Page 64 of New York Love Stories: Vol. 1

Under his breath, Andrew says, “That’s why you’re the lawyer, and I’m the investment broker.” He’s cackling when he walks ahead.Fucker.

“It’s good to finally meet you,” the man says, shaking Andrew’s hand and then mine. “I’m Jackson St. James.”

We introduce ourselves and then follow him back to the conference room where I pitched for our company. As soon as we’re seated, Jackson says, “Thanks for flying out to hand deliver the contracts. It wasn’t necessary.”

Andrew looks at me. “We had other business in the city and thought we’d take advantage to sneak in some personal time while we’re here. Explore a bit more. Secure a place to live.”

“You’re moving here?” he asks.

“Yes,” I reply. “I will be. I found an apartment in lower Manhattan.”

Jackson nods. “There are a lot of great buildings being built in that area. Nice views.”

“Very iconic.”

Andrew asks, “So you’re working with your dad?”

“And Mom. They started the company together and grew it. I usually work on some smaller accounts. It was a business incubator. We’ve successfully launched some from the program after securing our initial investment and some were retained for the remainder of the contract.”

Reminded of Natalie and how her small business is locked in a similar portfolio, I say, “That’s interesting. What’s been your role?”

“I’m more a numbers guy. I’m getting a finance degree.” He taps the table nervously. I think he’s trying to impress us, but we’re well aware that junior isn’t the deciding factor. He says, “There’s definitely some potential worth keeping an eye on, but we’ll go through everything with your transition team.”

Andrew shifts in the chair, getting more comfortable. “If we don’t see the same potential, can we cut the losses before the end of the year?”

Jackson leans forward on the table. “Of course. There’s a clause in the contracts, but I won’t be delivering that bad news. I may want to be a shark in brokering deals after I graduate, but I’m not looking for a death wish.”

“I’ve been curious,” Andrew starts. “Why doesn’t your dad hold on to the company a few more years and then let you take it over?”

“He’s a ‘learn from the bottom to reach the top’ kind of guy. He did it and wants me to do the same. My parents have given me a big head start by letting me handle actual cases. I can’t sign on them, but I understand the business.”

“Hopefully you get a cut to start your own company one day. I can tell you have a drive for financing.”

“I have a drive for money.”He’ll fit right in with the Wall Street types.

Chuckling, Andrew says, “That’s a good motivator.” He pauses and checks the time. “The team in LA will be traveling in later this week. In the meantime, do you mind giving us a tour of the company?”

“Not at all.”

We follow him around the offices, impressed by how different in style it is to ours in LA—brick and warmer brown tones. Our offices are bright whites and cool blues. The similarities lie with the loyalty of the employees, who we meet one by one. It’s good to know everyone when we want to keep the family environment.

After lunch is brought in and we finish, we’re escorted to the office of the CEO and Jackson knocks.

We’re led in to find a man, older than my dad, maybe early sixties, lines dug into his expression, but not so deep that he’d be mistaken for much older. Gray hair with a few strands of pepper still hanging on. He’s sitting behind a mahogany desk, and photos of his adventures and family line the console behind him.

Introductions are made and Andrew starts talking about the framed pictures. John St. James is polished in his mannerisms, and the New England accent makes me curtail my use of slang. He reaches behind him to grab a photo of his family.

My phone buzzes in my pocket before I have a chance to get the lowdown on his kids. When I slip it from my pocket, I look down at the screen. Standing, I say, “Excuse me.”

I don’t answer until I reach the door, and then I whisper, “Hey Mom, what’s up?”

“I was thinking about your girlfriend.”She’s not alone there.“Why don’t you invite her for a visit? You can stay at the beach, and we can have her over for brunch.” Although I thought it was an emergency, which is why I took the call, I’m not upset about it.

Smiling, I walk down the hall to find an empty office to finish the call. “I can ask her.” I wanted to last night but felt the bombshell of me moving here was enough for one night.

“Good. How’s New York, honey?”

I peek into the hallway. No one’s looking for me, but I should get back. “Busy. I need to keep this brief. I ducked out of the meeting with the CEO to take your call.”

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