Love Me Now (27 page)

T
he meeting had been long and arduous, and was now hopefully about to end. Seven corporate types, a select gathering, had assembled at the conference table. They had been sequestered for two hours. After a head-to-head discussion, Trey finally made the final statement.

“Okay,” Cal said, still obviously delighted to be included at the table. “Caine Enterprises basically needs new leadership. It's a sixty-five-year-old dinosaur that needs vision and direction. Our resources can do that.” Trey nodded. Cal beamed.

“We can give them that from one of the divisions,” Joshua added, giving his point of view. Trey read over the latest prospectus as he listened to the general discussion. It was nothing he hadn't already heard.

“Buying the company would increase our standing and open a new avenue in that market. We'll lose revenue from
the initial merger, but long-term, we'll generate a stable base and add additional revenue,” Cal added.

“They have a base in a market we've been unsuccessful in thus far, plus they have a good reputation,” Trey said.

“Bottom line, they're top-heavy. They've been drowning in executive compensation for the past twenty years. The management staff is near zero productivity,” Joshua said.

“Again, nothing we can't handle. Their reputation speaks for itself,” Cal remarked.

“Granted, but so do a hundred and fifty other companies',” Regina said. “I say we pass.”

“Actually, I'm inclined to disagree with Regina at this point,” Cal said boldly.

“Actually, I'm inclined to agree with Regina,” Joshua said. “Pass.”

“We've already expanded our search and drafted the final paperwork. We'd lose five months' research and countless man hours,” Cal said.

“Ten million in annual revenue isn't something you just walk away from. We could definitely use that in the push forward. Growth and expansion is imperative,” Trey said.

“It's now or never.” Cal sat smiling. He'd done what no one else even came close to doing. He'd successfully impressed Trey, although apparently Joshua and Regina still needed some convincing. But they didn't really matter in the larger scope of things. He had his eye on the seat beside Trey, and he intended to get there.

“I don't see what the problem is,” Cal began while comfortably leaning back in his chair. “The paperwork is in, and everything is a go. We need to make a move before someone else gets wind of it.” His confidence brimmed.

“Since you have not been here long, Calvin, we'll excuse
the fact that you don't know that much about this company,” Joshua said accommodatingly.

“Having been called into this meeting, I presume my expertise and input is needed.” He was obviously challenging Joshua. He turned his attention directly to Trey. “Caine is ripe for a takeover. He wants this and I think was should listen to him.”

“We don't make investments based on a prospectus alone. You'll learn and understand that in time,” Joshua said condescendingly. The not-so-subtle reminder of the pecking order sent a ripple of raised brows and sideways glances around the table.

“Maybe we should, at least on this occasion,” Cal shot back.

Joshua smiled. “Calvin, there's more to this than jumping when someone says jump, unless of course that someone is your boss. We make the decision that's best for this company, not Caine.”

“But the man knows his business.”

“That might be so, but this is our business, not his. Unless, of course, you know something we don't.” The no-nonsense tone in Joshua's voice caused those at the table to look around nervously. Calvin had been quite handily put in his place, again.

Cal visibly bristled. The possibility that he'd gone too far was very real. He intended to stand up to Joshua in front of Trey, but maybe that wasn't such a good plan. “Of course, Joshua, I didn't mean to imply that we should just invest because Caine wants us to. I was just saying we might not want to lose this opportunity.”

“They've been losing revenue steadily for the past five years. Do we want that additional drain on cash flow? They may have hit their peak,” Regina said, interrupting the testosterone buildup in the room.

“Maybe the company has plateaued,” Joshua suggested.

“No, I don't think so. There's still money to be made,” Trey
said. “What are the projected numbers for the next five and ten years?”

“They didn't do that kind of analysis,” Cal said.

“What do you mean they didn't do the projections?” Regina asked. No one answered. “Why not?” Regina asked. The room went silent as everyone looked around the table. It was obvious no one knew the answer. “How is it that a company like Caine didn't forecast its revenue projection? Trey, we need to hold off,” Regina said. “The outside review and independent audits are still pending.”

“What outside reviews and audits?” Cal questioned, beginning to flip through his file for more information. “I wasn't told we were doing any of that.”

Eyes shifted again, but no one bothered to respond.

“Okay, let's close it down,” Trey said. Notebooks and folders were closed as the rest of the staff at the conference table stood to leave. Regina, Joshua and Cal remained seated. The room cleared. Trey looked puzzled. “Cal, if you'll excuse us.”

“Oh, me, sure…of course, I just presumed that maybe you might want to discuss this matter with me some more. I mean, I did bring it to the table and I am spearheading the research. So maybe we can—”

“No,” Trey said plainly. Cal nodded then got up and left. Joshua and Regina looked at each other, shook their heads and smiled. He didn't have a clue. When the door shut behind him, Trey stood and walked over to his desk. He dropped the files then waited.

It was blatantly obvious that he was back. But instead of his generous smile, good nature and steadfast focus, a fierce determination darkened his usual pleasant demeanor.

Dressed in a dark tailored business suit and crisp white shirt, Trey stood at his desk with a scowl on his face that would terrify Attila the Hun. Joshua and Regina glanced at
each other then focused their attention on Trey as he spoke. “All right, let's hear it,” he said.

“Why is Cedric so anxious to sell?” Regina asked.

“You think he's holding back?” Trey asked.

“I don't know. But I do think that there's something up.”

