Page 39 of Without Apology

“Does that mean Tom would instead?”

I was already off my stool, putting my card on the bar for the check. “No way. Neither of us would do them. The investment board would.”

She raised a brow. “Phillip’s board of directors?”

My boss, or rather The Stone Group, had a board of five directors. “Yes, they’ve done it on the executive level. I can’t believe I didn’t think of it sooner. I can set it up so she and Jeff fly to New York later this week and have their interviews there with the board. It’s brilliant.”

“Wait. Where are you off to?”

“To ring Phillip.”

She pushed the brakes. “It’s almost ten on a Friday night. I get you’re anxious, and hell, so am I, but we both know it has to wait until Monday at least. It most especially needs to wait until after the deal is closed. Otherwise, it would look strange for you to recuse yourself from interviews that might not happen.”

Had I been thinking straight I would have come to the same, logical conclusion. “You’re right. Bollocks.”

She patted my shoulder. “Impressive obstacle removal, mate. Glad I’m here for you to ensure there is no collateral damage. You intend to tell her?”

I wished I could get in the car and drive over to her house now. But there was no guarantee the board would agree. “Not until next week. Can you tell her to clear her schedule for next Thursday and Friday? Hopefully, her flight will be on one of those two days.”

“Yes. Oh, and I guess I’ll inform Jeff, too, although I’m reasonably certain his calendar is always clear.”

I laughed for the first time, optimistic that I might have a solution for how I could buy the company, protect her job, and still get the girl.

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