Mergers and Acquisitions

by A. E. Radley

  Not that she wanted to dwell on those thoughts; it was a dangerous area of repressed emotion to dive into. Sophie looked up, and they briefly made eye contact. Kate was the first to break away and look back at her computer.

  Chapter 27

  Sophie had given up on taking minutes very soon after the meeting had started. She felt a headache forming behind her eyes and found herself sympathising with Kate who seemed to have the same problem. Sophie glanced at the clock on the meeting room wall, thankful that it was Friday and the day was nearly over. She only had to get through this last meeting and then she could go home and forget about work for two solid days.

  She was glad she’d had the foresight to book the entire afternoon for the meeting. As expected, both Kate and Georgina had turned up thirty minutes late. She’d spent those thirty minutes sitting in the meeting room, making awkward small talk with Michael. She had desperately wanted Kate and Georgina to hurry up and show their faces, but now the meeting was underway, she wished they hadn’t bothered turning up at all.

  They’d manage to race through the actual agenda of the meeting in record quick time. As usual, they were stuck on the last item, any other business. In Sophie’s experience, this section was an indicator that the meeting would be over within a couple of minutes, as other business was a rare thing. For Kate and Georgina, any other business was a time to point out everything that their counterpart was attempting to hide by not adding it to the agenda.

  “I’m fairly certain I didn’t sign off on this amount.” Kate placed a sheet of paper on the table and slid it towards Georgina.

  Georgina picked up the paper and looked at the dark red circles around its figures. “No, that was precisely what we agreed upon,” she replied. “I remember it clearly because it was the same conversation where you suggested that we create an interactive email experience, and I worried that you’d lost your mind.”

  Kate opened her mouth to reply when Michael handed her his iPad. “Here’s the email confirmation from you on those figures.”

  Kate took the iPad and read the email carefully. “No, this is my confirmation for the first design stage. There have been two subsequent design stages since then.” She held the iPad out for Michael to take back. “I find it baffling how you seem to have to revisit the design studio several times, even when using your own people. And we’re not even beyond wireframing yet. Maybe if you actually attended the design studio rather than attending lunches with Yannis’s investors, you’d end up with something you liked. Rather than finding you dislike it when it heads into development, which is costly and frankly exhausting for the rest of us.”

  “Perfection isn’t always easy to achieve,” Georgina said. “We’re not used to putting out substandard work just to satisfy budgets and deadlines. I guess this explains how Red Door can operate with so few staff members.”

  Sophie heard Kate’s slight intake of breath. She knew that Kate was immensely proud of the level of service and the quality of output that Red Door produced. Georgina taking a cheap shot at that was completely false and only served as a way to upset Kate.

  She risked a glance at Kate’s face and made a mental note to book an osteopath appointment to help with whatever neck and shoulder pain Kate was suffering from. She held herself painfully, and there was a dullness to her eyes. In the short time that Georgina had been at Red Door, she seemed to have successfully sucked the life out of Kate.

  Sophie knew that Kate had given as good back, some of the time. And she knew that neither woman was innocent. But it was clear to Sophie that Kate was drained and exhausted. Georgina’s continuing harassment of her was now just picking at a carcass.

  Kate opened her mouth to reply, but Sophie quickly stepped in with a pleading look at Georgina. “How about we have a look at the previous design stages? See if there is anything we can salvage, maybe fix in post-production. There must be something we can use to move this project on.”

  Michael looked at her gratefully and nodded. “Yes, I think we might be able to work something out.” He turned to look at Georgina. “Georgina, what do you think?”

  Georgina hummed distractedly. “I suppose that would do.”

  “Great,” Sophie said happily. “So, that’s settled.”

  “I have yet to see the final copy for the broadsheet ads,” Georgina said. She looked at Kate expectantly.

  “Well, we can’t place it until we know what the photo shoot has produced.” Kate took off her glasses and put them on the table. “We need to know what space we have.”

  “I gave you a word count,” Georgina argued.

