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‘About that NDA.’ Becker breaks into my thoughts.
I regain my focus. ‘You mean the one that’s a figment of your imagination?’
And it happens again. A big bite from the apple accompanied by a smirk. I’m forced to endure a painful stretch of time while he munches through it and swallows. ‘Not any more,’ he announces, producing an envelope. He places it neatly in front of him, then uses two fingers to leisurely push it across the desk to me, achieving maximum, dramatic effect. My eyes are rooted to it. Something tells me it’s going to be unconventional. Something tells me not to read it. Something even more powerful demands I definitely shouldn’t sign it. My teeth nibble the inside of my lip thoughtfully while I stare at the harmless envelope. At the same time, all I can hear are the sounds of crunching, reminding me of who put the NDA there. And, more significantly, who wrote it.
‘Open it.’
I look up to find Becker’s burning gaze on me. His eyes are dark. I’m wary of them. Then I look at the envelope again. My hesitance is clear. I’m cautious, but I’m also curious. But as seems to be the way of things for me recently, my curiosity breaks through my defences. I’ve discovered some utterly unbelievable shit today, and I’m still here, for Christ’s sake.
I reach forward and take the envelope, slipping the paper out. Becker remains quiet, allowing me to read and absorb the non-existent NDA that isn’t so non-existent now. It has been penned by Becker, and I expect Becker will demand full committal. We’ll see. I can read it. There’s no contract that says I have to sign it.
I unfold the heavily embossed ivory paper, finding the Hunt Corporation’s logo and company details emblazoned across the top, all displayed in a pretty gold font.
I dive in and my eyebrows get higher with each term I read.
NON-DISCLOSURE AGREEMENT (NDA)
This Non-disclosure Agreement (the ‘Agreement’) is entered into by and between Becker Hunt (‘Disclosing Party’) and Eleanor Cole (‘Receiving Party’) for the purpose of preventing the unauthorised disclosure of Confidential Information as defined below. Furthermore, it shall outline basic requirements of the Receiving Party, as stated by the Disclosing Party. The parties agree to enter into a confidential relationship with respect to the disclosure of certain proprietary and confidential information and with a clear understanding of what is expected from each party.
1. Definition of Confidential Information. For the purposes of this Agreement, ‘Confidential Information’ shall include all information or material that has or could have commercial value or other utility in the business in which Disclosing Party is engaged, whether in written or oral form.
2. Exclusions from Confidential Information. The Receiving Party’s obligations under this Agreement do not extend to information that (a) is publicly known at the time of disclosure or subsequently becomes publicly known through no fault of the Receiving Party; (b) is disclosed by the Receiving Party with the Disclosing Party’s prior written approval.
3. Obligations of the Receiving Party. The Receiving Party shall hold and maintain the Confidential Information in strictest confidence for the sole and exclusive benefit of the Disclosing Party. The Receiving Party shall carefully restrict access to Confidential Information to anyone as is reasonably required. The Receiving Party shall not, without prior approval of the Disclosing Party, use for the Receiving Party’s own benefit, publish, copy, or otherwise disclose to others, or permit the use by others for their benefit or to the detriment of the Disclosing Party, any Confidential Information. The Receiving Party shall return to the Disclosing Party any and all records, notes, and other written, printed, or tangible materials in its possession pertaining to Confidential Information immediately if the Disclosing Party requests it. In addition, the Receiving Party agrees to the following terms of this agreement, which are included for the benefit of both parties, and to define and clarify their relationship.
The Receiving Party will:
3.1 Sign this contract with no fuss.
3.2 Stay at The Haven for as long as the Disclosing Party deems appropriate.
3.3 Sleep in the Disclosing Party’s bed.
3.4 Keep the Disclosing Party’s fruit bowl full of apples. Green Granny Smith’s with juice spots.
3.5 Allow the Disclosing Party to violate the Receiving Party in the most delicious ways imaginable.
3.6 Answer the Disclosing Party’s calls within the first five rings.
3.7 Answer the Disclosing Party’s text messages within five minutes.
3.8 Accept that the Disclosing Party will call the Receiving Party ‘princess’.
3.9 Never ask the Disclosing Party to say ‘please’.
3.10 Never stop looking at the Disclosing Party’s arse, even when he tells the Receiving Party to.
3.11 Be considerate of the Disclosing Party’s feelings. He does have them.
3.12 Accompany the Disclosing Party to the Annual Andelesea Gala and wear what he picks out for the Receiving Party.
3.13 Never engage on a personal level with clients of the Disclosing Party. This includes but is not limited to accepting dates, calls, and flowers.
