Flawless (A Love, California Series Novel, Book 1)

by Jan Moran

  “Oh, I have been. Your handkerchief travelled to France and Switzerland with me.”

  Verena suppressed a smile. She was enjoying this. Why shouldn’t Mia have someone in her life?

  Pierre sipped his tea. “Next time, would you like me to accompany you? I could carry all the handkerchiefs you might need.”

  Feeling like she was a third wheel, Verena rose from her chair. “It’s been a pleasure meeting you, Pierre, but I have some business to attend to.”

  “On a Saturday?” he asked, automatically rising from his chair as she did, and helping to slide her chair out.

  Mia said, “Verena is a hard worker, just like we were at her age.”

  “Yes, I am,” she said to Pierre, noting his perfect manners. Mia must like that. “It’s been a pleasure meeting you, and I hope our paths cross again soon.” She added, “I’ll be back for dinner later. Mia makes the most wonderful Swiss cheese fondue, and she’s going to teach us how to make it this evening.”

  She left the table, bursting with happiness for Mia. It was so cute to watch the two of them courting—another one of Mia’s terms. And, he was handsome. Verena was dying to hear more, but she’d decided to give them their privacy.

  Verena grabbed her purse, got into her car and started for the salon. Midway there, she stopped her car at a red traffic light and thought about taking a detour to the Beverly Hills Hotel. Maybe I’ll see Lance. But then she thought about the business, and the promises Derrick had made to fund the company. She sighed, feeling trapped.

  When the light turned green, she turned toward the salon.

  17

  A few weeks later, Verena swiveled in her chair, thinking. Scarlett was right. She had signed off on the term sheet with Scarlett’s approval, and Jack coordinated with Herringbone’s attorneys to draft the documents. But the agreed upon rapid closing had been stretched out, though the effective date of the agreement hadn’t changed. She was at the mercy of the attorneys, and only with Scarlett on her side had she been able to maintain her sanity.

  Verena straightened the documents on her desk, and slipped into her black jacket. When she had dressed that morning, she’d felt like she was going to a funeral, and had dressed accordingly. “I’m going to lunch,” she said to Lacey. “Please call me if the documents come back.”

  Lacey wagged her head. “I thought they wanted a fast closing.”

  “That’s what they said,” Verena replied. “I have to pick up a prescription at the pharmacy for Mia.”

  Lacey looked up, worry flashing across her face. “Everything all right with her?”

  “She’s fine, but the trip to Europe took a lot out of her, and she picked up a cold that has turned into bronchitis. She’s had a hacking cough for weeks.” This was exactly what Verena had been worried about, that the trip would be too much for her. But Mia and the twins had such a wonderful time that this almost made up for her illness.

  Verena couldn’t remember the last time she’d seen Mia so happy. After burying a husband, a son and a daughter-in-law, Mia deserved every bit of happiness that came her way. She’d been seeing Pierre until she’d become ill. Now he called her every day.

  When Verena walked into the house, she heard Mia coughing again. She made her way through the house to Mia’s bedroom.

  “So glad you’ve come, dear,” Mia said, adjusting herself in her bed. “This cough is almost getting the better of me.”

  Verena wagged her head. “Not for long. I come bearing drugs.”

  “Thank goodness.”

  Verena got her a glass of water and Mia swallowed the tablets she gave her. Mia patted a spot on the bed. “Come sit by me and tell me how your day is going. Any sign of the documents yet?”

  “No, not yet. With each draft they go farther outside of the boundaries they established in the term sheet. Even when I agree, they come back with more requests.”

  “Sounds like this deal has gotten out of hand.” Mia squinted at her. “Surely Derrick is helping you?”

  “That’s just it; everything he says makes sense the way he explains it. But it’s not what we agreed to in the beginning. And they know we need the funds more with every passing day.”

  Mia stared at her, her blue eyes still piercing in their intensity. “That’s why they’re stretching it out, my dear.”

  “It’s not good business.”

