by Lexy Timms
Because I knew what was underneath Ashley’s clothes, and it would get very distracting during this meeting.
“Sorry for my tardiness,” I said. “Is there anyone else we’re expecting for this meeting?”
“You’re actually three minutes early, and no,” Ashley said.
“It’s good you guys are getting a jumpstart on your taxes because there are a few things here I don’t understand,” Jack said.
“You know Jackson Brent, our lead CPA,” Ross said.
“They’re very easy to explain, Mr. Sheldon. These confusions that have come up. Don’t worry,” Ashley said.
“I’m familiar with the new laws that have dropped into our laps. I simply want to make sure the totals are right,” I said.
“From what you’ve handed me, it looks like you doubled your charitable contributions from last year,” Jack said. “If that’s the case, you’ll only be able to claim up to a certain amount.”
“Not under the new tax law,” I said. “It’s one of the corporate tax breaks we’re getting. We can claim all of the charity donations we make against our net profit and the business expenses we rack up.”
“Which have become lax with these new stipulations as well, Mr. Sheldon,” Ashley said. “Not only has the tax bracket dropped in percentage, but—”
“Certain tax breaks have become available in certain states we do business with,” I said.
“Yes, which means some of the purchases made in those states—”
“Can be written off at greater costs depending on the specified use of the product. I’m familiar with the tax laws, Miss Ternbeau.”
I watched Ashley’s cheeks tint as a small grin ticked my cheek.
“If my numbers are accurate, then I can estimate you stand to get forty percent more back this year on your taxes than you have in the past decade,” Ashley said.
“I like the sound of that,” I said. “Here’s what we’re going to do. Jack, take all the information you have and feed it through your system. When it spits out what you usually bring to Ross, deliver it to Miss. Ternbeau instead. She’s going to be our second set of eyes on this.”
“Yes, sir,” Jack said.
“When would you like the finalized taxes on your desk?” Ashley asked.
“By the beginning of April. But I want you to have them, Miss Ternbeau, by the beginning of March. I want to give us plenty of time to bat these back and forth as new things emerge with this new tax law. I’ve got our lawyers digging into it, and I’m sure more is bound to come forth.”
“Consider it done,” Jack said.
“I’ll be ready and waiting,” Ashley said.
Oh, I enjoyed the sound of that phrase coming from her. I dismissed the two of them and watched as Ashley sauntered away from me. She wouldn’t have normally caught my eye. Her skirts didn’t fit her well, and her shirts left much to be desired in terms of the fit. She had thick, black-framed glasses that hid her sparkling eyes, and her hair was up in those horrendous chopsticks.
But I knew what was there.
I knew what was underneath those clothes.
“I figured that meeting would’ve taken longer,” Ross said as we exited the room.
“When you make things short and sweet, it never takes long,” I said.
“I guess you do have a way with people.”
“It was a pretty pointless meeting, but it was nice to have us all in one room.”
“It wasn’t pointless. These new tax laws are going to get hairy. We all needed to meet to figure out how best to approach this.”
“And fifteen minutes later, we accomplished what a single email could have done,” I said with a grin.
“Well, I’m glad we did it.”
“I never said I wasn’t glad we did it, though I am concerned Ashley might become uncomfortable working with me in a closer setting over the coming months.”
“Don’t worry about that. I’m going to supervise her work to make sure nothing gets messed up if she gets distracted.”
“Good. And I want to meet with her very rarely alone. I understand we’ll have to do it eventually, but there’s no point in doing it more than is required of either of us. The last thing I need right now is a corporate sexual harassment lawsuit.”
“Hmm. I wonder why those words sound familiar,” he said.
“You really want to play that game? Because I’ve got years of memories dedicated to this game with you.”
“No, thanks. You’re as competitive as they come, and I don’t have enough coffee in me to start that up,” he said.
“If you’re looking for some, I recommend that place down the street. Really good coffee.”
“It’s way too strong for me. I’d water your cup down and get five of them for myself.”
“How dare you destroy such a legacy with something as plain as water,” I said. “Get out of my office, you monster.”
“Is there anything else?” he said with a chuckle.
“There isn’t. Let me know if anything burns down.”
“You’ll be the last to know since I’ll be putting out the fire.”
“Spoken like a true right-hand man!” I said as Ross got off the elevator.
“And COO!” he said.
Chapter 6
Ashley
My hands were shaking as I made my way back to my desk. I had come in this morning to Mr. Brent beckoning me to his office. He gave me a very quick rundown of what was about to happen and then tossed some papers at me and told me to familiarize myself with things. Sure, taxes were one of my strong suits. But no one could devour taxes in fifteen minutes.
But I did the best I could, and Mr. Sheldon seemed to be pleased.
“Miss Ternbeau?”
I turned my head at the sound of Mr. Fowler’s voice. What was going on? Had I missed something?
“Could you come back into Mr. Brent’s office, please?”
