? How did it go?”
His brows lift, hurrying me to spill every detail as every passing second in silence worries him more.
I step further into the kitchen,
trying to put my black-cloud face on.
The one that says,
I’m fine, but I need a hug.
Then I shrug with a long, defeated sigh,
and Andrew’s face falls.
Then my lips curve into the smile that’s been waiting for him. “I fucking killed it!” I explode, laughing with sheer relief from it.
All the tension melts off me,
and I walk closer,
almost bouncing in my heels.
“You shoulda seen Raymond’s face, Drew!”
I let out another small laugh,
then pace the marble,
reliving the entire moment.
“He was shook!
“He didn’t see me coming at all.
“I told him exactly what I thought.
“I—” I stop myself for a second, feeling the heat in my chest, that rush that comes with doing something you never thought you could.
“I kicked ass. Right there.
“In front of the entire board.”
I bring my hands to my heated cheeks,
unable to catch my breath.
“At one point, he was runnin’ through numbers like he fuckin’ owned the joint, right? So I let him talk, before I ripped right into him. I think I actually interrupted him with something like—‘I’m not done. We’ve heard your take. ‘I’ll tell you. When. I’m. Finished,’” I clap out.
Andrew laughs. “You said that?!”
“I fuckin’ said that. Me. Allison.
“Like who was I?
“And I swear, his face was priceless.”
I shake my head, unable to believe it.
“Andrew, he got flustered!
“Just like you said.
“He thought I was gonna fold,
“and then—boom.”
I throw my hands up.
“I even said—Oh my God, what did I say? ‘I can’t let this go on any longer. The answer’s obviously no. I can’t approve this.’”
Andrew’s eyes light up in shock.
“God—I wish I was there to see you,” he says, eyes drinking me in, trying to figure out if this is the same girl who left the penthouse hours ago.
I don’t think I am.
Something’s taken possession of me.
And I’m still pacing, walking in circles,
trying to burn off the electric energy.
“I didn’t back down.
“I didn’t let him control the room.
“And Raymond?” I pause, turning back to face Andrew, eyes wide. “He looked like he wanted to crawl into a hole and die when they voted to pause it and open an internal investigation. Gahh, it was perfect.”
“Whoa—hold up—” he laughs, shaking his head. “You got the deal killed and had them open an investigation?”
I nod. “I did.”
Andrew’s eyes flare wide with awe,
and at that moment, I swear…
I can feel his soul move closer before he does. “Allison—You’re—You’re fuckin’ incredible, you know that?”
I stop in my tracks.
His words land in me like a slow explosion. There’s something in them, something honest… like he didn’t mean to say it in the way he did.
He wants to see me win, and that scares me. Aside from Celie, I’ve never had anyone want anything good for me before.
Never had anyone want to see me win.
I don’t even remember moving,
but one second I’m standing there,
and the next I’m burying my face in his chest, breathing him in, his arms coming around me, pulling me close.
“Jesus, Sonny… I’m so fuckin’ proud’a you,” he murmurs into my ear.
And I close my eyes,
pretending that was from Dad.