  “No, it’s not. You could tough it out. We have before, you know.”

  “I know, but that was back when it was just the one salon. Now we have a network of salons, with huge investments in product inventory in retailers across the United States and Europe, and more sitting at customs in several Asian countries.”

  Mia nodded. “I realize it’s a lot more complicated now. For the record, I think you’re doing a wonderful job. It’s not easy—no one else really understands how difficult it is to run this business.” A sad look washed across her face. “I wish I could help you more, Verena. I wish Emile and your father were still here with us.” She motioned to her slender frame. “This old body is wearing out on me, I’m afraid. It’s so frustrating, because I’m as sharp as I’ve ever been.” She patted Verena’s hand. “That’s why you must always take good care of yourself.”

  “And I do, Mia.”

  “Not lately. You’ve been coming home later and later, and I know you’re not sleeping well.”

  “I’ve been home every night by ten o’clock,” Verena said. Well, almost. Several nights she’d stayed at the office until after midnight reviewing the documents that Herringbone and its attorney kept changing.

  “And out the door again at six or seven in the morning. You can’t keep this pace up for long.”

  “When the deal is in place, I can ease up a little. I promise, Mia.” Even as she was reassuring Mia, she feared that this oppressive workload was just the beginning. Derrick and Jimmy Don were barking orders faster than she or anyone on her team could respond to.

  “I’d think Derrick would be more understanding.”

  “It’s not his company, Mia. It’s my responsibility.”

  “What’s the latest?”

  “They want to create a subsidiary for Rainbow Nails. I’ve been fighting it. It’s important that Rainbow remain separate from Valent. And it’s what we originally agreed upon.”

  “But they’re pushing back.”

  “That’s right. Seems their word isn’t worth the paper it’s written on. We agree to a point, and then Roper changes his mind. He knows we’re at his mercy.”

  “Are you making payroll?”

  “Barely. We managed to pay the employees, and Mary and Sasha each took a week of unpaid leave.”

  “You didn’t take a check, did you?”

  Verena shook her head. “It’s been eight weeks since I’ve drawn my salary.” There wasn’t any open credit left on her personal credit cards, either, but she hated to share that with Mia, who had always insisted they pay off all personal charges every month.

  “That explains why you’ve been taking your lunch or coming home to eat at noon. Why didn’t you share this with me?”

  “I wanted you and the girls to have a good time in Europe. It had been planned for so long.”

  “Well, we did use our travel mileage points for the airfare. And we stayed with my sister.”

  Verena smiled. “That was an enormous help, thanks.”

  “And if you need money, remember, I have a little tucked away.”

  “We’re not going to touch your retirement fund. You earned it, Mia, and no matter what happens, you are not to touch those funds. It’s all you have. What if something were to happen to me?” After her parents’ accident, the possibility of unforeseen occurrences was very real to her, and something she always considered.

  Mia sniffed with disdain. “What they’re doing—it’s an old ploy, you know, designed to starve the company into agreement.”

  “I realize that. Jack said he’s never seen a venture capital company negotiate like this, and he’s done
hundreds of these kinds of transactions. They’re not all bad, I’m sure, but Roper isn’t a good representative of the industry.”

  “Can you speak to another fund?”

  “The term sheet bars me from doing that, too. When I mentioned it, Derrick went ballistic, said Roper would sue me—and probably end up with ownership of the company.”

  Mia clasped her hand. “Keep fighting, my dear.”

  “I will. I’m not giving in. I just can’t believe they’ve gone back on their word so much.”

  “Is Scarlett reviewing the documents for you, too?”

  “She is, and she’s helping me fight to retain our personal interests and stock shares, but it’s tough.”

  Mia nodded, taking it all in. “Did the company numbers fall short of their expectation?”

  “Quite the contrary, our presales in Asia have far exceeded our projections. And even though some mid-price skincare lines are hurting for business, our sales at the high end have increased. The economy might be slowing, but luxury goods are still on fire, especially for our duty free clients.”

