Billionaire Flawed 2(30)

“Mr. Ellis, this was faxed over from legal this morning. They need you to look it over before they make final arrangements.”

He looked down at the folder, opened it for a moment and folded it closed.

“What do you think, Nia?” he asked.

I made it a point to look over all legal documents; it was good practice for my business degree.

“They want to close it out at 15%, a 4% increase from the last proposal. You’d make an estimated 4 million from signing, and that’s before ground is struck,” I said confidently.

He opened it back up and sifted through a few of the papers. “What do you think? I want your opinion.”

I paused and thought. I couldn’t help but wonder if he was testing me, or if he really did just value my opinion. I considered a lie and thought I should agree with the numbers on the page but had a distinct feeling he wouldn’t enjoy his personal aide lying to him.

“The numbers are a little rough, but it’s a good deal. I think we could come up 3% on the back end but it’ll be a good investment either way, Mr. Ellis.”

He handed back the portfolio, and I stuffed it inside my briefcase. “Tell them to come up 3% or I won’t sign.”

I couldn’t help but feel a little giddy that he’d taken my advice and I also couldn’t help the shallow feeling that I may be wrong and might have cost him the deal.

“Mr. Ell-“

“Nia, I know you haven’t been working here long, but, after a month, you’d think that you’d get over the formalities with me. Just call me Tom like everyone else does.”

“Of course Mr. El-.” He shot me a look and I realized my mistake again. “Tom”

 Another well-dressed man approached from the other side of the stage. “We’re just about ready for you. Another five minutes and we’ll be set.”

“Good, good. I have to get back to the office as soon as possible,” Tom replied.

The stranger disappeared into the small crowd that began to swell.

“Tom,” I said, feeling a little more personal, “come a little closer.”

He leaned in, smiling, and I took the opportunity to straighten up his collar. I couldn’t avoid the amazing smell that wafted from him; the cologne he wore must have cost more than my old apartment. He seemed not to be paying much attention to his clothing as he lingered a little longer than was needed.

“You’re all set,” I said. “I’ll have the documents drawn up again for the meeting later.”

“Nia, what would I do without you?” he asked with a smile.

“You’d find another personal assistant capable of making a slob like you look good.” I said with a wink.

He couldn’t help but laugh for a moment. His laughter was stopped by the man from before tapping him on the shoulder. Tom nodded, flashed me another smile, turned around and joined the rest of the suits on stage.

I took a moment to send an e-mail to the lawyers to draw up the new documentation, and, before long there was applause on stage as Tom stood behind the podium.

“Today, we are here for an historic occasion. What used to be an open parking lot will soon become low-rent housing for so many citizens that need it.

“I wish I could provide a home for every man, woman, and child in need, but one man can only do so much. I would like everyone to know that this will not be the last development project in this area as I am in the process of creating new places for people both young and old to relax and play.

“We are building a new park and a new community center that will be free for anyone and everyone to enjoy.

“Today is the dawn of a beautiful and bright future for us all. Thank you.”

The crowd cheered at his comments, and I felt proud of my boss. So much money in the world sat in banks, but he wasn’t afraid to spend it to improve the city in which he lived.

I knew this area well as I had grown up not far away. I can remember staying indoors to study while avoiding the gangs. I couldn’t forget playing on the street during the summer with my friends and wishing I had a real place nearby to play. To be honest, it really did make me into the person I am today and I wouldn’t have changed a thing when I look back.

Tom stepped off the stage and shook a few hands. There were a few people that I recognized in the crowd, but I didn’t try to presume that they’d want to sit around and talk. I had no time for reminiscing anyway.

I sent Brent a message to start the car and joined up with Tom once again. He had finally managed to clear himself from the crowd of people.

He took a novelty shovel from another fellow and walked to the middle of the parking lot where a patch of dirt had already been cleared. He shoved the shovel into the loose dirt and paused waiting for all the photo’s to be taken before ripping the dirt from its rest.