People were looking around at me as I got back up out of my chair. They were throwing me questioning looks as I walked back into the man’s office. Mr. Brent was sitting at his desk, and Ross was standing in the corner. They ushered me to sit down in the chair in front of the desk, and I had no idea what was about to come my way.
Was there something I had missed? Did the meeting not go as well as I’d thought it did?
“I’m sorry for the hecticness of this morning,” Mr. Fowler said. “When things happen last minute, it tends to get chaotic.”
“It’s not a problem,” I said. “Is something wrong?”
“Nope. Ross and I want to make sure you’re clear on what just happened,” Mr. Brent said.
“If I’m reading the scenario correctly, Mr. Sheldon’s wanting me to take a look at the official corporate tax documents once they’re prepared to make sure they sync up with all the corporate benefits that come with this tax overhaul,” I said.
“Not exactly. Everything will be finalized by Mr. Brent, but we do want you and him to bat things back and forth as information comes from our lawyer. These new tax laws will help us out a lot, but they are buried underneath mounds of formal speak. We have our lawyers decoding it for us, and as they find new information for us to use, things will have to shift. We want you to be on standby along with Mr. Brent to give us another pair of eyes on these taxes this year,” Mr. Fowler said.
“I can do that,” I said. “Thank you for trusting me with something like this.”
“There will be a bonus for you as well,” Mr. Brent said. “Right?”
“There will be. You’ll see it on your paycheck once taxes are filed and accepted,” Mr. Fowler said.
I felt relief course through my veins. Extra money meant more ways I could help my mother. I could dig myself out of the last of the money I owed on my credit card and, depending on how much it was, I could put a little bit of it away in my savings. It wasn’t much, but anything extra would help me out.
“Thank you so much. You have no idea how much this means to me,” I said.
“It’s going to be a doozy of a tax year, and I’ll make sure your bonus reflects your efforts,” Mr. Fowler said.
It took all I had not to tear up in Mr. Brent’s office.
They dismissed me, and I went back to work. I clocked out for an early lunch, unable to contain my excitement. I rushed out of the office, ran to my car, and then sped out of the parking garage so I could go see Cassidy. I swung by our favorite takeout place and picked us up both lunch to celebrate. Then, I parked on the side of the road and wrapped around to her back entrance.
“I hear that door opening, which means it can only be one person,” Cassidy said.
“I bring lunch and very good news,” I said.
“How much do I owe ya?” she asked.
“Nothing. It’s on me.”
“No, it’s not. Unless we’re celebrating a raise.”
“Not a raise but a bonus,” I said.
“Oh, sounds juicy. Did the boss give it to you for a ... job well done?”
“Not funny, and I’m going to smack you later for it.”
“Let’s eat so you can get up the energy to chase me down for it. Why all the smiling?” she asked.
“Because of the bonus, you idiot!”
“I mean, what’s it for?” she asked. “And don’t call me an idiot. I’ll throw you into the fondant I’m making.”
“I’ll eat my way out,” I said with a grin. “Anyway, the company’s wanting me to be a second set of eyes on their taxes this year. You know, with all the tax breaks being used as an incentive to bring jobs back into the country. Mr. Fowler said the bonus would be worth my while.”
“They’re paying you with cash, right? Not with your boss’s dick?”
“I’m going to kill you,” I said flatly.
“Oh, take a joke. Come on. You should’ve known I’d given you a hard time on it. And anyway, I’m happy for you. I know any sort of boost in your paycheck will help you out with everything going on. And you know if you ever need money, you can call me, right?”
“Someone who’s good with numbers who can’t stick to her own budget? What would that look like?” I asked.
“Like you finally decided to treat yourself to something after working so hard and using every extra ounce of cash you have to take care of your mother.”
“Wow, you drew in a deep breath for that one.”
“I’ve been storing it in my pocket for a rainy day, yes,” she said. “But, why you?”
“Ouch. What does that mean?” I asked.
“Not like it came out. You’re good with numbers. Sickly good. It’s why I have you look over all my shit before I shove money at you and demand you take it. But, do you think them doing this has anything to do with your weekend?”
“You think they gave me this job because I slept with Mr. Sheldon?”
“I’m only wondering. Is that possible? Because if it is, this might not be a good idea.”
“I don’t think so. I mean, Mr. Sheldon was there in the beginning part of the meeting this morning. If it was because of, you know, what we did, wouldn’t he have hit on me or something during the meeting?”
“You saw him there? How did that make you feel?”
“Not really like anything,” I said.
“You weren’t nervous or giddy or anything like that?”
“No. I think I’m still a little embarrassed, but he kept it professional, and I did the same. I really don’t think they gave this to me because I slept with him.”
“Was it his call?”
“What?” I asked.
“Something like this. Would they need his approval in order to give you this extra work or this bonus?”
“I don’t know. Probably. It is the corporation’s taxes.”
Cassidy gave me this look as she began to eat her burger.
