Sean reminds him of their very first deal. “The statement yesterday was just a simple statement to strengthen Global Metal Refining’s corporate reputation in the United States. It in no way placed any blame on Diablo Mining. Did it not please you that Mark clearly indicated Diablo Mining was following all appropriate environmental laws in Brazil?”
Hugo explains, “Yes, that was fine. But the Brazilian environmental zealots are beginning to make my life miserable, and several of my business partners and clients are beginning to distance themselves from myself and my business.”
Sean rubs a hand over his face. “Once again, this was all to be expected. We need to stick to my marketing plan. This is why you were treated so honorably, over and above your demands. All of this will blow over in a few months if you just keep your dignity about you, as you always do. In the end, you will be positioned as your country’s environmental leader for the mining industry and recognized for your work internationally.”
Hugo sighs over the line and thanks Sean. “I will stay the course of your plan and call you if I have any further concerns.”
“Thank you, please do stay in touch,” Sean replies and hangs up the phone.
Returning to his meeting with Jessica, Sean apologizes for the rude interruption, assuring her that he usually doesn’t let anything interrupt his meetings, but the situation was critical.
Jessica nods. “I understand. Shall we?” He nods in return and takes his seat.
She lays out most of her concerns, including several industry timing issues.
“Perhaps we should structure SGM’s fee payments to coincide with the cash flow received for international operations, if you decide to undertake them? The fees can be a percentage that is proportional to the funds received, with the stop gap being my normal monthly rate. This way, the maximum payment would be my standard monthly fee and a proportional percentage of the receipts can be paid to SGM instead, so we can avoid undue burden on the Beauty Boutique,” Sean suggests, and Jessica nods, so he continues, “The full amount would still be owed, of course, but the contract for these services could then be extended until payment in full is reached.” He passes her a contract that states the annual fee will be four hundred and eighty thousand dollars.
Jessica sits speechless for a moment, staring at the document, then says incredulously, “Sean, this isn’t even half your usual annual fee. Why?”
Sean laughs and replies, “You, and Evelyn, have convinced me this is a good opportunity for SGM. I really don’t know much about the fashion industry, so you’ll have some teaching to do. That’s where the difference is, because I cut my inexperience in the fashion industry out of my fees. Also, if this is as successful as I hope it will be, I’ll make up for it in subsequent years. Fair enough?”
Jessica shakes her head disbelievingly. “This is amazing,” she says, “but you know, several things need to be put into place before I sign this agreement.”
Sean replies, “Absolutely, and I understand. I just didn’t want to be the reason you didn’t take the opportunity.”
She starts to stand. “Thank you, so much.”
He stands as well, to shake her hand, but Jessica steps in and hugs him.
Sean clears his throat. “Uh, welcome to SGM as our newest and smallest client.” Jessica’s head is spinning as to why she is hugging him, and then she realizes just how marvelous he feels and smells. For the first time in over a year, she finds herself wanting to see any man, but especially this man, naked. She snaps herself out of it and breaks away from his embrace.
“Um, sorry about that,” she murmurs, gathering up her things.
“No need to apologize. I enjoyed it. I mean—” He clears his throat again. “I enjoy the fact we are beginning to build trust within our professional relationship.”
Jessica nods, finishes packing up her stuff, and leaves Sean’s office, thinking, what in the hell did I do that for?
Sean sits behind his desk, dazed, thinking, Shit, why did I clarify the professional relationship?
Evelyn stands in the doorway watching Sean for a moment, then asks, “Well, what has you so deep in contemplation, Mr. Green?”
Sean is startled back to reality and looks up at Evelyn, saying, “I just proposed a very benevolent contract to the Beauty Boutique and was questioning whether or not it was the right thing to do.”
Evelyn picks the copy of the contract up off Sean’s desk and looks at the fee payment schedule. Stunned, she says with a coy smile, “Is there anything else I need to know about this new client?”
“Yes,” Sean retorts, “they are our smallest client. And it’s your fault that I was so generous.”
