Page 36 of Come Apart
It's too damn early for traffic. It's too early to be on the road. I arrive hours before the hospital opens to visitors.
It's too early to find an open coffee shop in San Diego. I'm stuck with a twenty-four-hour diner and shitty Lipton tea.
There's also no way I'm making any of the meetings I scheduled for today. It kills me, but I need Ryan's help.
I pull out my laptop and attempt to be civil.
It isn't easy.
Ryan,
I have a personal emergency and there's no way I can make it into work today or tomorrow. I'll reschedule my 11:00, but I need you to take my 3:00. Your calendar says you’re free. It should be an easy meeting—everyone is ready to sign on the dotted line.
Luke
He responds thirty minutes later.Of course, Ryan is awake already. Hell, he's probably in the office, trying to figure out more ways to fuck me over.
I wish I could suggest that you're kidding, but I know better. I'll do what I can to take your meetings through Friday, but if you aren't here on Monday morning at 9 A.M., you can find another job. Agree to the terms, or you're on your own.
It was difficult enough last time you went MIA for two weeks, after Samantha's incident. We've barely recovered from the damage.
This early, this last-minute, it must be Samantha again. It's not like you have any family that could need you.
I'd think she'd finally be happy now that she's gotten rid of you.
Ryan
I clench my teeth.
Motherfucker.
My fingers hit the keyboard harder than they need to.
Just a reminder—we are still business partners. You can't fire me. And if shit goes wrong with my clients, it affects you too. Though I would be happy to dissolve the firm. You keep your clients, I keep mine. Hell, you can keep the office, the name, and Janine. I'll reschedule everything with my clients. You won't have to touch a thing.
Luke
He replies quickly.
The only way this partnership is ending is with me owning 100 percent of the business. I'll happily buy your half for twenty percent over its value.
Agree to the terms or agree to leave. You may care more about chasing suicidal women than about your clients, but I'm still interested in running a business.
Ryan
Does he think he has actual leverage here?
If that's how he wants to play, fine.
I planned on being back Monday anyway, but I'm not telling him that.
I don't have to agree to anything. Take the meeting or don't. I have my laptop. I'll do everything except take those meetings. If you won't handle it for me, I'll reschedule.
Luke
Rescheduling isn't ideal, but I'll do it if I have to.
He's quick with his next reply.
