Unlikely Venture (The Venture Series Book 1)

by Luciani, Kristen

  “No, I never looked into it.” James grinned. “But I’m guessing Emerson’s got a whole mess of fans here, and I’m sure he donates regularly to maintain his celebrity status.”

  Chris turned off the ignition. “Okay, it’s go-time Jay. You ready?”

  “Sure thing. Can’t wait to make a complete ass of myself out there.”

  “Hopefully we’ll play best ball and then you won’t have to worry about it.” Chris snickered. “Come on, we’re gonna be late. His assistant told us to meet him on the driving range, so move it.”

  The driving range was only a short walk away. They jogged and got there with a few minutes to spare.

  “He’s not here yet, so hurry up and put on these shoes. You’re lucky I had extras.” Chris shrugged off his jacket and took a few practice swings.

  James tied the laces and stood up, stretching his arms behind him. He grabbed a driver from the bag and stepped into the stall next to Chris. Bending, he put one of his balls on the tee, swung his arms back and let loose. Crack!

  Chris gaped as the ball sailed through the air, hitting the three hundred yard marker on the range.

  “Nice shot, Mr. Callahan.” Paul Emerson stood behind James with his arms crossed. “I can see this is going to be quite an interesting meeting.”

  James spun around, startled, as Chris grumbled under his breath. “Lucky shot.”

  Paul walked over and shook his hand. “It’s nice to finally meet you.” He turned to the next stall. “Chris, good to see you again. I’m glad you both could join me out here today. All warmed up?”

  “Yes, we’re good to go.” Chris picked up his bag and James followed suit.

  “I figured we’d walk. You okay with that?” Paul picked up his own bag. “I rarely use the carts or caddies unless there’s a tournament going on.” He walked in the direction of the first tee without waiting for their response.

  “Jesus, we have to walk?” Chris muttered as he hoisted his own bag up.

  They followed Paul over to the grassy knoll, where he was engaged in conversation with a few business associates. James and Chris took several practice swings while they waited.

  “So I’ve gotten some good feedback from my team on your business model and projections.” Paul returned and grabbed a three wood from his bag. “But what I need to know coming out of our meeting today is how compatible we’d be as partners.” He took the first shot and watched the ball travel toward the green. It landed a few yards off, impressive for a par four. He turned and regarded them, pointing to James. “Let’s see if you can replicate your earlier swing.”

  James grinned. The guy was arrogant as hell. Too bad we’re not on the basketball court. I’d school him for sure.

  “Driver,” Chris mouthed. James winked at Chris and positioned the ball on the tee. He adjusted his stance, pulled the club back and smack! The ball soared past Paul’s and landed on the green only a few yards away from the flag. Hell yeah!

  Chris pulled a club from his bag and joined James and Paul on the tee. “Paul, I’m sure you can appreciate the business opportunity that LazerShark represents. We have a strategy for the future, but establishing a partnership with Blue Coat can provide us with a lot of opportunities for expansion. Your vision and expertise are the reasons why we’re here.” His swing faltered on the follow-through and the ball landed in the rough surrounding the green.

  Paul smirked. “Actually, you’re here because one of my senior associates put your portfolio on my desk with her stamp of approval. The screening committee gave the green light. Lucky for you.”

  A flush stained Chris’s cheeks. James hid a smile. Chris didn’t normally get so flustered but Emerson was having quite an effect on him…and his golf swing.

  Paul turned his attention back to James as they walked onto the fairway. “I’ve heard a lot of great things about your work with the MIT media lab. You launched a few start-ups back east, is that correct?”

  “Yes, I did. Aerospace is a passion of mine.”

  “Tell me, what was the reason you stopped working with Steve Cassidy?” Paul tapped his ball with a chipping wedge and watched it land onto the manicured green.

  James cleared his throat. Like he doesn’t already know the answer to that one. Screw it, I’ll humor him. “Well, he was engaging in some behaviors that I wasn’t very receptive to.”

  “Such as?”

  “Sleeping with my girlfriend.” James bent to size up the distance to the flag and he pulled it out of the hole before he putted. “But you already knew that, didn’t you?” A clean stroke sent the ball skating around the hole before it landed in the cup.

