Page 5 of The Ties That Bind
Mr. Thompson grinned. “Are you ready to sign the contract, then?”
“I am, but I would like a moment to speak with Thane first.”
While both men waited, Brie went to Sir’s office to inform him of the offer and her decision.
“I think it is prudent to retain control,” he told her.
“I’m glad you agree, Sir. I realize now I’d rather not have my documentary release than have the message muted by trying to make it more commercial with pretty bells and whistles—no matter who’s involved in the project.”
Sir pulled her to him and kissed her. “You impress me with the steadfast vision you have for your work.”
“I’m glad you understand, Sir.”
“Of course, I do. Leaving the message of your documentary in the hands of an unknown entity carries considerable risk. As you know, babygirl, I’m all about control.”
She smiled, letting out an excited sigh. “Wish me luck, Sir!”
He winked. “Luck has nothing to do with this, babygirl.”
Oozing with confidence, Brie headed back to the table with Mr. Thompson and Mr. Phillips. While both men sat down beside her, Brie chose to remain standing.
Taking the time to look each man at the table in the eye, she told them, “I’m excited at the prospect of working with your clients on this project. However, I must retain the right of final say.”
There was a collective gasp from the group.
“I cannot grant you that,” Mr. Cummings stated. “I highly recommend you reconsider.”
“If you can’t add that to the contract, Mr. Cummings, then I suggest you speak to the person who can. As much as I appreciate this offer, it’s nonnegotiable,” she replied firmly.
Glancing at the other men, Mr. Cummings frowned and barked, “We are done here.”
There was a flurry of activity as they picked up their contracts and thrusted them in their many briefcases while Brie watched in stunned silence.
Mr. Cummings stood up, handing her a piece of paper. “Please sign this.”
Brie looked at the paper in confusion.
“It’s a simple non-disclosure agreement,” he stated.
She handed it to Mr. Thompson to look it over before signing it. After reading it, he told her, “It states that the terms stated in the offer, as well as clients represented, are confidential and will not be shared with any third party.”
Brie nodded to him. “Fair enough.”
“Mr. Davis will need to sign one, as well,” Mr. Cummings informed her, handing her another.
Mr. Thompson took the form. “I’ll give this to Mr. Davis while you finish up here.”
Brie signed the agreement, a queasy feeling washing over her. Instead of signing an offer, it felt as if she was signing away her future in film.
Although it was upsetting, Brie was grateful Mr. Holloway would never know the terms of the offer or the people in Hollywood who were brave enough to go against him.
Once Mr. Thompson returned with Sir’s document, Mr. Cummings gave Brie a curt nod. “Good day, Mrs. Davis. I’m sorry for wasting your time.”
The multitude of men filed out of the room with shocked expressions, clearly surprised she had turned down the unprecedented offer.
Brie turned to Mr. Thompson after they left and chuckled sadly. “I thought they would at least give it some consideration before withdrawing the offer.”
Mr. Phillips stated, “Don’t lose hope quite yet, Mrs. Davis. It’s clear no one in attendance had the authority to make such a change.”
