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To his credit, Gilbert’s lawyer blinks a few times, then collects his papers as if he’d been expecting this turn of events. Gilbert, on the other hand, is red-faced and sputtering. “What do you mean? We had an agreement!”
Jocelin catches my eye, and I give a slight nod, letting him field this. “There was no agreement, Mr. Fox. We were in negotiations only. Hibernian Press has reviewed your latest requirements and declines to meet them.”
Gilbert turns toward me, brows drawn down in confusion. “Well, we’ll just go back to what we agreed upon before that.”
With more pleasure than I probably should feel, I burst his bubble. “I’m afraid that’s not how this works, Gilbert. There was no agreement, tentative or otherwise. There have only been negotiations, and Hibernian Press has withdrawn all offers. You are free to pursue opportunities with other publishing houses, but Hibernian Press will not be offering you a contract.”
Gilbert’s lawyer stands and steps around the table, offering me his hand. “Thank you for your time, Mr. McCarthy.” He turns to Astrid and Jocelin, shaking their hands, and without waiting for Gilbert, he leaves the conference room. Maybe he’s as sick of dealing with him as we are.
“This is because of that slut from the club, isn’t it?”
My head snaps around to glare at Gilbert, skin prickling as my pulse pounds in my chest. “Get out.” There’s so much more I want to say to this weasel, but I don’t.
Astrid is out of her seat, and in his face, before Gilbert utters another word. “I suggest you listen to Blake before something happens that none of us wants.”
Gilbert attempts to loom over her, but they’re almost the same height and it fails miserably. “Are you threatening me?”
“Do you want me to have Mike call security?” Jocelin steps to the door and leans into the hall, waiting for my answer.
I turn Gilbert, readying myself for whatever action he decides to take. “What’s it to be, Gil?” His flinch at the shortening of his name is satisfying on a morally gray level. “Are you going to leave on your own, or do we have you dragged out of here by security? I’m fine either way.”
He shoves a chair across the room and sneers. “Good luck with that trash. You’ll be sorry when he fleeces you and moves on to the next sucker.” Gilbert whirls around and storms out of the conference room.
It takes effort not to chase after him and punch his face, but that would only result in a lawsuit that could jeopardize the company. Shouting or correcting him on Stef’s pronouns wouldn’t accomplish anything either. Stef is right. People like him never get it.
I close my eyes and breathe in slowly, Stef’s soothing voice in my head, walking me through my relaxation process. When I open my eyes, Jocelin and Astrid are watching me worriedly. “It’s alright.”
Astrid raises an eyebrow. “Really?”
I nod. “Yes. Gilbert’s gone, and we don’t have to put up with him anymore. That’s a pretty big win in my book.”
“Okay, I’ll give you that.” Astrid’s still angry, and I owe both her and Jocelin an apology.
“I’m sorry I put you both through all these weeks of dealing with him and his lawyer. I should have dumped him the first time he showed his true character. Instead, I focused on what signing him would mean for the company. It won’t happen again.”
Astrid snorts. “Damned right it won’t. Stef will have your hide if you stress yourself out like that again.”
I chuckle, the tightness in my chest easing as I imagine Stef’s sunny grin. I take a deep breath, feeling like I’ve run a marathon, and it’s not even nine thirty. “You know what? I’m taking the rest of today off.” I reach for my tie and loosen the knot. “Thank you both for backing me up with Gilbert. If you need me, call my cell. Otherwise, I’m ignoring texts.” I pull my phone out of my pocket and fire off a text to Stef.
Me:Want to play hooky with me today?
I don’t expect a quick reply. They’re probably with a client, and they rarely check their phone until the session is done. “Have a great afternoon. I know I will.” I grin and leave the conference room, stopping by my assistant’s desk. “Mike, reschedule my appointments for today. Anything urgent, send it to Astrid. She’ll contact me if it absolutely has to be handled by me. Otherwise, I’ll see you bright and early tomorrow.”
“No problem, Blake. Have a nice day off.”
I’m in my SUV and pulling out of the parking garage by the time my phone buzzes with a text. At the next traffic light I check the message.
Stef:Open_mouth emojiMiracles do happen!
Stef:I can’t believe you’re skipping work
Me:rolling_eyes emojiAre you joining me?
Stef:Yes but not until later.Frown emojiCan’t change my next two clients but moved the others. Want me to bring lunch home?
God, I love when they call my house ‘home’. I grin stupidly at my phone.
Me:Sure. You want me to call it in and you pick it up?