  Paul nodded. “Let me just set the stage here, guys. If I’m interested in taking on new investment partners, I’m going to uncover every skeleton in their closets. I need to feel completely comfortable about the prospect of a relationship, that there’s a mutual trust and understanding among us and I’m going to weed out the people that fall short.” He looked at James. “Your old buddy Steve? He’d never have gotten to this point. Let’s go, Chris. Get that ball up here.”

  Chris used a sand wedge to free his ball from the rough. He grimaced as it landed on the opposite side of the green.

  “Tough break.” Paul winked. “Don’t worry, you still have seventeen holes to go. I’m sure you can make it up along the way.” He sank his ball into the cup and slid the putter back into the bag.

  James spoke up since Chris was too busy fuming at his ball. “Just so that we’re on the same page here, exactly what are your expectations for this meeting?” He willed Chris’s ball onto the green and breathed out a sigh of relief when it skipped over to the hole.

  “That’s a fair question, James. I know what I need to know about LazerShark as it stands. Your financials are solid, your growth potential is strong and your strategy for the future is well ahead of the curve. In short, LazerShark is an investment-worthy company on paper.”

  Chris sank the putt then grabbed his bag and they headed towards the second tee. “Thanks, Paul. We’ve been working on a lot of new plans for expansion, and finding a partner whose capabilities—”

  Paul held up his hand. “Chris, don’t misunderstand. I’ve done my homework, but that doesn’t guarantee anything. I don’t base my investment decisions strictly on revenue projections. My intent today is to see how well we could work together as a team. Blue Coat will become immersed in your day-to-day operations and we need to ensure that our new partners are open to fresh concepts. You have to be willing to collaborate, to accept feedback, and in short, be ready to adapt. Technology is a very fast-paced industry and your company needs to be flexible and amenable to change.”

  “What happens if we don’t agree with all your ideas? How much say do we have in how the company expands?” James narrowed his eyes. They needed the funding, but he’d be damned if Paul Emerson was going to run the show with them in the background.

  Chris jumped in. “Paul, I think what James means is that we want to make sure everyone has a voice at the table. Obviously, we’d learn a tremendous amount from you, but let’s not forget that we were able to build LazerShark to this point. That should tell you something about the way we work.”

  “I wouldn’t have agreed to meet with you otherwise, Chris.” Paul took a five iron from his bag and with one swift movement, his ball exploded down the fairway. With a smug smile, he faced James. “Care to take another crack at this?”

  I get the feeling this guy doesn’t like to be shown up…at anything. To his dismay, James sliced at the ball; it wandered into the trees lining the fairway. Chris’s shot wasn’t much better and the rest of their game went downhill from that point.

  Until Paul asked about celebrity athlete fantasy leagues.

  Chris perked up at the mention of their venture. “Membership has exploded, even without official press coverage of the feature. We’re working with several sponsors who want prime advertising space on our site to highlight products and supplements endorsed by our athlete
s. It’s been a very lucrative effort and we’re ready to sign several international celebrities as well.”

  “This initiative has huge potential. Those celebrity relationships will be key to your growth.” Paul walked over to the snack bar on the ninth hole and brought back three bottles of water. “That innovative thinking is what landed you in Young Entrepreneur magazine.”

  James laughed. “Of course you’d know that.”

  Paul nodded, a serious look on his face. “Information is power, James. The better the quality of information, the better the decisions you can make. LazerShark has a great deal of promise, and it represents a very profitable business opportunity. It’s my job to know everything you do and plan to do to so that I can make the most effective decisions on behalf of my investment partners.” He pulled out his iPhone. “Gentlemen, I hate to cut this short, but I need to get to another meeting in San Francisco.”

  James and Chris exchanged confused looks. So, are we getting the funding or what?

  “Paul, thanks so much for your time this morning. What are the next steps?” Chris spoke up, but he avoided the big question.

  Are we getting your money or what, Emerson? Are you interested or just dicking us around?

