Milk Money

by Jude E. McNamara

  I knew her type. She was the type of woman that reeked of means, who wielded a lot of power, and took no prisoners. I had done business with her type, and trust me, she was nothing to sneeze at, frankly.

  As a woman that had to deal with nothing but powerful men in the circles I ran in, I had gotten pretty keen on identifying the sharks in stilettos in the room. She stared at Brooks like he was something good to eat, and he looked at her as if he were in a complete state of agitation. I wondered what her association could possibly be with Brooks. I momentarily dismissed my intuitions. Perhaps my pregnancy hormones were just making me neurotic.

  Thank god the CEO of Peachtree Plastics and his firm’s Senior Strategy Officer were seating in between Brooks and Nicholas. The last thing I needed was the two of them finishing right here what they’d started on the tarmac.

  I, on the other hand, had broken out into a sweat just from having to sit at the same table with both Brooks and Nicholas. I was starting to have anxiety at the mere thought of how long the two of them would be able to behave themselves before they would start physically fighting again. Charlotte was seated on my left, ready to assist. One look at Charlotte and I knew that she was completely beside herself over today’s events. Brooks looked as if he was trying to get Charlotte’s attention, but Charlotte kept her eyes glued to the presentation packet, as she nervously flipped through the materials in front of her.

  CEO Nobu spoke first on behalf of Joduku Plastics to give his welcome statement and overview of his company, as well as the company profiles for the remaining bidders.

  “Ladies and Gentlemen, each bidder will be allowed to make their presentation on their company objectives prior to the opening of the sealed bids. We welcome you and wish each of you good luck today.” He bowed and walked across to our table and shook each bidder’s hand.

  As I sat waiting patiently for CEO Nobu to finish, I knew from my competitive intelligence team that he wanted twenty million dollars out of the deal from the winning bidder. My team had discovered from the term sheets that the opening bid came in at eight million dollars in the first round of competition. I figured that was Nicholas’s bid, because the rumor was the Brooks Fitzgerald McKenna was busy raising capital from somewhere in Asia, so I knew he was no match for me or Nicholas in the first round. My first round bid was ten million dollars. To my surprise, Peachtree Plastics had bid eleven million. I had initially understood them not to be a serious contender.

  By the time we each proceeded through to the second round of bidding, Nicholas and I were tied in our bids at fifteen million. Peachtree Plastics was behind us at twelve million and Brooks had taken the lead at sixteen million.

  Today, we were each down to our final bids. I looked at my watch waiting patiently listening to the Peachtree Plastics bidders chat tirelessly about the pros of their company acquiring Joduku Plastics. I knew they were no real match for Montgomery Consulting Group so I remained confident despite the day’s chaotic beginning. Brooks Fitzgerald McKenna was beginning to shuffle around in his seat a bit before he stood to make his way to the podium. His voice was horse and haggard as he began his presentation.

  “Ladies and gentlemen, I’d like to thank you for this wonderful opportunity today to bid on behalf of my firm McKenna Textiles,” Brooks stammered. “I am completely confident that before the day is over McKenna Textiles will emerge the winner and Joduku Plastics and our group will be a team.”

  His eyes darted at mine giving me a look of guilt and self-pity. I turned my eyes away from his, hoping he had abandoned his desire to try to grab this company on my behalf in an effort to win me and my family over. I had no intentions of having anything else to do with him.

  Nicholas glanced my direction with gritted teeth and then turned his head back at Brooks, giving him a death look and then looked back at me, shaking his head. I could see Nicholas rubbing the tops of his knuckles and I knew he was under immense pressure despite the fact he looked incredibly together under the circumstances.

  I was starting to feel nauseated again, rubbing my stomach a tad. Forty minutes later, the McKenna Textile presentation was over, and I was next up to bat, but not before CEO Nobu headed back to the podium to introduce me. I walked towards the podium not looking at Nicky or Brooks. The last thing I needed was to make eye contact with either of those two. The one thing that I was sure about was the fact that I was nauseated, I was emotionally spent, I was heartbroken, but I was determined to win this bid.

