Chapter 35

"Brian was out at the site these past couple of days, checking out some land or something – I didn't get the deets. But I had no clue your transport company was in the running too. With our connection, I could totally hook you up. When Brian got back, I just had to give him the lowdown and you guys could ink a deal. Easy peasy!"

"Could you really pull strings with Brian?"

"Dude, it was a piece of cake! He hung on my every word. If I said it was cool, he wouldn't bat an eye. You could bank on it."

William puffed out his chest, looking like the cat that got the cream.

"Couldn't call yourself a man if you couldn't keep your spouse in check, right?"

Theodore's face lit up like a Christmas tree. "Was it really that simple? You were a lifesaver, man!" He lunged forward and enveloped William in a bear hug. "Bro, you were the real deal! I was worried sick about how to butter up Brian. I didn't even know what to bribe him with!"

"Bribe me with a drink, and I'd have Brian eating out of my hand. When I stepped in, he was as good as gold."

"Man, you were solid gold!"

"Damn right! Who did you think I was? I was the man of the house. If I said 'jump', he said 'how high?' I had the Midas touch, man."

William strutted around like a peacock.

"Really?"

Just as William's bragging hit its peak, Brian's voice came from the doorway.

They both turned to see Brian standing there, giving William the stink eye.

"Holy sh*t!"

William was so startled that he dropped his cigarette down his pants. He jumped up, frantically patting himself down to avoid a literal fire in the hole.

Brian closed the door and continued to stare at William.

"Is that chair comfy?"

"Uh, yeah, it's pretty good, nice and cushy."

William's bravado deflated like a popped balloon. He went from king of the castle to a kicked puppy in seconds.

"Maybe you should consider a career change, become a CEO, and you could sit in that comfy chair for life. Make all the calls."

Brian's sarcasm was ice-cold. He was basically saying, "Who the hell did you think you were, making decisions and signing contracts while I was away? And all that bullsh*t you were spouting…"

"I think I preferred the couch."

William slinked back to his designated spot.

"Brian…"

Theodore was sweating bullets. Brian must have had built-in air conditioning; he was so cool it made Theodore shiver.

Brian gave him a nod.

"We're in the office, not at home."

"Mr. Liu."

Theodore got the hint and corrected himself.

"Have a seat. I was swamped lately. I knew you were looking for me, and I meant to call you to apologize."

Brian's right hand was hanging by his side, and he was holding a teapot with his left hand, about to pour tea for Theodore. William, quick on the uptake, took over and poured the tea, handing a cup to Brian.

"I didn't have anything urgent, just wanted to ask about the transport company tender."

"I saw your company's documents. The tender meeting is next month."

Brian was implying, "Wait for the tender meeting."

Theodore shot a glance at William, as if to say, "Come on, man, I'm counting on you!"

"Brian, Theodore's practically family. If the companies are on par, you should give him a shot," William chimed in, trying to make good on his earlier promise.

Brian seemed hesitant. William handed him a cup of tea and pleaded in a voice only the two of them could hear.

"I talked a big game, man. Help me save face. Be a good sport."

Brian shot him a glare.

William gave him puppy dog eyes.

"I'll talk to the legal department, draft a contract. If you're cool with it, bring your people tomorrow to sign it."

Theodore's relief was palpable. He reached out to shake Brian's hand, but Brian pointed to the bandage on his right hand.

Theodore turned and vigorously shook William's hand instead.

" Thanks, bro!"

"Like he said, if the companies are equal, I'd consider you. First, you're good friends with William. Second, I appreciate how you've helped me out before."

"Hey, it's nothing! William told me to keep an eye on you when he's not around, make sure no pretty boys are trying to..."

William clamped a hand over Theodore's mouth. "Dude, shut it! You don't air dirty laundry in public!" He practically kicked Theodore out the door.

"Get lost, you big mouth!"