“But you’ve made it pretty far without overloading payroll,” I said. “So, it wouldn’t surprise me if you wanted to coast for a few years.”
Landon smirked. “Coast? What does that even mean? I’m pretty sure Justin and Langston forbid anyone to use that word when it comes to this company.”
“Of course they do.” I wasn’t one to coast through life, content with only what I had. I was the sort of man who always wanted more, so I could understand where they were coming from.
“I’m not sure if you’re aware of this or not,” Landon continued, “but Justin recently hired Greg.”
“Edge and I are good friends. He might’ve mentioned it a time or two,” I offered with a grin.
“Did he tell you it wasn’t an easy sell?”
I nodded.
“Justin was on Greg to come work for the firm for years. The man pushed back until recently. We’re happy he’s made the leap over to the dark side. Along with him, Justin’s also hired Jane and Zeke for positions within the company.”
I was familiar with everyone because they were all Masters at my club. Mistress, as was the case for Jane.
“What’s Zeke’s background? Why did I think he was in security?” I’d known Zeke for quite a while. It wasn’t official, but Zeke assisted at the club when brute force was necessary which was the reason I’d reached out to him for this temporary job of watching Clarissa.
“That’s what I thought, too, but it appears he has quite the portfolio in technology.”
Interesting. Perhaps he was in cybersecurity. That would make sense.
“And Jane?”
“Jane previously worked for one of the Big Five publishers. Although it was quite some time ago. She’s the perfect fit on my side. However, we’ve brought Jordan up in the ranks as well. Langston and I have given him his own account set and he’s settling in nicely.”
“With Dale backfilling as the receptionist?”
“Naturally. Although, we’re hoping to bring on a few more secretaries as well. People who can help manage the day-to-day, but we’re leaving that to them.”
“Well, I think Jordan deserves it. He’ll be good at interacting with your clients,” I told Landon. “Professional and friendly. I think your author talent will appreciate that. And what about Case and Brax? What’s your interest there?”
Landon chuckled. “That’s an entirely separate business venture. Justin wants to meet with them to gauge their interest.”
“Please tell me he’s not planning to pilfer my employees.”
“Oh, he is,” Landon said matter-of-factly. “However, it would be a joint venture with you, of course.”
“The man’s planning to open a restaurant,” I said as it all came together.
Landon grinned. “If Brax’s interested.” He motioned toward the wall. “Justin has the idea to add a restaurant on the main floor. Open to the public. High-end. Quite frankly, I think he’s tired of sandwiches for dinner all the time.”
That made me smile. “And the gym?”
“Second and third floors,” Landon replied easily. “He’s even got the plans drawn up. He’d want Case to manage it, but he’s open to negotiating.”
“Justin doesn’t do anything half-ass, does he?”
“Not at all.”
While this was all news to me, I liked the idea. Granted, it would mean I would lose two valuable employees, but who was I to stand in their way if they wanted to take an offer like this? Brax had always wanted to open his own restaurant. Now would be the perfect opportunity for him to make a name for himself. And Case … well, Case was the laid-back, easy going one. He would likely go wherever Brax went. They were close.
“You’ve definitely got me curious, but what does any of this have to do with expanding into Hollywood talent representation?”
“You never were one to beat around the bush, were you, Ramsey?”
“It’s a waste of time.”
Landon chuckled. “Well, Langston and I were talking last week and he mentioned your contract is about to be up with your current agency. He said you were entertaining them and I wanted to understand where you were with that.”
“I haven’t confirmed with them that I have no intention of renewing the contract, but that’s the plan. I’m simply buying time while you make a decision. Even if I have to go on my own for a bit.”
I had no intention of re-signing with my current agency. Ken and I were on the outs regarding what was best for my career. He was simple-minded, and I needed someone who had a greater outlook. But I wasn’t letting anyone else in on that strategy yet. I’d been hoping this meeting would come sooner rather than later.
“Are you still looking for the same percentage?” Landon asked.
“Yes,” I said, holding Landon’s gaze. “I believe my original offer was fair across the board.”
Landon pulled a sheet of paper over in front of him. “You’re asking for four percent equity in Chatter PR Global as a whole.”
