Page 58 of Hate On
“I guess that explains that old phrase,can’t live with them, can’t kill them.” Julianna laughed weakly and blinked back tears. She felt like somebody had ripped her chest open, yanked her heart out, then messily tried to piece her back together—and not everything fit.
Long, aching moments of silence passed and Julianna sipped her whiskey as Moira sat back and let the servers clear the meals neither of them were interested in now.
“You want to finish this up via a phone call tomorrow?” Moira asked. “I’d give you more time, but frankly…we don’t have it.”
“We might as well discuss it now.” Julianna waved a hand. “It’s not like not talking about it is going to magically undo anything, is it?”
“No. I guess not.” Moira huffed out a short breath. “But when I see Roman again, I’m going to give him a piece of my mind.”
“Moira…”
Moira shook a finger at her. “Don’t tell me I can’t either. He’s being an ass and I’m your friend. It’s my job!”
Julianna sniffed and managed a smile for the other woman before sitting up straighter. She took another, stiffer sip of Glenlivet then put the glass down. Slipping her hands under the table, she fisted her hands, then relaxed them, trying to center and focus herself. “Okay, so what exactly is this deal you want to talk about?”
Despite the somberness of the moment, Moira couldn’t stop the smile that spread across her face. “Well…I’ve been thinking…”
* * *
Nearly twenty minutes later,Moira was finally done and she leaned back, head cocked.
“What do you think?”
Julianna’s head was spinning.
She held up a hand and reached for her glass, finishing off the whiskey. Catching the server’s eye, she tapped the edge of the glass to indicate she wanted another, then she met Moira’s gaze.
“I think…” Julianna blew out a breath. “I think you’re a little crazy. The three ofusbuying the mines and venturing out together? First…where would we come up with the capital? On our own?”
Moira’s lips curled in a smug smile. “I’m a trust fund baby. Aren’t you?”
Julianna laughed, but she said, “I don’t havethatmuch sitting in the bank. And I’m not sure my dad will be keen to loan me money if I go to undercut him in a deal like this.”
“It’s not undercutting,” Moira said, her tone brisk. “It’s a new venture. Ayoungerventure. And I think your dad would surprise you. Also, I think my father would be more willing to sell at a…lower price to the three of us.”
Julianna scoffed. “He’s got a goldmine on his hands.” And she wasn’t talking about the precious metal. She had a better idea of the worth of the mines and the prototype after spending the past few months researching and she had an idea what her fathershouldhave bid. “Why would he let it go for pennies?” Echoing his statement, she met Moira’s eyes.
“It won’t be pennies,” Moira said, shaking her head. “But he won’t mind making less of a profit if he keeps the mines in the family, so to speak. I’ll be honest, he hates the idea of selling to some hedge fund group and the idea of a huge conglomeration getting their hands on anything that’s related to the company is almost as bad to him.Andme. This is a family business and has been for more than a hundred and fifty years. If he sees a way to keep it so, he’ll be intrigued.”
“If that’s the case,whyis he selling?”
“Because that’s how things are moving for the family.” Moira shrugged. “My brothers aren’t as focused on the mines and my sister wants to run the stores. There’s a new development in our tech arm that requires some additional financing—yes, he does want to make money off this, but I know how much heneedsand how much he’ll settle for.” She gave Julianna a cat’s smile. “There are benefits to being close to the dealmakers, you know.”
“Why is your father going to turn down a solid offer to let you play CEO, Moira? Especially if he was originally looking to liquidate so he could have ready money?”
Moira waved a hand. “He’s liquidating to simplify as much as anything. And hehasa fair share of the money he needs. He’s just being cautious. If we can get him half what he’ll need, he’ll cover the rest. I can almost guarantee it. As to why he’d turn down the offer…I alreadytoldyou.” Moira leaned forward now. “I don’t know what the deal is, but Dad’s always loved both of your families. You know they’re friends, all three of them. Well, maybe nottogether, but Dad gets along great with your dad…but he also hangs out with Michael Montrose. They play golf…hell, my mother has spa dates with Roman’s mother, Ava. We’ve gone on trips with them.” She made a face. “Not as often now that we’re grown, but we went to Disney with them when I was ten.”
“I went to Disney with you!” I scowled at her.
“I know, right?” Moira laughed, waving it off. “The point is, Dad has a soft spot for the families. If he sees a chance to bring the two closer together, even if it’s just through you two, I think he’ll take it. He’s always hoped there would be a reconciliation.”
Thoughtfully, Julianna eyed Moira. “Do you have any idea what started this whole stupid feud?”
“No.” Moira shook her head. Then, with a conspiratorial smile, she added, “But I think you should have that talk with your mom. I get the feeling she knows.”
“Why?”
“Some things Dad has said.” Moira shrugged and reached for her glass of water. “But have that talk. You might find out yourself. Now…what do you think about my proposition?”