Not the Marrying Kind(47)
“You made some good points today, Blackwood. Expanded on your proposal from last time.” Stan paused and glanced around the group, making a grand show of equanimity. “What do you think, gentlemen? This proposal looks solid to me.”
Murmurs of agreement filtered through the room and Beck exhaled in relief.
“I think we’ve got ourselves a deal.”
Beck resisted the urge to punch the air in victory. He settled for a sedate handshake with Stan and the other investors before they scuttled out.
He’d done it.
Achieved a lifelong goal.
To make people sit up and take notice, to look at him with respect, not derision.
The faster he got Stan’s signature on the dotted line, the faster he could get back to Poppy and celebrate.
“You did good, better than the other contender.” Stan gathered up his things. “Your company has cleaned up its act and so have you.”
Inwardly Beck seethed. One indiscretion by an employee and people like Stan tarnished his company. As for him, he’d never been all that wild to begin with, but amazing what a convenient marriage could do for a guy’s reputation.
“Come by my office Monday and I’ll sign off on the deal.”
Beck’s internal happy dance faltered. “I’ve got the documents ready to go now.”
Stan stared at him as if he’d asked him to sign a new Declaration of Independence. “My attorney will need to look it over again, in case you’ve made amendments.”
“I haven’t,” Beck said, his tone extremely well modulated when he felt like yelling in frustration.
“Good. Then it shouldn’t take long and we’ll be ready to proceed Monday.”
Beck had no choice.
He’d be happier when the entire deal was signed, sealed, and delivered, but it was merely a formality. In high-end business, a man’s word was as good as a promise, so he’d sit tight over the weekend and wait.
“Shall we say eleven Monday morning?” Beck asked.
“Sure.”
Beck escorted Stan to the door, grateful he had Poppy to distract him over the next forty-eight hours. He would’ve gone stir-crazy otherwise, watching the clock and waiting for Monday to roll around.
Stan paused at the door. “You’ll be at the party tomorrow night?”
Stan made it sound like he’d be attending a brothel rather than Lou’s divorce party.
“Yeah, so will most of LA and Vegas, from what I hear.”
Stan frowned. “Rather crass, don’t you think? Celebrating divorce?”
Beck had no intention of getting into a moral argument with the sanctimonious do-gooder, especially when he was this close to securing his deal. “Lou sees it as celebrating his new life, not the divorce.”
Stan’s bushy brows shot heavenward. “People should work harder at their marriages, not walk at the first sign of trouble.”
Great. Beck could only imagine the lectures he’d cop when his divorce came through. The twinge in his chest was surprising. Conscience? Or something deeper? Something involving him and Poppy extending their marriage contract for a little longer… “Guess that’s up to the individuals. No one knows what goes on behind closed doors.”
“True.” Stan pinned him with a probing stare. “How’s married life treating you?”
“Couldn’t be better.”
“Good to hear.” Stan leaned closer, like he was about to impart some long lost secret. “Your newfound stability went a long way to convincing the investors to sign.”
“Really?” How Beck managed to say it with a straight face he’d never know.
“Yeah, more people should focus on marriage rather than divorce.” Stan shook his head. “Nasty business, but my wife wants to attend the party and what the boss says goes.”
Thank goodness Poppy had insisted on preserving her anonymity. Beck had a feeling even his marriage wouldn’t have been enough to save this deal if Stan and his conservative cronies discovered his wife was the one “perpetuating the crassness.”
“I’ll see you tomorrow, then.” Beck ushered him out the door, his patience at a limit.
“That you will.” Stan slapped him on the back one last time for good measure and Beck hid his distaste.
He’d have to tolerate the buffoon for the duration of this deal, but thankfully once construction started in the various states across the country, Stan would be part of the behind-the-scenes moneymen and Beck wouldn’t have to deal with him much.
When Stan disappeared behind the elevator doors, Beck’s EA glanced up from her desk with a raised eyebrow. He gave a thumbs-up and she grinned.
He’d done it. Facilitated the deal of a lifetime for his company. And every state across the southern US would soon know who Beck Blackwood was. He should be rounding up his crew and heading to Blackwood’s for a round of drinks…or ten.