  “And I’m supposed to take your word on that? That’s not how we work around here. We get the assets, and then the copywriter looks over what they have to work with. It’s called teamwork.”

  “Oh, is it?” Georgina smirked. “I wasn’t aware you’d heard of that, considering how you squirrel yourself away in meeting rooms with your team.”

  “Oh, not to worry. We’re not wasting our time talking about you,” Kate replied. “Anyway, back to the matter at hand. Your team will provide me with the final layouts and art assets, and then our copywriter will draw up the ad copy and we’ll send it to you for review.”

  Sophie knew that it hadn’t escaped anyone that Kate was not questioning, she was demanding. She anxiously watched to see what Georgina would say in response to Kate’s bluntness.

  “That’s a relief,” Georgina breathed. “Is it all right to assume your copywriter works a full day and won’t disappear for hours at a time?”

  Sophie winced. It was a clear dig at Kate’s late arrival to a meeting when her morning doctor’s appointment had overrun. Not that Georgina knew that was the reason for the delay.

  Kate rolled her eyes. “My personal schedule is not answerable to you.”

  “It is when I’m left making excuses for you.”

  “I was two minutes late, I’m sure you coped admirably despite the dire situation,” Kate replied.

  “And I understand that you won’t be available on Monday morning because you’re being interviewed?” Georgina huffed out a sigh.

  “Yes, it’s a piece for the local free daily, it’s about financial management in the office. You may want to read it,” Kate jabbed.

  “Fascinating. You know, I don’t need to conduct interviews to increase my reach,” Georgina commented offhandedly. “The press are falling over themselves to get to me. But, I suppose that might be because I’m actually of interest. My active social life, you know. The fact I can hold onto a partner for more than an evening.”

  Before Kate could reply, or punch Georgina, Michael jumped to his feet. “Okay, we need to make those phone calls before the end of the business day,” he addressed his boss.

  “And I need to confirm the menu with the caterer,” Sophie said, rising to her feet as well.

  Kate and Georgina remained seated, staring angrily at each other. Sophie wondered if they were about to launch themselves across the table and claw at the other. She looked at Michael, silently asking for assistance. He indicated the door with a tilt of his head.

  “I-I’ll type up the minutes and get them over to both of you this evening,” Sophie said, attempting to break the deadlock.

  “Monday will be fine, Sophie,” Kate replied.

  “Speaking of Monday, Sophie, I need you to arrange a car for me after the press launch,” Georgina requested.

  “Already done,” Sophie said, pleased that things seemed to be simmering down. Michael used the opportunity to leave the meeting room.

  “Wonderful, and then, maybe dinner in the evening. I’ll miss you over the weekend. We can finish our… conversation from last time.” Georgina stared intently at Sophie.

  Sophie couldn’t believe that Georgina was being so brazen in front of Kate. She watched as Kate started to gather her things, averting her eyes from the two of them as she did. Once she had everything, she quickly stood up. “I’ll see you both after the weekend,” she said softly before
leaving the room.

  Sophie watched her leave before turning to face Georgina. “Did you ask me out in front of Kate on purpose?”

  “Yes, of course.” Georgina started to gather her things from the table.

  “Why?” Sophie could feel anger flaring inside her. She couldn’t believe the way Georgina had spoken to Kate. Of course, they had both been arguing, but Georgina had gone too far. And asking her out in front of Kate just seemed inappropriate.

  “To annoy her. It can’t have escaped your attention that Kate doesn’t like us seeing each other.” Georgina smiled at the fact.

  “She… she’s looking out for me.” Sophie swiped her notepad from the table. “I wish you wouldn’t speak to her like that.”

  “She’s a big girl, she can cope.” Georgina stood up. “So, dinner on Monday?”

  Sophie clutched the notepad to her chest and stared at her feet. Her mouth contorted as she thought about the things Georgina had said to Kate.

  Georgina took a step closer. “I apologise for my petty behaviour.” She brushed a stray lock of hair away from Sophie’s face. “Sometimes I go too far. It’s a hard habit to break. Forgive me?”

