Page 23 of Rescued By My Best Friend's Brother

Greg enters, already on standby just in case I need him for anything. I hand him the folder. “Please make a copy of this and send it to Mr. Matheson.”

“Yes, Mr. Branson.”

“Oh, and Greg, please send both a hard copy and a digital copy.”

Greg nods and leaves my office.

Mr. Matheson leans back, and his smile turns into more of a smirk. “Atta boy. Let’s go get some drinks. I like to have a glass of whiskey after wrapping up a deal.”

I glance down at my watch, it’s 4:30 pm. It is a little early for alcohol, but many of the old-school businessmen are like this. They always want a drink at some exclusive bar or to play golf at a country club that only the wealthiest in the city have access to.

I really should go home, eat dinner with Lily, and read her a book before bed. Lately, Josie and Elena seem to be doing that, especially since I have been working on coaxing Mr. Matheson to sign with us. But this will be the last time I’ll have to do something like this, at least for a while.

I nod. “Let me make a quick call, and then I will meet you in the lobby.”

“Great. You can ride with us in my car,” he says, making the decision for me.

“Of course.” We all stand, and I walk them to the elevators. “I’ll be there shortly,” I tell them as they get into the elevator.

“I think we’re going to have a good time.” He gives me a wink before the doors slide shut.

I let out a deep breath, feeling like a weight has lifted off my chest. This deal has been in the works for way too long. It took me forever just to land a meeting with him. And after I’d heard he fired his last broker; I knew I finally had a chance. As long as we keep Mr. Matheson happy, my company and all my employees will be in business for years. I expect more calls to follow in the next few weeks, associates of Mr. Matheson’s who desire to sign with me.

I smile and walk back to Greg’s desk. “We did it, Greg!” I say, slapping his desk.

He returns an awkward smile. He rarely sees me show any enthusiasm, so he must be taken aback by my sudden excitement. “Yes we did!” he cheers in his quiet manner.

I inhale. “This is such a relief.”

Greg glances up at me while he simultaneously typing on the keyboard “Don’t forget, well deserved too” he looks back at his computer screen “Is it time for the traditional bar meet up?”

I nod. “Yes. I am on my way to meet them in the lobby now. Hopefully I can get a cab and squirm away after a drink or two since he is insistent that I ride with him.” I really want to take my own car but I also do not want to insult Mr. Matheson. I can have a cab bring me back to the office or come back tomorrow to get my car.

I tap the edge of Greg’s desk with my knuckle and point at him, “After you send those documents, take the rest of the night and tomorrow off. You’ve been working a lot lately. You deserve the break.”

His eyes brighten. “Are you serious?” he asks, his formal tone more casual now.

“Yes! Give yourself a break. My day is pretty clear anyway. I half-expected this invitation to get drinks.”

“Thank you, sir.” He glances around as I ruminate on all the possibilities I now have with this deal. “Don’t you have to make a call?”

“Oh yeah!” I pull my cell phone out of my pocket and dial Elena’s number. “Hey Elena.”

“Hey Jasper. Everything alright?” I can hear Lily squeal in the background. She must be playing outside or something. I wish I could just go straight home and hang out with them. Especially after what happened to Elena today. I know she is safe at my place though. Lily will keep her mind occupied.

“Are you ok? You know, after what happened today?” I know she must still be frightened. Anyone would be after being ambushed by their ex out of nowhere.

“Um, yea. I am fine” Her tone isn’t convincing, and I hate that I have to entertain tonight. I hate that I have to ask her this after what all happened today.

“I am glad to hear that.” I take a deep breath and excel, “I am calling to see if you would watch Lily for a little while longer? Make sure she is tucked into bed? Matheson wants to celebrate our new partnership and isn’t one to take no for an answer. After this I will have many freed-up afternoons.”

Elena pauses, “Yea, sure.”

I can hear the disappointment in her voice. This kills me, I almost want to just tell Matheson that I can’t make it tonight. But I don’t want him to get the wrong impression and second guess his decision signing with me. “Thank you, Elena. Please apologize to Lily for me and tell her I’ll make it up to her this weekend.”

Chapter Thirteen

Elena

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