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TATE

“He still hasn’t signed the fucking contract?

” I’m bellowing into the Microsoft Teams meeting.

I left that shit for brains with ironclad paperwork, stating the timeline, the projected payment, and our terms of conditions.

Plant and Brothers pulling this shit is a low fucking blow.

We had a verbal agreement; Kenny and I did, at least. I’m assuming he took it back to his brother, and those two got together, figuring they’d try their luck again.

“It appears that way, Tate. I’m sorry this has taken so long.” It’s been a full freaking week of wining and dining these clowns. Surely, something had to give; clearly, it didn’t.

“We’re done. Send them an email, or I’ll get ahold of them and tell Kenny just what I think of this harebrained scheme he’s decided to play.

In the meantime, since he’s been fucking with my time, I’ve got three other contracts that are ready to go,” I tell Amy, our administrative assistant who is in the meeting along with my VP.

Fuck, owning and operating a business sucks sometimes.

I’d much prefer being back in Alabama handling the day-to-day operations, even getting my hands dirty.

The rate life keeps fucking me lately in the work department, it doesn’t seem like I’m ever going back to that.

“Pack up your place and come back home. The amount we’re spending on keeping you there isn’t worth it.

You’re damn irritable, and you can always leave and return the same day if need be.

Amy, put the Plants on a permanent hold list. If they don’t sign this contract again, we’re not doing business with them,” Mason states.

I may be the president of the company, but no doubt about it, my right-hand man makes shit move.

“Fucking finally.” I’ve been on everyone’s ass lately.

Doesn’t matter if it’s my parents calling, I’m irritable as hell.

If it’s Em, I try to be nice, but even she can tell my mood is sour as fuck.

It’s making our calls short and to the point, neither of us taking anything further with the way I’m being a dick.

Not necessarily to her, but my mind is everywhere except on our conversation, making things hard on another innocent bystander.

“It’ll be nice to have you back. We’ll get our other reps working the area.

Seeing as you were able to produce so much business in Tennessee, branching out would be smart.

” That reminds me to talk to Emily. She was ready to start looking at vacant storefronts when we were walking down the streets.

They might have to change the dynamic some, with what clothing they have and definitely find contractors in this area.

“Think that’s a good idea. Amy, thank you for your help. I know this hasn’t been easy.” I make a mental note to see about hiring an intern or two to help with the daily office stuff. Beach Babe isn’t the only business getting bigger; it seems we’ll be doing the same thing.

“Never a problem, Tate, you know that.” Amy worked for my parents when they had a small company working in the oil industry; that was back before we moved to Alabama. She moved with them, uprooting her whole family. My parents made sure she was well taken care of, and I’ve carried it on.

“Later, guys. I’m off to meet with the CPA. It seems Tate has been working double time in everything, seeing as how I’m getting checks at the office for the boys and girls club.” That brings a smile to my face. At least something is going right.

“Bye, thanks again. I’m going to make a few phone calls, tie up a few loose ends, and then I’m heading to Alabama. If I’m not back home in three days, make sure bail is ready. I don’t trust the Plants any more than I can throw them.” I rub a hand down my face.

“Fucker, we’re not kids anymore. Shit comes with a record,” Mason states.

“And with that, I’m signing off. I love you both like you’re my own boys, but you two have foul mouths,” Amy states. We laugh knowing her boys and daughters both probably cuss worse than Mason and I do combined.