“Oh, I hope so,” Evelyn replies, then snorts. “Anything else?”
Sean glares at her. “Like what? Oh, yes, actually. Please make a note in the file that I am to be notified if they miss any payment to us so I can immediately cancel this pathetic deal.”
Evelyn sighs, rolls her eyes, and turns to leave his office. “Consider it done. You know, for a moment there, I thought you actually had a heart.”
CHAPTER 13
NO PUN INTENDED
Jessica leaves Sean’s office with her thoughts reeling about what had happened, on both a personal and professional level. Her personal feelings about Sean Green changed somewhere along the line, and she has no idea when or how it happened. She closes the door of her Vallejo Street home behind her and drops all of her stuff in the entry. She immediately walks into the kitchen, pours herself a large glass of wine, and telephones Bonnie. When Bonnie hears the deal Sean cut for Jessica, she is excited. Bonnie tells Jessica it is a wonderful contract and SGM will take the Beauty Boutique to a much higher level than it is already on.
Bonnie senses Jessica is troubled by something, even among the excitement of the day, and she starts to probe. Initially, Jessica resists and tries to play off her distraction as fatigue, but Bonnie isn’t buying any of it.
“Girl, please, we have been friends all of our lives. I know when something is bugging you, so out with it!”
There is a pause while Jess considers simply hanging up. Then she sighs, takes a big gulp of her wine, and says, “If you insist, but this could take a while.”
“Well, I’m listening, and I’ve got all night,” replies Bonnie.
“Okay, here it goes…” Jessica begins to divulge her concerns, fears, and confusion. She explains she is excited to have SGM agree to represent Beauty Boutique Clothing, especially given the rocky start, but she is also understandably concerned about risking everything she has worked for thus far, not to mention all of her financial resources and her staff’s future.
“Honey, there are investors constantly looking for good opportunities, and I am sure the Beauty Boutique could attract many of them,” Bonnie reminds her.
Jessica acknowledges that this is probably true. “But I was hoping to keep control of my company, rather than allowing a lender’s board to take over. Right now, I could probably risk my assets and still swing the deal,” she replies. Bonnie listens patiently as Jessica brings up one pitfall after another. “SGM’s contract is a terrific deal, but it would impact company cash flow and potentially profits,” Jess continues. “The travel time necessary to ensure the factory in Brazil would be up and running to my standards as quickly as possible is a huge chunk of time I don’t usually have, and there’s also the increased cost of flying back and forth…”
As Jessica trails off, Bonnie suddenly figures out what is really bugging her and blurts out, “Oh my God! Jessica, you think Sean is hot and he scares you to death!”
Jess groans. “Damn it, I hate it when I’m transparent!”
Bonnie laughs and says, “You’re not. I just know you better than most, and you would not be this scared if it was just money you were risking. Omigod!” Bonnie’s voice jumps an octave. “Did you guys do it in Brazil? How could you hold out on me?”
“No!” Jessica exclaims. “But I saw him swimming, and he has really tak
en care of himself. He was a complete gentleman, charming, thoughtful, witty, and even patient with me…”
“So, what’s the problem then?”
Jess considers. “Well, I don’t have time to get involved in any significant type of relationship, especially with a business associate like Sean.”
Bonnie thinks for a minute and then clarifies what she has perceived from the conversation. “Let me see if I’ve got this straight. You seriously like Sean, and you’re thinking he could be much more than a casual fling, aren’t you?”
Jessica stutters, “W-well, m-maybe, but I’m at a point in my life where one night stands and casual romances aren’t worth the trouble. I am happy with who I am and my success. The only way I would consider becoming involved with anyone is in an exclusive and committed structure.”
“So? What’s the problem?”
“I don’t think Sean would be of the same mindset, and we will be working very closely together. We need to maintain a professional relationship, or things could get really awkward, really fast.”
“Why do you think he wouldn’t have the same mindset?” Bonnie asks.
“Well, just because I think we’re in a different place. And platonic is the way our relationship should be,” Jess replies, unable to come up with a more specific reason.
