Total pages in book: 107
Estimated words: 99748 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 499(@200wpm)___ 399(@250wpm)___ 332(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 99748 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 499(@200wpm)___ 399(@250wpm)___ 332(@300wpm)
“And if there are to be any changes to ownership of Ford Construction, then the contract, in its existing state, is null and void. And will need to be redrafted.”
“What do you got in mind?” Jed drawls, leaning forward in interest. “Are you suggesting that this development might go up for bids? Say . . . to a newly formed construction company with proven ownership?”
Looks like Dad was right. He knows Jed’s plays before Jed probably even thinks them up. Chrissy, however, doesn’t have that skill.
“What? No! It’s mine! You said so. Township and the construction company are mine!” Chrissy won’t be stopped this time, ranting and slamming her palm against the table sharply and pointing at Jed, who’s grinning like he’s the smartest player at the table. Normally, he might be right. But not today.
Not with me here.
“What are you proposing?” Oliver asks, ignoring Chrissy’s bellowing and Jed’s gloating. He seems markedly less happy now, frowning and looking at me through narrowed eyes. He knows I’ve got the advantage here, despite Jed’s and Chrissy’s caterwauling.
I flip open my folder to the page with the bullet points I’ve laid out, discussed with Ben, and gotten approved by Francine. I don’t need to look at it, but it’s all part of the show. “Putting our cards on the table, our priority is Cold Springs and getting Township built expeditiously to provide affordable, quality housing for our residents. We understand that your primary goal may be slightly different, especially now. However, we’d like to propose that we maintain status quo on the company, the development, and the contract for the short period of time until Township is completed.”
Chrissy’s listening carefully, but I guess I used too many big words, because she spins to look at Oliver. “What does that mean?” she demands.
Keeping an eye on me, like he’s trying to read my mind, he leans over to inform Chrissy, “They want you and Jed to stay married so there’s no division of assets until Township’s done.”
I dip my chin, relaying that that’s exactly what we’d prefer. “According to the original plans, the timeline to completion is pretty reasonable. And it seems those could even be pushed up to a faster pace if materials are available for delivery. We’re not asking for much, just a couple of months maybe.”
“How do you know how quick my guys could get it done?” Jed asks shrewdly.
Shit. I wouldn’t have any way of knowing that . . . except one. And I’m not looking to throw Jesse under the bus.
“Given the hold on permits, it seemed prudent to ensure the letter of the law is adhered to on-site, so I spoke with the job site manager.” See? A perfectly reasonable, professional, and legal reason for me to know that.
“You mean you fucked Jesse and got some pillow talk outta the boy?” Jed’s accusation isn’t said with vitriol, but rather, admiration. “Knew you took after your old Uncle Jed. Anything to seal the deal, right?”
He chuckles as though that’s some sort of compliment. Inwardly, I think he should be glad that I don’t have anything sharp or pointy nearby, while outwardly, I intentionally drop my practiced smile and let him see the hard-nosed bitch he’s dealing with. To his credit, Jed moves back two inches, showing some sense of self-preservation.
“You can’t do that!” Chrissy shouts. To Oliver, she asks, “She can’t do that, can she? It’s illegal or collusion or something.” I think we’re all surprised Chrissy even knows the word collusion, but to be clear, it’s not.
“She can, and it sounds like she did,” Oliver says in a flat voice. Why is he making it sound like while what I did is legal, it’s somehow wrong for Jesse and me to have a conversation? It’s not like he has any say-so in who I talk to. Pillow or otherwise. Did he think his little “think about it” recommendation was going to have me telling Jesse to fuck off and fall into his arms instead?
Not wanting to get sidetracked, I clarify, “For a couple of months, can we consider things staying as they are, at least business-wise? Get Township completed, sell the units—which we all know will happen quickly—and then the divorce can be finalized however you see fit, with the division of profits and company addressed then?”
Chrissy looks at Jed. “Would that mean more money?”
She totally means would she get more money, and the fact that she’s asking Jed speaks volumes to how little knowledge she has of their finances. I honestly want to shake her and ask how she could be so stupid as to allow a man like Jed to keep her so blindly ignorant to their entire financial situation. Everybody who shares finances with someone should know the ins and outs, down to the details. It’s fine if one partner pays the bills and whatnot, but the other party should know if all’s well or you’re swimming in debt at the least. Chrissy probably doesn’t know if she can afford to buy a Coke at the grocery store or buy the whole grocery store itself. It’s ridiculous.