Page 41 of The Usual Family Mayhem

I didn’t understand the question. “Brock. He’s not really a friend.”

“Boyfriend, then.”

Talk about a nightmare scenario. “Do you really think I’d like that guy? Blowhard jackass is not my type. Not on purpose. Sometimes I find out too late, but you get it.”

Something in Jackson’s expression changed. Something unreadable. “I’m trying to figure out—”

“Excuse me.”

Oh, good. Brock returned.

Brock took his seat and stared at Jackson. “I’m assuming you’re an old friend of Kasey’s. Now is not a good time. We’re in the middle of a meeting.”

The mood at the table flipped from uncomfortable to hostile. I thought the energy was negative before Jackson got here. Now it felt like a toxic swirl of angry dudes and chest thumping.

Time to shut this down before the other diners noticed a problem and went running to Gram. “Jackson Quaid, this is Brock Deavers. Brock and I work together.”

“I’m her boss.”

Not the way I would say it, but yes.

Jackson relaxed back in his chair. “Interesting.”

“We were...” What did I say next? I stopped talking and hoped neither of them noticed.

“Why are you in town, Brock?”

Brock’s eyes narrowed at Jackson’s familiarity. “Well,Jackson, Kasey and I are in Winston-Salem about a business venture.”

Jackson’s eyebrow raised. “Even more interesting.”

That got my mouth moving. An offensive strike. That was the only play here. This one time I needed Jackson to play along and not make my life more difficult. “Jackson is the attorney for the, uh, enterprise.”

Jackson slowly turned his head and shot me that deadly stare of his.

I rushed on, hoping Jackson had somewhere else to be and would go there now. “He’s been clear it’s too early for any status or commitment discussion. The ladies need more time to think about the potential and rushing them only guarantees they will decline.”

Jackson blinked a few times.

Embarrassment hovered right in front of me, ready to pounce.

Then Jackson turned to Brock. “Kasey’s assessment is correct. The hard sell is detrimental to your interest. That statement is not personal or targeted. My clients simply are skeptical of claims to grow their business that involve them giving away a share of their profits. They’ve been hugely successful without assistance or the worry about conglomerate politics.”

That sounded real. Jackson had some skills.

“I understand the hesitancy. That’s why I’m proposing a meeting so we can pitch our services. Spell out what we have to offer and the type of investor clients we cater to.”

Jackson nodded. “Lobby them, in other words.”

“Educate them,” Brock said in a louder voice.

The conversation had my head swiveling back and forth as if I were watching a tennis match. They both seemed to be winning, though Jackson had inched ahead. Maybe.

“Fair enough.” Jackson continued to use his serious lawyer voice. “I’ll talk with them and get back to Kasey with an answer.”

“That’s not usually how—”

“That is the only option I can offer. You won’t get a shot atmy clients without me being present and, right now, I can’t in good conscience recommend a business deal. Not without due diligence and more information.” The words flowed. Jackson was in control and acting the part. “I’m sure you understand that while you’re assessing their business for a possible future relationship, they’re assessing yours.”

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