Page 73 of Love Under the Microscope
Nate looks up from his computer. “Zel, do you have those sales projections for Mitrax?”
“They should be in your inbox.” I read a report from one of our chief scientists about the drop in sales of another drug, similar to what happened to Mitrax, a migraine relief drug. “I emailed them to you about ten minutes ago.”
He grins. “Thank you. Efficient as always.” He clicks his mouse and disappears into whatever he’s reading. “That’s quite a sizable drop.”
I see he’s frowning. “Yes, but I don’t think we need to worry just yet. We should watch the numbers. Gluxo launched a new migraine relief pill that’s cheaper and supposedly doesn’t cause drowsiness. It’s bound to take a big chunk of the marketplace to start with, but things will level out as they usually do.”
Nate leans back in his chair, steepling his fingers under his chin. “You’re right. The same happened when UnoPharm launched their contraceptive pill. Sales of Femtrogen went down.”
“Exactly, but they went back up when women who used UnoPharm’s pill complained of leg cramps.” The mere mention of Nigel’s company makes me want to throw things.
“Typical of that two-bit company,” Nate grumbles. “Not thorough enough testing.”
That’s actually a very valid point. If Nigel managed to decipher my formula, he’d only have the beginnings of what would be a highly profitable drug. Maybe Nate’s right, and UnoPharm will screw it up like they have other products. Maybe, even if he tried to release a product to compete with Orchid, it could eventually promote our sales, not jeopardize them. I can only hope.
“Typical of other companies,” I say. “Which is why Sam wanted to be sure Orchid was safe before we launched it.”
Sam went even further with his deep dive into Zentello practices before leaving to ensure everything was above board. I don’t blame him for doing it. Safety has always been my concern, which is why Mr. Z pushed back against Orchid and the original Happy Pill project. I was completely anal about what I created. And now I want to make sure Nigel won’t pull some shit that’ll ruin our hard work.
“I know,” Nate agrees. “And totally understand. We’ll launch soon, sweetheart.”
“I know, but I feel weird dropping the launch on you. I usually do them.”
“You usually do everything.” He’s not wrong. “But Ashton and I have this.”
I nod. “I just want everything to go perfectly.”
“We have approval. We’ve triple-checked everything. Due diligence accomplished. Plus, we had Sam digging into it. Nothing is wrong with Orchid.”
“I know.” I reach for his hand and squeeze it. “Thank you.”
“No worries. Now.” He pulls his hand from mine and clears his throat. “When is your reporter frenemy coming in to do the interview?”
Frenemy is how we began, but now we’re lovers. I smile wryly. “Jack should be here soon. And remember what I told you.”
Nate grins. “You want me to behave.”
“Please.”
“You don’t think I will?”
“You can be like a big protective bear when you feel like it. Just remember, I’m a grown-ass woman and know how to look after myself.”
“Two words. Nigel Carrington.”
My heart sinks, and I have no words.
“My tires and paintwork are a testament to what a dick he is,” Nate adds.
“Yes, that’s true, but I’m pretty sure Jack isn’t like that.”
Nate’s eyes darken. “You need to be positive, Zelda. ‘Pretty sure’ isn’t enough because, at the end of the day, he’s a journalist. His job is to get a story.”
“Make a girl feel special, why don’t you, Nate.” I hate that his words hit home, but it isn’t something that hasn’t already crossed my mind more than once. But I’m confident about the way Jack feels about me. No way can I be just a story to him.
“I’m sure he likes you just fine,” Nate replies as if reading my mind. “Why wouldn’t he? You’re a catch. I just want you to be cautious, so you don’t get hurt.”
I want to tell him about the night Jack and I shared, but I don’t think I should yet.