  I walked to the podium which as much ease and confidence I could muster under the circumstances.

  “Ladies and Gentlemen, Montgomery Consulting is pleased to have this opportunity to present why we are, in fact, hands down the best choice among all of today’s competitors,” I stated firmly. I immediately began with my PowerPoint presentation, alternately speaking in English and Japanese. I could see the smiles on the faces of the Joduku Board of Directors faces. I glanced over briefly to look at Nicky, whom I was sure didn’t expect me to present in Japanese, although he knew I could speak the language. I suppose through the years that little fact had gotten by him. I couldn’t say for sure, but his facial expression had traces of shock and awe, though his body language didn’t betray his thoughts as he physically remained completely still.

  Brooks looked down right angry and was squirming in his chair uncomfortably. His minions were shuffling to keep up with what was being said, thumbing through their presentation materials quickly as if they had lost their way. The blonde woman in the grey suit had changed her expression looking at Brooks now as with a great deal of disdain. She looked at me with such coldness I was even starting to get annoyed and pissed. The last thing I needed was an unnecessary threat from a woman who wanted Brooks. Brooks was one step away from me getting a restraining order as far as I was concerned.

  Lucia had a look of keen interest on her face appearing to fully comprehend everything being said. She must speak Japanese. But of course. Lucia was one never to be underestimated. Whatever the case, my presentation was the shot heard around the world today, catching both Nicholas and Brooks off guard. Thirty minutes later, I wrapped up my presentation leaving a smile on CEO Nobu’s face. The room broke out in thunderous applause. CEO Nobu made his way back to the podium bowing twice with his hands together in total excitement.

  “Ladies and gentlemen we are now going to take a sixty-minute break before our last presenter,” CEO Nobu said, while tapping the microphone to get the room’s attention.

  Inwardly I was pleased and proud of the presentation advantage I brought to the competition, speaking in their native language giving my firm a welcomed advantage.

  “Please join us in the Joduku Plastics dining room for food and refreshments,” CEO Nobu stated eagerly.

  Yeah. My part was over and the thought of food sounded like a good idea. As I stood to head for the dining room, Nicholas walked briskly towards me.

  “Harper, we need to talk,” Nicholas said, his green eyes darkening with intensity and the muscles in his jaw flexing.

  “No we don’t,” I said. “What’s there to talk about? This just isn’t going to work out,” I said. “You’ll have an easier time accepting this, Nicky, once I win this bid.”

  “Well you’re certainly full of surprises sweetheart. Who knew you would make your presentation in Japanese? That’s what I always love about you, Kitten, you’re always forcing me to step up my game,” he said, nodding his head in amazement.

  “I’m not your kitten,” I pouted, crossing my arms protectively in front of my breasts and pursing my lips.

  Nicholas and I glared at each other each like two stubborn fools wondering which of us was going to speak next. I could feel the pull between us, drawing us together. It was hard standing toe to toe with Nicholas because he was just so goddamn sexy. I was sure he knew how he affected me. He was beyond perfect for me. And I was carrying his baby. Our baby. I drank in his bad boy looks knowing this conversation was not necessarily going to end on good note. Nich
olas was born to win. But, I sensed he knew he was on the ropes, a bit unsure of what to do with me in this moment.

  His emerald eyes bore straight into my soul giving me butterflies. Nicholas grabbed my hand, pulling me towards him and my feet followed him without my permission.

  “I’ve missed you, Harper,” Nicholas whispered weaving us in an erratic path through the room until we had reached an exit door and were now standing in a corner of the lobby area of the Joduku headquarters.

  “Missed me? You? You haven’t returned my calls in weeks and now you pull that stunt on the tarmac acting like a caveman who cares about my well-being. Save it for someone else, Nicky. I’m not that naive little girl from ten years ago. I’m a grown-ass woman now and I don’t need an on-again off-again relationship with you for when you get ready,” I grumbled.