  James knew that Paul wasn’t handing them a check right then, even if LazerShark did boast two rising stars within Silicon Valley. Well, at least that’s what Young Entrepreneur thinks.

  “My associate Mia Bradshaw will be in touch. Thanks for your time, guys.” Paul picked up his bag and headed back to the clubhouse.

  “Did he just blow us off?” James rolled his eyes at Chris.

  “Maybe, but not because he doesn’t think we’re worthy. The numbers speak for themselves, Jay. Relax.”

  “How can you be so sure? He’s leaving us hanging on purpose. What a prick. Good thing we crapped out early on the course. The guy doesn’t like to lose, that much is clear.”

  “Trust me, Jay. They’ll come back with an offer.” Chris winked at him. “Let’s go, I’ll buy you a pizza.”

  JESSICA OPENED THE door to the apartment and was greeted by colorful bouquets of exotic florals. Vases lined every available counter space and when she breathed in the sweet fragrant air, all she could think about was James and how much she wanted to feel his lips graze hers.

  With her apartment key, she ripped open an Amazon box to find a pile of Sudoku books. How adorable. He actually listened to me. She smirked. Another anomaly.

  She wandered into the living room to find Lisa lounged on the couch watching Keeping Up With The Kardashians.

  “Seriously, Li? There’s nothing else on?”

  Lisa giggled. “I’m sure I could probably find something with way more substance, but I can’t help myself. I get sucked into this show. You know that. By the way, it’s beginning to look like the New York Botanical Gardens in here.”

  Jessica nodded. “It’s nice, makes me feel like he’s closer.”

  Lisa snickered and pointed to the coffee table. “Hope you don’t mind but I helped myself to his latest treat.”

  Jessica gasped. “A Starburst jelly bean tree?”

  “Yeah, he’s definitely creative. I’ll give him that.” She grabbed another bag off the trunk made of Twizzlers.

  Jessica pulled a few beans off a branch and popped them into her mouth. “Mmm, so juicy.” She settled back and looked at Lisa. “Today was a crappy day. After Charlie dumped me from the partner meeting, I found out he’s yanking me off the project. I’ve got a new assignment downtown, somewhere he can keep tabs on me, I’m sure. It looks like my involvement in building this new consulting practice is pretty much over. And so are my chances to get back to California.”

  “Oh no.” Lisa put her arms around Jessica. “Are you sure about that? Are you going to talk to James? Did you tell him anything?”

  “No, I can’t say anything now. I don’t want to throw any wrenches into this relationship yet—it’s too new. But there’s more. I went to see Dr. Martin and he said this numbness may indicate a progression of the MS. I can’t believe how everything turned upside down so quickly, Li.” She shook her head. “It’s crazy that we even found each other but with all these obstacles, can it go anywhere? Is he going to be able to handle all this? I mean, he seemed pretty sure about me when we went out. But that was before…”—

  “Be honest with him, Jess. You’ll never know until you talk to him.”

  “I know. But if he’s going to be in this, I want him to be in it on his own. It has to be his decision, not something he does because he feels pressured by all of these extenuating factors, you know? I want to give it a shot but I’m also the one holding all the baggage.”

  Lisa smiled and motioned to the countless bouquets around them. “I don’t know. Looks to me that he’s definitely in.”

  “I really hope so. I’m also meeting with Charlie’s boss Justin about this project. I need to find out if there’s any hope for the new practice. I can’t give up on it yet. I put too much time in and I deserve that promotion. If Charlie isn’t going to stick his neck out for me, I’m going to handle things myself.”

  Lisa wrinkled her nose. “You’re going over Charlie’s head? Is that such a smart idea?”

  “Li, I’m furious I didn’t get a chance to have a say in that meeting. I’m giving it one last shot. If things don’t pan out and it really is over, at least I can say I tried.” Jessica grinned. “Okay, enough about Charlie and my oodles of issues. Tell me, did you meet up with your office buddy Scott again? Was he devastated to see you leave?”

  “Oh, sure. We had lots of fun together.” Lisa flashed her a wicked smile.

  “You didn’t! I can’t believe you! Aren’t you worried about getting involved with someone at work?”