“You’re scared, aren’t you? How do you know Sean isn’t feeling the same way you are?”
Jess shakes her head. “I don’t. It’s just not appropriate, given the circumstances.”
“Oh, I see. So two successful people can’t fall in love and work together, is that it?” Bonnie asks sarcastically.
“Yes, precisely!”
“Bullshit! You’re just scared to let anyone close to you after that last douche bag. I think you should just take it one day at a time and leave yourself open to anything that may pop up.” She chuckles. “No pun intended, but that too. Anyway, Mark and Sean are heading to Sean’s place in McCall in two weeks. Are we still going to the villa?”
Jessica sighs with relief that the interrogation has ended. “Yes, we should still go.”
“Okay. Mark told me they’re going for an ‘off-site strategy meeting’ regarding Diablo Mining and the environmental disasters they are dealing with. Personally, I think it’s going to be a weekend away so they can get drunk and sit around in their boxers scratching their balls without a woman telling them they are being disgusting cavemen. Mark is going up Friday night before Sean arrives Saturday afternoon, and they will both be back Monday morning. Can you get that whole weekend off, or will you be at your parents that weekend?”
Jess considers and then replies, “I’ll see my parents this weekend so I can spend the whole weekend alone with my best friend. It has been a really long time since we did that.”
“Great. I’ll tell Mark we will take his jet and they can arrange to get to Idaho in Sean’s jet. This will be fun, and I can’t wait to spend some quality time with you. We can discuss anything and everything!”
“Yeah, it’ll be nice,” replies Jessica. “So, what’s going on with Mark and Diablo Mining?”
“Ugh. It’s a travesty. Ricardo’s cousin, Hugo, the one you met at the factory, owns Diablo Mining. Mark is finishing up a gold contract with him shortly, but Mother Earth Cooperative discovered Hugo’s company is raping the forest in Brazil to get the gold that’s part of their contract. After checking environmental laws in Brazil, it appears Diablo is within the letter of the law, but their practices are way out of line environmentally. Mother Earth Cooperative has targeted Global Metal Refining here in the United States as the financer of the unethical environmental practices and has started a media campaign aimed at exposing both organizations in hopes of creating boycotts in the U.S. Mark has assured me that he had no knowledge of these practices and as soon as the contract is completed he will never work with Diablo Mining again without drastic changes on their part. Mark is concerned because Global Metal Refining stock has suddenly become very volatile, and it affects liquidity and investor morale. Sean and Mark are devising a marketing campaign to combat all the negative press Mark is starting to get. I understand Hugo isn’t happy about how Diablo Mining is being portrayed, especially internationally. It’s just a really ugly situation for everyone involved. I’m sure Sean will work his spin magic and Global Metal Refining will emerge stronger than ever because they are such an eco-friendly organization.”
“Wow, I had no idea you and Mark were going through such an ordeal. I’m so sorry. I have been so wrapped up in all my issues that I haven’t been a very good friend,” Jess says.
“Don’t be silly, we understand. Besides, Mark and Sean have everything under control, according to Mark,” Bonnie replies.
“Of course they do, sweetie.”
“Apparently,” Bonnie continues, “things have gotten a little heated between Mark and Hugo recently, which isn’t something Mark had wanted to happen. He and Sean are going to try and devise a strategy to repair the damage that has occurred in Mark and Hugo’s working relationship due to a recent press release of Mark’s.”
Jessica is surprised. “I had no idea any of this was going on. Neither Hugo nor Sean gave any indication of friction when I was in Brazil with them.”
“That’s probably because Ricardo told both of them to behave. Ricardo and Hugo don’t really like each other, but Ricardo needs Hugo’s political and business connections, and Hugo is just kind of honorable when it comes to family,” says Bonnie. “But enough of this depressing stuff. How are the designs going? And do you have any really sexy designs for me in these new collections?”
Jessica smiles and shakes her head. “Everyone seems genuinely pleased with the new lines I’ve created, and I’m sure you’ll find something in there to drive Mark absolutely bonkers once its draped on your perfect body.”