  “That’s not what’s going on here, Harper. Why must you compete with me all the time? I thought we agreed in Vermont we weren’t going to turn this competition into a personal war between us,” Nicholas questioned. “You seem to me to be pulling out all the stops on this one.”

  “Surely you didn’t think I came here to lose, Nicholas? You know that’s not who I am.”

  “And it’s not who I am Harper. But we had an agreement. We had a plan, remember? We weren’t going to let this be about us.”

  Before I could answer a familiar voice echoed across the room. One I didn’t want to have to deal with today.

  “What the fuck was that little stunt, Harper?” Brooks yelled, looking at me harshly, walking towards me double time with a seriously angry look on his face. “You’re delivering your presentation in Japanese now? Exactly, who the hell do you think you are?” Brooks growled. “Are you trying to make me look bad?”

  I momentarily flinched, caught a bit off guard by the physical intrusion and verbal assault. I’m sure Nicholas noticed me flinch too just from his sheer proximity to me and my look of alarm. I could sense the rise in Nicholas’s anger.

  Nicholas stepped in front of me, pushing me back behind him in a protective mode.

  “Motherfucker, you better step off,” Nicholas said to Brooks, furious. “Haven’t you had enough, or do you need another reminder to stay away from my woman?” Nicky growled. “I know you don’t want more of this, but I’ll be happy to oblige you.”

  “Get out of my way, Becker. This is between me and Harper,” Brooks hissed, stepping up in Nicholas’s face with threatening eyes.

  I watched Nicholas ball his fist. I could feel myself getting more nauseated as my anxiety levels shot up. I needed to get away from both Nicholas and Brooks. Jesus, what was this obsession with Brooks? He never quits. I needed to eat. I felt weak and famished. We were all making a scene. I didn’t need this aggravation.

  “Harper, is everything okay?” Charlotte squealed at me as she passed through the double doors looking my direction. Lucia was right on Charlotte’s heels taking in the war stance between Nicholas and Brooks.

  “Nothing that can’t be handled,” I answered Charlotte from behind Nicholas’s grasp, trying to maintain my sense of professionalism and decorum.

  Lucia was texting quickly into her phone and within minutes Stephen and Scott were flying around different corners in the lobby, both headed our direction. This was getting way out of control. Nicky gave both Stephen and Scott a menacing look as both appeared to quickly evaluate the situation.

  “You know what? I’ve had enough of this foolishness for one day,” I said. “Scott, I’m ready to leave please,” I said, stepping out from behind Nicky who was still locked in a stare-down with Brooks. Lucia nodded at Scott so as to affirm that she thought it a good idea that Scott get me out of here. Stephen positioned himself next to Nicky so as to signal to Brooks that he had a double threat to contend with now.

  “To hell with listening to any more of these presentations,” I said, looking back over my shoulder at Nicky.

  “C’mon Nicky,” Lucia said, trying to coax Nicky away from Brooks.

  “Charlotte, please get my things,” I said as I headed towards the other end of the lobby. “We’re leaving.”

  Scott continued to walk behind me keeping a safe distance positioning himself between me and the huddle that included Brooks, Nicky, and Stephen. Lucia was a safe distance between both groups rapidly working her smartphone.

  To our surprise, the petite Japanese woman from Joduku walked past me, her eyes focused on Brooks.

  “Mr. McKenna, Mr. McKenna, you’re needed in the conference room to answer additional questions with the board please,” she said with all authority.

  “Don’t think I’m done with you Becker,” Brooks hissed at Nicholas.

  Brooks moved to leave Nicky’s space.

  “I’ll be right here waiting for you anytime you think you want some more of this McKenna,” Nicholas hissed back at him. “Consider yourself a dead man walking!” Nicky yelled across the lobby.

  I could hear Brooks phoning his assistant, telling him to leave the dining hall and to meet him in the conference room. This business between Brooks and Nicholas had gotten way out of control. Stupid me and my friends-with-benefits move. Not to mention, I couldn’t put the genie back in the bottle either on this one.

