Ray reappeared with our beers and a bowl of pretzels.
Meredith waited for Ray to leave, then she picked up her beer and clinked her glass against mine as if we were in a toast. “Well, here’s to almost being done with this project so you can get the hell out of here.”
“Aww, come on, Meredith. It’s not that bad. It’s got endless charm and quite a bit of potential. Maybe I’ll stay here,” I said, taking a big gulp of beer. I looked at the beer and said, “That’s refreshing.”
Meredith turned and looked at me. She tilted her head to one side and said, “Have you joined a cult? Why do you still live here? This place is...is…”
I laughed. “Really, I like it, Meredith. I think Braithway was strategic in giving me this assignment. This project helped me plug into the community in a way that reminded me how important and impactful our work can really be. This fresh perspective will be important in my new role.”
Meredith turned back toward the bar and mumbled, “Oh, I know you’vepluggedintosomeone, and that’s why you really want to stay in Creekstone.”
“Okay,” I said with a bit of a warning tone. I didn’t want to get into it with Meredith, so I said, “I have a plan. Just trust me.”
Meredith looked genuinely curious as she turned, placing her elbow on the bar. “Please, do tell.”
Meredith took a long sip of her beer, and I said, “I’m going to tell Braithway the truth.”
Meredith spit out her beer. She started coughing dramatically. I patted her on her back, trying not to look annoyed. Ray appeared with our meals and raised an eyebrow as he sat them down in front of us. “She’s fine. Wrong pipe. Could you get her some water, please?”
As soon as Ray returned with the water, Meredith took a sip and cleared her throat. She dabbed the water from the corner of her eyes.
“You okay?” I asked.
“Yes, yes. I just died a little.” Meredith said, picking up her utensils and inspecting them for spots.
I rolled my eyes, and we ate in silence for a moment. Ray returned with two beers. I nodded, “Thanks, man.” He nodded back.
Finally, Meredith said, “How exactly do you think it’s going to work out when you tell Braithway the truth?”
I started to answer but then Meredith continued. “Do you think Braithway’s going to be glad you couldn’t keep your hands to yourself and had to go and mess around with a potential seller? Do you think that’ll impress him somehow?”
I sat back and waited. Meredith continued, “Like, how is it going to look to the Board of Directors?”
When it seemed she’d gotten most of it out of her system, I said, “I’m going to tell him I’ve become friends and gotten involved with the family that owns the land in a way that presents a conflict, and I’m going to ask him to broker the deal for me.”
Meredith put down her fork and picked up her cell phone. She started quietly scrolling on her phone.
“What are you doing?” I asked, trying not to sound annoyed.
“I’m updating my LinkedIn profile so that when Charles becomes the CEO and fires me, I’ll already have some job leads lined up.” She picked up her beer and took a sip as she turned her phone to show me her profile.
This time I didn’t try to hide how annoyed I was. I rubbed my hands through my hair and sighed. “Meredith, I think Braithway will respect my honesty. Maybe it’ll bite me in the ass in the end, but I am going to tell him just what I told you. I’m going to ask him to broker the deal himself, and more than likely, he’ll appoint you or Charles to help me with it.”
Meredith sat back. I could see her wheels turning. “Let’s say you negotiate a deal yourself. Everyone will think you gave your girlfriend a huge break because, well, she’s your girlfriend—and if you don’t, she won’t be your girlfriend anymore.”
Meredith continued. “Now let’s say someone else negotiates on behalf of Braithway & Randall. Are you really going to stand by and not help your girlfriend negotiate the best deal? Doesn’t that conflict with your role at Braithway & Randall?”
I didn’t respond. Meredith looked up at the ceiling before finally looking at me.
“This is a textbook case of conflict of interest, William.” Meredith had a look of genuine concern on her face. “What’s going on with you?”
“I don’t know, Meredith.” I sat back and watched Ray wiping down the counter space at the other end of the bar. I turned to her and said, “Did you know you’re my best friend?”
I didn’t have to look directly at Meredith to see she was taken aback. I kept my eyes fixed on Ray across the bar. “All I’ve ever focused on was my job and my mom. Everything in my life is wrapped up in my work, even my best friend. And for once, there’s something else that feels more important to me than work. I know you understand this because I’ve seen the wayAddison has changed you over the years; for the better, I might add.” I looked at Meredith. Now she too was looking ahead at Ray methodically cleaning the bar.
“Okay,” Meredith said, almost as if settling into her role as my best friend. “Just let me say this. If you and Kit are the real thing, I’m happy for you. I’m sure she’s great. For me, as your friend,” Meredith paused and swallowed. “As your best friend, I just want to make sure you have fully thought out the consequences this might have on your career. If you walk into Braithway’s office next Monday and tell him this, it could change everything for you. Are you okay with that?”
I nodded.