  “Hmm,” Mia said, making a face. “Then that old buzzard Thomas Roper is just a greedy bastard.”

  Back at the office later that day, Verena picked up a call that Lacey had routed to her.

  “Jack, what’s the word?”

  “Still no deal,” he said. “Roper won’t reimburse you for the personal credit card draws you took.”

  “What? Those were for the business, for payroll.” She was astonished that Roper would deny that reimbursement. After all, he had agreed to it. A chill slashed through her. What a fool I am, I can’t believe a word that man says. She’d have to call Scarlett again.

  “I know, I know. Verena, look, I spoke to Herringbone’s counsel, and this deal is in danger of not going through. Are you prepared for that?”

  Verena sat back. If it weren’t for the Asia plan underway, she’d have no issue walking away from the deal. But due to the costs they’d already incurred, she couldn’t. “No.”

  “All right then, will you agree to this last point? You’ll carry the personal debt you incurred, and try to make it up on the sale at the end. How much is it?”

  “About $150,000.”

  There was a moment of silence. “You must have great credit.”

  “Had, Jack. Had.” She felt sick to her stomach. Her entire world was imploding.

  “Times are tough, Verena.”

  “But our forecast is excellent.”

  “True, but Herringbone is greedy.”

  Verena fell silent, remembering what Mia had said about Roper—a greedy bastard. Her grandmother rarely used such language. “That’s the second time today someone said that.”

  Jack gave a sour laugh. “Well, it’s true. Are you sure you don’t have any other options?”

  “You know I don’t. I wouldn’t be considering this deal if I did.”

  “So, you’ll agree?”

  “I’ll call you back.” She clicked off, then dialed Scarlett. After explaining the situation to her, Scarlett’s advice mirrored Jack’s.

  Verena called Jack again. Feeling powerless, she said, “Agreed.” She hung up, and went outside to get some fresh air.

  Two hours later the documents finally came through on the fax. Verena sat at her desk and began to review the redlined copies again. A few minutes into it, she sat bolt up, and then punched Jack’s number. “What’s this in section 8.2?”

  “Hold on, I just got the documents, too.” She could hear him clicking through the copy on his computer. He cursed under his breath. “They want you to reduce your salary by thirty percent.”

  “I’m already making less than any other CEO they have in their portfolio company, and now I’m carrying enormous personal debt that must be serviced, thanks to Roper.”

  “Verena, wait, you still have control of the board. Just agree to it, deliver the numbers you say you’re going to, and then vote yourself a raise at the next board meeting.”

  Verena was quiet for a moment. “I can do that?”

  “As long as you control the board.” He paused. “The email says this is their final offer. If not received back by five o’clock, the deal is off the table.”

  “It’s twelve minutes to five.”

  “They will probably hold to that.”

  Verena had a few choice words for Herringbone, too, but she held her tongue. “I’ll have Scarlett call you.”

  Verena dialed her friend, explaining this last volley. She could hear Scarlett explode on the other end, but she promised to call Jack and Herringbone’s counsel.

  At two minutes to five, her phone rang. “Scarlett, what should I do?” Her shoulders slumped as Scarlett spoke, and she could hardly breathe. “I understand. I’ll sign the damned documents.” She slammed the phone down, and then angrily scratched out her signature on several pages. “Lacey!”

  Her assistant appeared at the door in a blizzard of white lace. Verena tapped the documents on her desk. “Fax these back to Herringbone right away. I’m leaving. If Derrick calls, have him call my mobile phone.” She slammed her desk drawer shut and grabbed her purse. She noted the concerned look on Lacey’s face. “Don’t worry, it’s not you, Lacey.”

  “Oh, I know, Verena,” she said with a sad drawl. “I swear I’ve never seen such goings on.”

  “First, I want you to know that wasn’t my idea, Verena,” Derrick said, holding up a flat palm as he nudged the door closed behind him.

