Unbroken Love

Chapter 14

Chapter 14

The City of London Bank Headquarters

In the Main Meeting Room

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

2:55 p.m.

“Alistair Connor,” Berkley said, “they’ve set the meeting date for the beginning of March.”

“You all know I won’t be available then.” Alistair crossed his arms over his chest.

“They have informed us the deal can be canceled if not approved by March fifteenth,” informed Malcolm from the other end of the table.

“And you believe this, Malcolm?” He raised an ironic eyebrow. “We’re one of the most powerful banks in the world now. They can make our work difficult, but cancel the deal?”

“Carnival is a big holiday in Brazil, and they would have a good excuse to travel all together.”

Alistair laughed dryly. “I see you don’t know these guys. They don’t care if they have a good excuse or no’. They do what they want without giving a s**t about legislation, terms, or what their people need. They’re just trying to scare us. Let me tell you something, gentlemen: I. Am. Not. Easily scared.” He rose from his chair and walked to the door, but paused before opening it. f**k! This is too serious to put entertainment first.

He looked over his shoulder and instructed, “See what you can do. If there is no way around it, I’ll be here to face them.”

Chelsea

The Blue Dot

8:07 p.m.

“Couldn’t you have arranged for another day?” Alistair said to Tavish as they entered his blue-marine BMW and huffed. “You knew it could turn into a dinner.”

“Sorry, Alistair Connor, but you know how artists are. I’ve even opened a special date at The Blue Dot for them.”

“You have?” Alistair was impressed. The schedule at the gallery was almost fully booked until the end of the year. “When?”

“They need just two days to set everything up. So, I thought about a grand opening on April fifth, ending the day after the Royal Wedding. We have another exhibition beginning on May third.”

Hmm. “I don’t know. There are many holidays in April.”

“That’s why I managed to fit them in. There was nothing programmed for April but the exhibition of our in-house collection. I’m counting on you to guarantee the exclusivity for us. These brothers are quite slippery.”

“Don’t worry, Tavish Uilleam. That’s my specialty.” Alistair grinned at his brother and fished his iPhone from his inner breast pocket, texting. “I just have to tell Sophia that I won’t be having dinner with her.”

Alistair. 8:09 p.m. - The meeting has turned into a dinner. I’m on my way to the restaurant. Sorry. ☹

Beauty. 8:10 p.m. - Is this dinner going to keep you for long?

Alistair. 8:11 p.m. - I hope not. Prob two hours.

Beauty. 8:11 p.m. - I’ll miss you.

He smiled smugly and texted back.

Alistair. 8.11 p.m. - I know.

Beauty. 8.13 p.m. - Ah, Lord I’m-so-handsome-and-I-know-it, that’s a pity...I had such a nice surprise for you tonight. Well, enjoy your dinner and pay rapt attention to your partners’ conversation.