Page 15 of The Meeting
“I’m sure it has.”
She smiled at him and he almost felt like he turned into putty. He cleared his throat and looked down at the notes he had made.
“Okay, first, I want you to tell me what happened and what you want from all of this.”
She went on to explain that she and Drew each owned fifty percent of the company and explained their roles. Essentially, she was the creative behind the designs and products, and Drew handled all other aspects as far as business went, with the occasional help from a friend-turned-employee for marketing. They had established a decent client-base, which she wanted to maintain during the split.
Chase nodded along, trying to focus solely on what Kailynn was saying to him without drifting into a territory that shouldn’t be sought after.
She continued, “I guess I just want to get out with the company intact. I want to keep everything the way it is, but have Drew gone.” She laughed, lightly. “I know I would need to take on a lot that he did, but I don’t want to have to see him anymore. I don’t think we can work amicably together.”
Her phone pinged, and she gave him a guilty look. “I’m sorry. Let me silence that.”
She pulled her phone out of her purse, and she paused when she saw the screen, her eyebrows furrowing.
“Are you okay?” Chase asked, suddenly curious about what she was reading.
“Yeah, I just…” She sighed. “Is there any way to make Drew stop contacting me? I mean, I don’t need a restraining order, and I realize we still have a business to run, but I’m tired of him badgering me.”
“Can I see?”
He held his hand out for her phone. She nodded and handed it over.
Various texts from Drew had been sent over the last few days.
Just like that and we’re done? It’s not my fault you have so much shit.
Really, Kailynn? You’re just leaving?
Where the fuck did you take your stuff? I’m surprised you could fit all of your shit in your car.
I’m keeping all the furniture. You left it, so it’s mine.
Kailynn, we need to talk. I’m sorry for my outburst. Please contact me.
Fine. Be a bitch. Ignore me.
We really need to discuss this. You won’t succeed without me.
To that, Kailynn’s response was:I’m seeing a lawyer. We will discuss it after I speak to him.
His last message, the one he had just sent, said:This is why we would never work. You’re so fucking dramatic.
“Wow.” He rubbed the back of his neck after handing Kailynn’s phone back to her. “I suggest we send him a letter saying all communication needs to go through lawyers from here on out, unless you prefer to still discuss the day-to-day workings of the company with him.”
She shook her head. “No thanks. I’d rather it go through you. I don’t need that kind of abuse.”
Chase’s vision darkened at the corner, and his throat constricted.
“Did he abuse you?”
Her eyes widened. “No! I meant verbal abuse.”
He took a deep breath and squeezed his eyes shut to let the sudden onslaught of anger he felt dissipate.
Kailynn shifted, and he opened his eyes to find her watching him curiously.
“I’m sorry. I just get upset when I hear of someone being abused.”