  Verena looked up from her desk, her expression inscrutable. She was numb from lack of sleep, and weary from the lengthy negotiations. But I will not let him see my weakness. She raised a brow, and then calmly returned her gaze to the report she was reading, making a notation in the margin.

  “Roper insisted. He always likes to score concessions in the last couple of rounds.” Derrick crossed the room, his heels cracking on the hardwood floor, sounding like nutcrackers exploding in her brain. He came up behind Verena and placed his hands on her shoulders, gently kneading her neck.

  Verena shrugged him away.

  “You must understand, it wasn’t personal.”

  Verena expressed a puff of air between her lips and continued to read. He was so damned logical, and she was sick of it. The agreement had been amended so many times it was bleeding red ink, and none of the changes were in her favor. Why wasn’t Derrick sticking up for her against Roper?

  “Come on, Verena, don’t shut me out. You know I’m right.” Derrick circled her chair, and then perched on the edge of her desk. Leaning toward her, he slapped his hand over the report she was reading.

  She raised her eyes and pursed her lips. “Thirty percent? That’s extraordinarily personal, Derrick.”

  “Look at it as a temporary salary reduction. After we’re married, it won’t matter anyway.”

  “That’s not the point. It was an underhanded tactic.”

  Derrick shrugged. “It’s just the way he is. If he smells weakness, he goes in for the kill. It’s sport to him. You should see all the trophy heads on his office wall.”

  Verena cringed at the thought of the deer and antelope heads she knew Roper had. Supposedly he’d shot a lion in Africa last year, and it made her sick just to think of it. She titled her chin. “I refuse to be another head on his wall.”

  Derrick reached into his pocket and fished out a small red velvet box. He slid it across her antique desk. “Here’s a little something that should ease your pain.”

  She rolled her eyes, fury building in her veins like molten lava. “You have got to be kidding.”

  Derrick pushed his lower lip out in a contrite expression. “I was only the messenger on this deal, sweetheart. I told you he was a tough old buzzard.”

  “I had a different word in mind.” She folded her arms in defiance. “Take your trinket. I don’t want a consolation prize.”

  Derrick looked incredulous. “Don’t you even want to see what I bought for you?”

  “No. I’m not a little gir
l who’s going to clap her hands and let you make everything all right,” she said, spitting out the words with a vengeance. “This is my family’s business, Derrick, this is our livelihood. We have bled for this business, you know that. Now, is this Roper’s last sleazy move, or is he going to continue to pillage me and the company every chance he gets?”

  “You wanted to play with the big boys, Verena.” He leaned across the desk again, his lips curving into a mocking smile. “Learn the game.”

  At that moment, Verena caught a whiff of a distinctly different feminine scent on him than he usually wore, but she couldn’t place it. And it’s not a perfume I wear. She shook her head furiously, pushed her chair back and stood up.

  Picking up the report, she said, “Valent Swiss Skincare is not a game to be played.”

  “You came to us. What were you expecting?”

  She whirled around, anger bursting from her. “What is the matter with you? Or have you become like him?” She spat out the last word, its taste vile on her tongue.

  Derrick sauntered past her. “Toughen up, Verena.” He tossed the small box into the air, and then stuffed it into his pocket. “And you shouldn’t turn down gifts from me.” He paused at the door and glanced pointedly around her spacious office. “By the way, Jimmy Don will be in after lunch. You should decide where you’re going to put him.”

  “No, I told you that moron is not welcome here.” Verena balled her fist so tight her nails dug into the palm of her hand.

  Derrick shrugged. “Roper’s order. But I’ll see what I can do for you.” He disappeared around the corner.

  18

  “You must have that ring sized,” Fianna said, carefully steaming a new dress she had just finished for the boutique. “I can call Elena next door,” she added, nodding her head toward the shop next door to her boutique.

  “That would be great. I’ve also been carrying around a pearl necklace that needs repairs.” Verena leaned against the counter watching her friend. She twirled her engagement ring. “I felt like throwing this ring at him. Along with his little red velvet gift box—which I refused to take.”