  Sophie felt her breath catch at Georgina being so close to her. She nodded her head slightly. “O-okay.”

  “Wonderful.” Georgina caressed her check for a moment before stepping around her. “I have some things to tie up, and then I’m back home for the weekend. But I’ll see you on Monday at the press event. I’ll buy you a drink.”

  Sophie turned to face her. She adjusted her glasses. “The drinks are free.”

  Georgina chuckled and shrugged. “Apparently, I’m not very good with financial management.” She winked as she left the room.

  Chapter 28

  Kate stared at the form, her pen gripped tightly in her hand. Checking and signing audit forms all morning hadn’t helped her headache at all. The words on the form seemed to merge into one large, black-and-white fuzz. She put the pen down and closed her eyes.

  She massaged her temples to try to relieve some of the pain. She’d spent the entire weekend working, preparing for the soft press launch at the Winter Garden.

  She’d been suffering back-to-back headaches for days, and despite practically bathing in antibacterial gel, she was sure she’d caught something in the hospital the previous week. Not that she was going to slow down, she couldn’t afford to. Georgina would jump on any weakness.

  The soft knock on the door made her wince. She looked up to see Sophie walk in. “I sent those minutes over to you,” she said softly. “Can I get you anything?”

  She knew the insinuation was that she looked like crap. She had to get herself together soon, for the launch event. Luckily, she knew that a change of clothes and fresh application of makeup in her office-based private bathroom would hide most sins. She just needed to get through a few hours, and then she could go home and enjoy a hot bath.

  “Kate?” Sophie pressed.

  She looked up at the girl and blinked. She’d forgotten she was there, the fog in her brain was mixing everything up.

  “I’m sorry, what?” Kate asked.

  Sophie frowned. “I asked if I could get you anything. Some coffee, maybe?”

  “Can you get me some more headache pills?”

  Sophie quickly shook her head. “No, it’s only been two hours since you took the last ones.”

  Kate had forgotten she’d taken any. “Oh, yes,” she said, pretending that she remembered.

  “Kate, should I call your doctor?”

  “That won’t be necessary.” Kate took a deep breath and stood up. “I’m just a little run-down. No need to worry. Now, I presume you have called the caterers, they are aware of the changes to the vegetarian numbers?”

  Sophie bit her lip, clearly wanting to pursue the argument. Luckily for Kate, she didn’t. “Yes, I checked. I’m heading over there in a couple of minutes to check the screens and do a sound check. Is there anything you need? Do you want me to wait and travel over with you?”

  Kate shook her head. “That won’t be necessary.”

  “Kate, I’m worried… are you sure you’re okay?”

  She met Sophie’s eyes with her own. Genuine concern radiated through. Kate thought about denying how terrible she felt, sending Sophie away. But part of her wanted to be honest, to reassure Sophie that she was okay.

  “I’m just a little run-down…”

  “I don’t believe you. Something’s bothering you. I see it in your eyes, it’s more than just this battle with Georgina,” Sophie said.

  It unnerved Kate how accurate her assistant could be. “Sophie, I—”

  “No, don’t deny it,” Sophie pushed. “I want to help. But I can’t if you don’t talk to me.”

  Kate opened her mouth to issue another denial but quickly closed it again. She was exhausted. That was the only feasible explanation for what she was about to admit.

  “Some years ago, I was… I was involved in a car crash. It was a sports car, a super car, I suppose they call them. It came out of nowhere, travelling at a ridiculous speed and sent my car flying. I was okay, some minor injuries, but the memories are still there. Working on this project has reminded me of that time, and I’m having trouble sleeping. That’s all.”

  Sophie’s eyes had widened as Kate explained. “So, Dr Warwick…?”

  “Is a therapist,” Kate confirmed. “I’m working to resolve these issues. I appreciate your concern but really, I’ll be fine.”