“He signed the waivers of intent, and the full disclosure release. Legally he's obligated to disclose all documents related to this merger. But we all know that doesn't always happen,” Joshua said.

“We've looked at every aspect of the company. There don't seem to be any red flags,” Trey said.

“That may be, but something's up,” Regina insisted.

“Just saying something's up doesn't cut it, Regina. I need something concrete.” There was a knock on the door. “Come in,” Trey called out. It was Regina's assistant to tell her that she had an important call. Regina excused herself. Trey sat back down behind his desk. Joshua noted his pensive expression.

“You're going through the motions, but your heart isn't in it. It looks like the kill just isn't as sweet as it once was.”

“Meaning?” Trey asked.

“Whatever happened, let it go,” Joshua said.

“What are you talking about?” Trey asked.

“Kenya Whitaker,” Joshua stated.

“What about her?” Trey asked

“You realize you're hooked, right?”

“I'll get unhooked, no problem,” Trey said.

“The evidence says otherwise.”

“You're obviously mistaken,” Trey said.

“The head rules business, not the heart, Trey—your words.”

“That's deep but irrelevant.”

“Not in this case,” Joshua said. “She's got you, man, you got emotional from the start. She just finished where her father left off.”

“I don't think so.”

“I didn't think I'd ever see it, but here it is in living color. You're in love with her.”

“Love has nothing to do with this.”

“Love has everything to do with this. Trey, look at you, you're vacillating over a deal. There was a time when you focused your anger. But with James Whitaker you let it get the best of you. I don't know if it was his fatherly image or what. But you saw something in him that touched you. Then when he betrayed you, you got pissed, understandably. Granted, you were provoked, he played you. The normal reaction would be to retaliate, which you did. Not cool. That's not how we play. This company has never been about that.”

Trey looked at Joshua. They'd been friends and business associates for too long. He knew Joshua was right.

Joshua shook his head. “It seems only poetic that Ms. Whitaker continued where her father left off. She got you, man. You might as well surrender.”

He looked at his friend and asked, “Me?”

“Yeah, you—you wanted revenge. You got it. You were pissed at Whitaker. He was the first man to ever test you and actually make a dent. It stung more because you really liked him. He was your father all over again.”

“No.”

“Come on, man, business is business. You never looked away from the truth before.”

Trey finally nodded. “Yeah, fine, he pissed me off so I took his company.”

“That's why you haven't done anything with it. It's not the trophy you thought it would be. It's more like an albatross.”

“Are you finished?” Trey asked.

“Not yet, and now it seems that his daughter has taken up
where her father left off. But this time she hit you in a more damaging spot, your Achilles', your heart.”

“Albatross, Achilles', you sound like a PBS special,” Trey joked. Joshua looked at him seriously. “Yeah, yeah, I know,” he conceded. “It's hard to accept what you've fought against all your life. You had to step up at an early age. You've been stepping ever since.”

Trey shook his head. “I don't know what happened. In a week's time, she got to me. And after everything, I still can't stop thinking about her.”

Joshua smiled. “The instant you mentioned her name, you were heading in one direction. A week, three days, an hour, sometimes that's all it takes.”

“Somebody else told me that just recently. He said that once he looked across the room and fell in love. Bam, just like that.”

“Happily ever after?” Joshua asked.

“No, he walked away. His freedom was too important.”

“Looks like history repeating itself.”

“One week.”

“I guess anything's possible. I once heard this a long time ago. Most captured animals don't consider themselves caged. But they are.”

Trey remembered it well. It was one of his theories. He had a lot of them, most about avoiding love. Unfortunately none of them applied. Colonel Wheeler was right. Love isn't about time, it's about the heart.

Trey remained pensive. He'd gotten too close, too quickly, and he wasn't sure how to get out or if he wanted to get out. The last realization hit him hard. Only once had he considered giving his heart to a woman and that ended, too. But that was nothing like this feeling. He'd easily walked away, but this time he knew he couldn't.

“Just like her father, she played me.”

“Life is a cautionary tale, a lesson learned,” Joshua said. “Get over it, you played each other.”

“What, do you write these things down or something?”

Joshua laughed. Trey laughed. The mood in the room lightened as they went on to talk about Tony and Madison's return and the twins' leaving.

 

Kenya sat in the reception area, waiting. If Trey was avoiding her, he was doing a good job. She'd been waiting over an hour already. But it didn't matter, she'd wait all day if need be. Trey was going to listen to her and that's all there was to it.

“Kenya,” Regina said, walking over. “I thought that was you sitting there. What are you doing here?”

“I came to see Trey. Is he available?”

“Actually, he's in a meeting right now. Is he expecting you?”

“No.” The sadness in her voice was unmistakable.

Regina smiled. “Okay, come on, I'll take you to him.”

“If he's busy, I don't want to disturb him.”

“Don't worry about it. I'm sure he'll have time for you—this way.” Regina and Kenya walked down the hall toward a bank of executive offices. Regina knocked, then peeked in. Trey and Joshua were just as she left them. Trey was perched on the side of his desk and Joshua was sitting on the chair in front of the desk. “Hey, you have a visitor.” She stepped aside and opened the door wider. Kenya stood beside her.

Trey stood as Regina escorted Kenya into the office then closed the door. Joshua stood up and smiled. Now he understood Trey's distraction. Kenya Whitaker was beautiful and just Trey's type. Regina introduced Kenya to Joshua.