Page 21 of The CEO's Revenge

“Speaking.”

I could hear the amusement in his voice. I cleared my throat and rushed on. “This is Savannah Maitland from Dunrobin Middle School.”

“I know it’s you, Savannah. To what do I owe this call?”

“I would like to discuss the donation you promised for the lab.”

“What about it?”

“I did as you asked and have a figure for the shortfall.”

“Okay. You can come by my office so we can discuss it further.”

I almost swallowed my tongue. “I beg your pardon?”

“I said, come by my office so we can discuss the matter further.”

“But, why? You said you would fill the gap. I don’t think there’s anything further to be discussed that we can’t do over the phone.”

“But I would prefer to discuss it face to face.”

“So that’s it then. This is your way of backing out on your promise. Typical. You build up our hopes and when the time comes to back your word you come up with excuses.” I knew I sounded irrational, but the anxiety I was experiencing just thinking about having to interact with Max again was flooding through my veins.

“I’m not making excuses,” he said, his voice deliberately patient, “nor am I being unreasonable to prefer to discuss financial matters in person. I don’t see what the big deal is.”

I continued to lash out. To be honest I was now almost hysterical and had no idea how to regain control of my emotions. “The big deal is how hard the committee has worked and how hard all our parents and children worked to make this a reality. And now you’re being a scrooge!”

“I’m being a scrooge because I want a face-to-face meeting? Or maybe you’re being selfish thinking of how you don’t want to face me and just want a check in the mail. You’re the one who’s not thinking about all those parents and students.”

I felt as though he had struck a nerve with how on point he was. “Go to hell, Max!” I swore, seething with anger.

“I’ve been there. I didn’t really like it so I came back. I bet you didn’t expect me ever to be free again, huh?”

“I don’t give a damn what you do.”

“Clearly you didn’t and still don’t. But then again, this isn’t about us. This is simply about you getting off your high horse and out of your selfish desires to come to my office and discuss the terms of the donation.”

“It’s not a loan. What terms could there be to discuss?”

“I’m sure it’s not a few pennies we’re talking about. There will be documents you need to show me.”

“I can email them.”

“And they will need to be examined and discussed on the spot.”

“The accountant can do that. I can give you his number and you can both arrange a meeting at a mutually convenient time.” I knew I was grabbing for straws desperately, but I couldn’t help it.

“Stop being so cowardly, Savannah. It doesn’t become you. Now are we meeting at my office or will you find another source of funding? I don’t have all day.”

I took a few deep breaths as I struggled to calm myself. I felt as though I was caught between a rock and a hard place. But I felt myself relenting when I thought about going back to the committee with a negative report. How could I explain to them that the donation fell through because I did not want to face my ex-boyfriend?

I took a deep breath, feeling as though I was about to walk the plank, step up to the gallows, face the firing squad, and every other life and death scenario that there could be. I swallowed hard.

“When?”

“Are you free now?”

“Now?” I squawked.

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