Page 103 of The Usual Family Mayhem

I trusted Jackson. Whatever road he was about to walk us all down had been planned out and perfected. All done in record time because I’d only dropped the information about some of this, particularly his dad’s excitement at screwing over Gram and Celia, two days ago.

Buckle in.

Gram must have felt the strain loosening as well. She took a deep breath, acting more like herself and less ticked off the longer Jackson spoke. Celia smiled. Harlan looked ready to drag Jackson out of the room.

And Brock? It was hard to describe his look. Shock. Panic. The same look a little kid got when he accidentally wet himself in public.

Couldn’t happen to a nicer guy.

“Micah is an environmentalist and the type of leader who gets out in front of emerging technologies and creates opportunities to integrate them into his business plan.”

Jackson should write Micah’s bio becauseyikes. So much bullshit and Jackson somehow made the words sound true.

He wasn’t the only one who could throw the bullshit around. My turn. “Micah’s great appreciation for the environment and need to make different decisions going forward is one of the reasons I wanted to work there.”

“Great appreciation.” Micah sounded pleased with the praise.

The color drained from Brock’s face, but he stayed quiet.

I could play this game all day.

“I met with Brock a few days ago around lunchtime,” Jackson said.

“We didn’t exactly—”

Jackson raised a hand to stop Brock from continuing. “I informed him that, as the attorney for Mags’ Desserts, all discussions and proposals needed to run through me. That I would deal directly with Kasey because she’d been integral in convincing the ladies to even consider the possibility of outside investment.”

Micah nodded as he’d been doing almost nonstop since walking in the door. “Informed him. Yes.”

Brock made a strangled sound. Like, he saw the boiling pit of crap waiting in front of him and desperately wanted to steer around it.

“That’s exactly what Jackson told Brock.” Jackson didn’t need my help, but why not. This was the first time I’d enjoyed any part of my job.

“Unfortunately, Brock’s pushing and his attempts to work around me and, more importantly, Kasey convinced the ladies that any sort of joint venture with NOI was impossible,” Jackson said.

“Exactly.” Gram must have been loving the show because she was not the type to sit back and let someone talk for her. She ceded the floor to Jackson again without so much as a twitch.

“But Kasey had spoken so highly of you, Micah, that I made that call yesterday. I’m happy I did,” Jackson said.

“Agreed. I think NOI and your client, with your guidance, can do significant and important work together.” Then Micah turned to Brock. “We’ll discuss all of this on the way back to the office.”

“You don’t understand.”

“A long discussion.” Micah acted like Brock hadn’t said anything. Almost like Brock didn’t exist.

Sounded good to me.

“Kasey, you’ve worked hard over the last two weeks and while this deal did not come to fruition in the way we anticipated, your efforts directed me to other leads. That’s the sort of teamwork NOI is built on.” Micah smiled, clearly pleased with whatever he was saying. “Take a few days and we’ll see you in the office next week.”

The comment made me worry about Micah’s ability to analyze a situation, but I wasn’t about to correct him. “Thanks.”

“Brock? We should go.” Micah turned to Gram and Celia. “I apologize for the inconvenience but I’m grateful for your granddaughter and proud to have her as part of the NOI team. Her work ethic is a reflection on you.”

I knew he thought that was a compliment, but...

“Thank you for understanding, Micah. Some people can’t take a hint.” Gram glared at Brock. “I appreciate that you can.”

With that, the unwanted and highly entertaining meeting ended. Everyone said their goodbyes. Except for Brock, who stayed quiet and acted sheepish. Two things he never did.

---