Could she be right? Was it possible they gave me this position because I drunkenly slept with Mr. Sheldon? What? Did they think I was going to tell someone about it or something? Use it as leverage to move up in his company? Was this some sort of weird hush money they were throwing my way?
Was that how hush money worked?
“Damn it. Why did you have to say that?” I asked. “Now I can’t stop thinking about it.”
“You’re probably right. If they were professional in the meeting, then maybe they did choose you because you’re the right person for the job,” Cass said.
“But what if this is because I slept with him? Why would they give me something like this if I slept with him?”
“To make sure you didn’t try to hold it over his head?” she asked.
“Ugh, that was what I was thinking.”
“Look, it was only a suggestion. I didn’t mean to make this a big thing. If you’re that worried about it, then go above and beyond. Show them you’re really the right person for this job. Change their mind if that’s the track it’s on.”
“That’s actually not a bad idea,” I said.
“Show them what you can bring to the table professionally. Show off that mind of yours and take the reins. If they did this because you slept with him, then make sure by the end of it, they don’t regret hiring you for the job.”
“Yeah. That’s exactly what I’m going to do. I’m going to show them why I’m the best at what I do,” I said.
“Get it, girl.”
“I’m going to show them I’m worth a damn to their company.”
“Yes, girl. Preach!” Cass said.
“I’m going to show them I was the best decision Mr. Sheldon ever made!”
“Professionally speaking, of course.”
“I really am going to slap you,” I said.
“You’ll have to catch me first,” she said with a grin.
Chapter 7
Jimmy
I watched our newest client whack his golf ball out into the woods. The man was terrible at the sport. He used mulligans like they were “get out of jail free” cards. But anything to procure a client was what I would do. He was looking for someone to supply him with some basic model helicopters for helicopter tours around the Miami area. He had touched down with a new luxury resort, and he was looking for a few things to add into the high ticket price for his customers to enjoy.
“Helicopter tours are lots of fun for the tourists, and you can charge different prices for the length of the ride. You can work a basic ride into your vacation prices, then upcharge if they want to stay in the air longer or survey a wider range of Miami,” I said.
“You don’t have to instruct me on my business model, Mr. Sheldon. I know how it works. I built it. I know what works for me.”
“Then, for a man of your intelligence, you know what I can provide for you,” I said.
“Yes, but even your bargain price is very steep.”
“If your customers are going to pay a luxury price, they’re going to want luxury. Even at the bargain price,” I said. “That’s simply good business. That’s how you build a reputation.”
“Did you think I brought you out here to coach me on how to build business relationships?” the client asked.
“All Mr. Sheldon is trying to say is we can work with you on the price,” Ross said. “If it’s steep, we can work out a payment plan that suits your needs. It’s what we’re known for.”
“With high interest rates, I’m sure,” the client said.
“If you want to set up a payment plan, I’m willing to give you no interest for two years on your payments,” I said.
“I don’t need any more debt to anyone,” the client said. “I’ve got enough of my money being paid out on a monthly basis. I have a fund I’m pulling from so I can pay up front for these helicopters.”
“Well, why didn’t you say that?” I asked as I teed up. “I’m more than willing to come down on the price of our helicopters if you have the cash to foot up front.”
I whacked the ball and watched it soar through the sky. It arched perfectly and landed square on the green. Ross clapped me on the shoulder as I
turned back to our client, but he was walking toward our golf cart grumbling to himself.
Great. Another golf game I’d have to throw in order to secure a grumpy client.
“How much are we talking about?” he asked.
“How much am I willing to come down in price?” I asked.
“No, how much alcohol can you guzzle before we get to the hole. Yes, the price.”
I looked at Ross and widened my eyes as I nodded for him to take the lead.
“If you want a range of helicopters with different seating arrangements, that will help with your price. We can come down on the five-seater helicopters from one point five million to one point one million, and if you wanted some two-seater helicopters for those wanting to fly solo with the pilot, we can make those for as little as two hundred thousand out of your pocket.”
“That doesn’t seem like much of a deal,” the client said.
“Seven five-seater helicopters like you are asking for would cost you ten and a half million at the original cost. Dropping that to one point one million each brings that total down to seven point seven million. But, if you make that order with five big copters and two or three small ones, then the price comes down even more to a measly five and a half million and change,” Ross said.
The client went silent as I grinned at Ross. I could tell he was sweating because, at those prices, we’d be absorbing the cost, but I was ready to do that. He was a first-time client who saw our value in not only selling our product but providing maintenance packages as well. Getting into the luxury hotel and vacation business would be a massive shoo-in for us, which meant nailing this guy was imperative.
“I’m sure your maintenance packages for the helicopters will throw that last number back up over eight million,” the client said
And there it was.
His top-dollar budget.
“Mr. Pruitt, I’m ready to make you a deal today where I can get you four of our largest helicopters and three of our smallest ones for eight million dollars, including our top maintenance package. On each.”
“On each?” he asked.
“Yes, sir. Eight million flat, the best warranties in the country, and not another dime out of your pocket for the next five years.”