Page 47 of Making It Burn

“Fine,” Mason and I said in unison.

Patsy’s eyes narrowed.“Uh-huh.You know, for two people who are supposed to be collaborating, you’re sitting pretty far apart.”

“We’re maintaining a professional distance,” Mason said.

“It’s a conference table, not a dance floor.You don’t need professional distance.”She gestured at the empty chairs.“Come on, scoot together.You’re a team.”

I looked at Mason.Mason looked at me.

Neither of us moved.

“Now I’m concerned,” Patsy said.“Did something happen?If you two are having issues working together, we need to address that now, not in the middle of negotiations.”

“We’re not having issues,” I blurted.

“We’re fine,” Mason added.

“Then prove it.Sit next to each other like adults.”

This was humiliating.

I grabbed my laptop and moved to the chair next to Mason.

Patsy rolled her eyes.“Better.Barely.But we’ll work on your team bonding later.”

The door opened again, and Carter walked in.

If Patsy was sunshine and iced coffee, Carter was storm clouds and black coffee.

“Good morning,” he said, his tone making it clear that pleasantries were over.He set his briefcase down and pulled out a tablet.“Let’s talk about New Orleans.”

Mason and I exchanged a glance.

“New Orleans?”I asked.

“MediCorp’s headquarters.Where we’ll finalize the merger terms.”Carter looked at us as if we were supposed to know this already.“Didn’t you read the briefing I sent last night?”

I had not read the briefing he sent last night.I’d been too busy counting my blessings and trying not to text Mason.

“I skimmed it,” I lied.

Carter’s expression said he knew I was full of shit.“The executives want to meet in person.Hammer out the final details, address any concerns, and get everything signed before Thanksgiving.You two are flying down Thursday, meetings Friday and Saturday, back Sunday night.”

“Both of us?”Mason’s voice was carefully controlled, but I could hear the tension underneath.

“Yes, both of you.That’s what a team means, Price.”Carter pulled up something on his tablet.“The medical technology provisions are your specialty, Beau.And Mason, you’re handling the financial structures and regulatory compliance.MediCorp wants both of you there to answer questions directly.”

“Of course,” Mason said.

“Great,” I said weakly.

“I’ve booked you on the same flight—United 1447, Thursday at 2 PM.Hotel reservations are at the Windsor Court.You’ll have separate rooms,” Carter added, like he could sense the panic radiating off both of us.“The meeting schedule will be sent by end of day today.”

“Separate rooms,” I repeated, just to confirm.

Carter looked at us, his eyes narrowing slightly.“Is there a problem?”

“No problem,” Mason said quickly.