“You’re too kind,” Bonnie scoffs. “It’s just because you are such a fabulous designer that I look so good. I can’t wait to see them. Will you bring the drawings to the villa, so I can preorder?”
“Of course. I know you just have to have your clothes before the rest of the world.”
“That’s my girl!” Bonnie says, and Jessica smiles.
CHAPTER 14
DEADLY CALM
Mark kisses Bonnie goodbye and tells her to have a wonderful week with Jessica.
“Thanks, baby. Have a wonderful and productive weekend in McCall with Sean,” she replies. Then she double-checks Mark’s schedule to make sure she has everything right. “Okay, so you arrive in McCall this afternoon, and Sean will join you tomorrow around eleven o’clock in the morning?”
Mark says, “Yes, that’s correct.”
Bonnie nods and asks, “Then you and Sean will be home Monday afternoon sometime?”
“Correct again, my love,” Mark says, grinning at Bonnie’s concern about his schedule. “So, you and Jessica will be returning from Brazil Monday evening?”
“Yes. We hope to get back home no later than nine. Jessica has to get back to work for meetings early Tuesday, and I have the global warming symposium to attend. The one Global Metal Refining is sponsoring.” She smiles. “I love you and will see you later Monday evening. You boys behave yourselves in McCall, okay?” She winks at him.
“Yes, dear,” Mark replies, smiling, and heads for the door.
Bonnie lingers in the doorway and watches Mark’s car disappear from sight, thinking, this is going to be such an incredible weekend catching up with Jess. She quickly sends Mark a text that reads, “<3 <3 Text me when you land in McCall. I’ll do the same when we get to the villa.”
Mark responds with his usual “K” and smiles, knowing that answer irritates Bonnie. He immediately follows the “K” with a second text that reads, “I adore you and have a great time. All my love, darling.”
Bonnie smiles and then calls Jessica. She answers, and Bonnie says, “I’m on my way to pick you up, and we can ride to the jet together.”
Jessica sounds surprised. “I was just going t
o meet you there.”
“Don’t be silly. I can drop you off on the way home, since it’s on my way anyway. There’s no need to waste any more fossil fuels than necessary.”
Jessica, knowing this is just another argument she isn’t going to win, just says, “Okay, see you soon then.”
Mark arrives in McCall on time, and Bob, Sean’s groundskeeper is waiting to drive him to the house on Payette Lake. Mark sends the required text to Bonnie, even though he knows she won’t see it until after the girls arrive in Brazil. When Bob drops Mark off, Mark walks into the house, puts his stuff in the guest bedroom, fixes himself a gin and tonic with lime, and then walks out onto the deck, amazed at the beauty of the little mountain town.
Gazing out at the enormous glacier lake, he thinks, how peaceful. Even though he’s been visiting McCall every year since he and Sean met, he still marvels at the crystal clear water that reflects the brilliant blue sky. As he stands there pondering how good he and Sean have it in life, he notices the lake is calm and smooth, disturbed only by a single kayaker and a stationary pontoon boat about six hundred yards out on the water. Settling into a deck chair, Mark calls Sean in San Francisco, tells him he made it to McCall, and comments on his earlier reflections.
Sean nod. “Why do you think I keep that house? Its beauty always amazes me when I’m there, but what actually amazes me more than the scenery is the silence when you’re sitting on the deck.”
There’s a pause, then Mark replies, “Wow, you’re right. No sirens, airplanes, or car horns. How nice.”
Sean just chuckles. “I’ll see you tomorrow morning at about eleven.”
Bonnie and Jessica land in Brazil at midnight, Pacific Standard Time. Bonnie replies to Mark’s text with, “We just landed and are heading to the villa now.”
Mark responds with, “Glad you made it. I’m heading to bed. Will call you tomorrow evening. I love you.”
Uncontrolled Spin: The Power and Danger of Spin ( Un missable Series Book 1) Page 13