  “Jessie, don’t pretend to be all prim and proper just because you didn’t give it up to James!” Lisa giggled.

  “Oh come on, we had one date! I’d want to keep him coming back for more!”

  “Listen, if you’ve got the right moves, they’ll always be back. Plus, it’s not like you’ve never ignored your rules before, right?” Lisa tossed a throw pillow at Jessica.

  “Ha ha.” Jessica grimaced. “Please don’t remind me.”

  “So speaking of…what did you decide to do about Paul? Are you going to contact him for your business meeting? Since your last impression was super-favorable, I’m sure he’s anxiously awaiting your call.”

  Jessica made a face. “You’re such a bitch. There’s no reason for me to call him now anyway. I didn’t feel comfortable about rekindling anything with him, professional or otherwise, so I’m glad that the decision was made for me.”

  Lisa nodded. “I still think you’re insane for not taking another shot with him. But, I get it, it’s cute. You’ve got a crush on James.”

  Jessica giggled. “Yeah, I guess I do. All right, I need to change for dinner. I have to meet my parents and Haley in a little while.” She made a face. “Can’t wait to find out what Daddy Dearest has in store for me tonight. Here’s to hoping I can at least choke down my first course without too much indigestion.”

  “SO YOUR MOTHER tells me you met someone.” Peter Latham focused a piercing gaze on his daughter.

  “That’s right.” Jessica stiffened, her fists clenched under the tablecloth.

  He put his fork down. “Do you really think that’s a wise idea right now? You need to concentrate on your health and your career. Aren’t you focused on this promotion at work? Shouldn’t that be a priority? Besides, you don’t need the added stress of a long-distance relationship.”

  Julia shot her husband a look. “Pete, why don’t you ease up on her? Your disapproval is only going to add more stress. She’s excited about this young man. Why shouldn’t she see where it might lead?”

  Peter sighed. “Jessica, you need to be serious about your future. How much do you even know about this guy? Based on your track record, you haven’t always made the best choices.” He gave her another pointed look.

  Jes
sica gasped. “Are you kidding me, Dad? You’re really going there again?” She tossed her napkin on the table. “I’m so sorry! I forgot I was in the presence of greatness here, the almighty Peter Latham who never made a poor choice in his life.” She flashed a sarcastic smile. “I only wish I could be so perfect.”

  “Jessica, enough.” Julia said. She turned to her husband. “Peter, she has the right to live her own life and to spread her wings. There’s never a guarantee that a relationship will work out but shouldn’t she have the option to try?”

  “Come on Daddy, he went to MIT. That should count for something, right? He’s a techie geek. If he landed a girl like Jessie, he should thank his lucky stars. I’m sure he’s a safe bet,” Haley piped in.

  Jessica rolled her eyes. “Haley…”

  “His level of education is inconsequential to me. What matters is you.” Peter pointed at Jessica. He sighed and his voice softened. “All I meant is, you’re dealing with a lot right now. Remember, you have all of us to lean on. We love you and want the best for you. Drew…” He clenched his teeth as he spoke the name. “Was a colossal mistake. I can’t watch you do that to yourself all over again.”

  “Dad, that’s assuming I made yet another questionable choice. But you don’t know James.” Jessica’s voice cracked. “You’re making it seem like no man will ever want me because of this disease. Is that how you really feel? That nobody will be able to see past that, ever?”

  “Of course he doesn’t mean that, Jessie.” Julia glared at Peter. “He’s just concerned. You deserve someone who will accept everything about you. Drew wasn’t the right guy. Your father just wants you to be careful and to protect yourself.”

  “You know, this whole thing really sucks. My life is in complete upheaval and I finally meet someone I think is special. Why can’t you just be happy about that, Dad? Forget what might happen, for once! I might be stuck in a wheelchair one day or go blind. I’m tired of worrying about all that. It’s not helping me. If anything, it’ll make me deteriorate faster. I need to enjoy what I have now. I really wish you could feel the same way.” She stood up and grabbed her handbag. “I need a break. I’m going to the ladies’ room.”