  My phone buzzed briefly letting me know I was getting a text message. It was from my mother.

  “Withdraw the bid,” Elizabeth had texted.

  “What the hell?” I said out loud. I stopped in my tracks just as Nicholas was catching up to me, grabbing me and pulling me to his side.

  “Just one minute, Harper,” he said pausing briefly to answer his phone. “Please sweetheart, give me minute,” he said with pleading eyes. “Hold on. This is my brother calling,” Nicholas said, looking annoyed.

  “You’re shitting me,” Nicholas said into the phone. “Big Daddy said what?” Nicholas frowned.

  I moved to leave Nicholas’s space so as to give him some privacy, but he held on to my hand and would not let me go. I needed to get away from him so I could call my mother and find out what in the world was happening that would make her want me to withdraw this bid. Mother had some explaining to do.

  Nicholas closed his phone and said “You won’t believe this Harper, but Big Daddy wants Milk Money to withdraw its bid,” he said looking rather perplexed.

  “I don’t understand,” I said. “My mother just texted me and told me to withdraw our bid, too. What in the hell is going on?”

  “I have no idea what’s going on.” Nicholas ran his fingers through his hair quickly.

  “Why in the world would both our parents tell us at the same time to withdraw our bids? This makes no sense, Nicky.” My frustration level was increasing rapidly with my hunger. “All of these weeks’ worth of work just to withdraw?” I said.

  I was starting to get angry. I wanted off this acquisition roller coaster.

  “Who in the hell cares. This is our out. Let’s take it. Forget about the why and let’s run the hell out of here,” Nicky said.

  “I’m not doing any such thing until I have more answers than this. This could be part of some game you’re playing, Nicholas Miles Becker,” I said, feeling somewhat out of control and a bit skeptical.

  “Jesus, Harper I know you don’t trust me, but don’t you think you’re carrying this a bit too far?” he asked, looking himself like he, too, was starting to get annoyed. “If you and I have any chance whatsoever of putting a life together you’ve got to start trusting me sometime, woman. Let’s get out from under the grasp of Big Daddy and Elizabeth and make a break for it. Trust me. I have nothing to do with this bullshit, baby,” he argued.

  “Yeah, well speaking of babies Nicholas, I’ve been trying to communicate with you for weeks now to let you know that this baby I’m carrying is yours. But you haven’t had any interest in returning my calls, otherwise you would know this by now,” I said, poking my index finger in his chest hard and narrowing my eyes. “Why haven’t you returned my calls Nicky?”

  I was standing nose to nose with
him now. I couldn’t decide if I wanted to slap his face or kiss him. My hormones were way out of control and I could feel the tears welling up in the back of my eyes. I was mixed up and confused.

  “Baby? My baby? Our baby?” Nicholas was incredulous.

  “Yes Nicky. Your baby. Our baby,” I responded.

  “I’m having a baby?” Nicholas asked.

  “No, I’m having a baby, Nicky,” I said, with tear-filled eyes.

  Nicholas all of a sudden burst out laughing. “This is some joke you and Lucia have cooked up, right? I already heard you went to the fertility clinic and got yourself knocked up by some unknown donor. You’re trying to get back at me for not returning your calls for weeks. This is punishment right? C’mon, Kitten. I knew you would do anything to win this bid, but I had no idea you would stoop to this level,” he laughed. “You’re trying to wind me up before I make my presentation. This is good, Kitten. I’m impressed,” Nicholas smirked. “You’re trying to throw me off my game. This is your best performance yet.”

  In that moment, Nicky helped me to decide.

  I slapped him hard across his face.

  “Idiot,” I hissed. “You’re impossible.”

  Nicky glared back at me, a bit unsure of himself.

  Just then the Joduku female representative approached. “Mr. Becker, you’re up next to present. The board is waiting for you.”

  I rolled my eyes at Nicky, too famished to think any further. My head hurt. I needed to take care of myself before I collapsed. I didn’t need all of this craziness. I stomped off in the opposite direction as far as I could to get away from Nicholas.