  “Is there anything I can do?” Sophie asked. Her eyes were filled with questions and solutions all at once. “I’m going to stop getting you coffee, you need green tea. And I’ll look into moving meetings to the morning so you can have a quieter afternoon. And—”

  “You’re not taking my coffee,” Kate joked. “Sophie, I have medication. I have professional advice. I’ll just need some time to get back to normal. As I say, I’m run-down. I’ll be fine.”

  “You’re sure there’s nothing I can do?”

  She opened her mouth to speak when she spotted something over Sophie’s shoulder. She slammed her mouth closed again.

  Georgina stood by Sophie’s desk. Looking into the office with a smirk on her face, her bag in one hand, and her coat over her arm.

  “Your girlfriend is waiting for you,” Kate commented.

  Sophie turned around and then back to Kate. “I can stay if you need me—”

  “No, off you go, Sophie. Don’t keep her waiting. I’ll be there later.” Kate took a sip of water. Seeing Georgina’s smug face was already fortifying her and making her feel stronger.

  Sophie hesitated a moment. “Should I book another appointment with your osteopath?”

  “No, I’ll do that. I’ll see you at the Winter Garden soon.” She turned around and picked up her suit bag to let Sophie know that the conversation was over. The last thing she needed was Georgina overhearing anything.

  She heard Sophie leave and breathed out a sigh of relief. She wasn’t sure why she had shared such personal information with the girl, but she did feel a weight lift off her shoulders having done so. Now she just needed to get through the next few hours and she could go home and rest.

  Chapter 29

  From her vantage point on the balcony, Sophie watched the public gallery fill up below her. Considering she had never organised an event before, she was proud of the results. Of course, she had called Jonathan about four times a day to assist, but she’d done it. Reporters and influencers had arrived; now it was up to Kate to dazzle them.

  The Winter Garden was a sight to behold. A large glass canopy roof covered the spacious event space bringing natural sunlight into the room. Just walking around the venue felt glamourous.

  She watched her boss working the room, relieved that she looked a lot healthier now that she was at the event. Sophie hadn’t been able to shake her worries about Kate. The whole day she had either been closely watching her or worrying about her from a distance.

  She’d been stunne
d when Kate finally admitted what was wrong. Stunned and gratified that Kate trusted her enough to tell her. Now Sophie’s brain whirred with ideas for how to help Kate get some peace and be able to relax. Not that it would be easy with Georgina around.

  “You must be Sophie?”

  Sophie turned to see a man approaching her with a glass of wine in his hand. “That’s me,” she replied.

  “I’m Elliot Carmichael. I used to work for Mastery, but I’m now with the auto trade desk press, we spoke on the phone.”

  Sophie shook his hand. “I remember, nice to meet you.”

  Elliot had been very friendly and helpful in collating people’s diaries. Without him, half of the big names that Kate was currently speaking with wouldn’t be here.

  “It’s a great event. Looking forward to hearing more about The Bolt. How did you manage to do all of this so quickly?”

  “With a few sleepless nights,” Sophie admitted.

  Elliot leaned on the balustrade beside her and looked down at the gathering. His eyes seemed to centre in on Georgina as she shook a reporter’s hand.

  “She doesn’t change,” he commented. “How’s she been at Red Door? A beast, I bet.”

  Sophie didn’t want to gossip, but she did want information. Elliot said he had worked at Mastery, so she wondered how much he could tell her about Georgina.

  “She’s been… forceful,” she said diplomatically.

  Elliot laughed. “Yeah, that’s Georgina. Well, I hear she’s up to her old tricks, striking fear into people now that Jessica’s out of the picture?”

  “A lot of people talk about Jessica, she must have been pretty special?” Sophie asked innocently.

  She was curious to know about Georgina’s ex. Stories about Jessica seemed to fill the Red Door office, especially since more Mastery staff had travelled over. But all the gossip stopped whenever she was in hearing distance. She was intrigued to know more about Jessica, especially why she was spoken about in legendary terms.

  “All you really need to know about Jessica is that she tamed the dragon.” Elliot took a sip of wine. “Georgina was a monster before her.”