My fucking heart

Chapter 3

Ana

With a coffee in my hand, I read through my notes regarding the case of Mr. Stanis. I try to imprint every detail and every step into my brain, so that I hopefully am able to recall everything when the situation demands it. As if I hadn't done anything else the last past days.

A look at the clock on the wall told me it's 7:50 am. The meeting was scheduled at 8 o'clock. By the end of the day, I will be on my knees thanking God that this is finally over.

"I'd wish you good luck, but I don't think you really need it, Pitbull." Jasmin jokes as she entered my office, a cheeky smile on her face. I shake my head.

"Not gonna lie, but a little bit of luck wouldn't hurt anybody." I reply with a small smile, even though I feel the nervousness creeping up my spine and leaving a tingling feeling on my skin. Jasmin gives me one last smile, before deep voices could be heard from outside my office. Voices, which seems to come closer and closer.

Mr. Stanis and his folks.

Let's get this over with. Putting the big file aside, I stand up from my seat and wait for the arrival of my guests. Stand upright, chin up, mask on and go. It's showtime!

...

3 hours... 3 fucking hours I am already sitting here with Mr. Stanis and his two lawyers. Without a break to catch fresh air, we are having a lively debate about propositions, demands, rights and obligation – but to our misfortune without mutual consent.

I've run out of ideas what to do or what to say anymore. It's like I am talking to a wall. Even a wall would give me more opportunities to work with. Every argument I prepared for this meeting were torn to shreds. Mr. Stanis seems to be unsatisfied with any option I have to offer him, which makes negotiation rather difficult.

But not only was it me, who came well prepared to this meeting. Mr. Stanis also bothered to do research about our issues but failed miserably. Every point he made was so bad, within few minutes I could disprove them without racking my brain.

Today, we didn't have trouble with fighting each other, more like finding a solution both sides were consented to determine any further. Both of us have different images of the division of financial contribution.

For a limited period only, me and my co-workers would invest full costs and working hours to conclude the contract on agreed terms. Therefore, it would only be fair to split the sales into half – the provider and the executors. Our people are going to put time and money into this project, only to receive a profit of € 100.000?

Mr. Stanis wanted us to participate this thing with 20 % of the achieved earnings. Heck, what a bullshit! That's just ridiculous.

"20 %, it's not possible to increase this suggestion any further." one of his lawyers told me off, his voice sounding stern, as he furrowed his brows. I took a deep breath, trying to think clearly. What should I do? What possibilities do I have?

This would be the first time, I wouldn't win. The first case, that didn't go according to plan, even though I pulled out all possible stops. I will lose this...

Think, Ana, think!

All of a sudden, an idea rushed into my mind. My last shot.

"Gentlemen, referring to this disagreement I am sorry to announce that I will abandon these negotiations. 20 % is an unacceptable offer we cannot accept. We've been business partners for a long time now, which makes it harder for me to decline our cooperation, but unfortunately, I don't have another alternative. Maybe the future holds better cards for us." I keep a professional face, while smiling politely at each man in front of me. Elegantly I stood up from my seat to demonstrate them that I am kicking them out. I so hope this works.

Mr. Stanis and his two lawyers exchange panic looks, visibly shocked that I broke this whole thing off. They didn't expect me to. Never let your enemy know your next step.

Slowly they all rise from their seats, unsure how to act. They follow me obediently. "I will accompany you to the front door." I inform them kindly, as I opened my office door and lead the way through the department.

Of course, my colleagues on this floor are all aware of the important meeting taking place today and they all know Mr. Stanis as well. Searching for details regarding the solution of the conference on my face, all heads turn towards us as we pass by many desks and counters.

We for sure are not depending on collaborations with Mr. Stanis company, but it's no secret that he has always been a close and good client to us. Together we cashed a decent amount of money, millions would be an understatement. But that doesn't change the fact, that we are not willing to accept this proposal only for good old past sakes. Not under these conditions.

I head for the big entrance to see my guests off, the three men towering over me, as they follow my lead. What a fun picture that would be, the small girl ahead while a group of older full-grown men, who are a head taller than her, on her heels, doing obediently what they are told to.

Behind my back I heard the three of them talk quietly to one another. As I reached the big foyer, I stopped in my tracks in front of the entrance and turned around to look the men in the face before saying my goodbyes. I put on a smile. "I wish you well. Again, I am very sorry, that our working relationship between our companies end like this. Maybe next time." I shook their hands in turns. Fake smiling at them, I hope they take the bait.

Mr. Stanis was the first to shake my hand, his grip pressed firmly against mine. He looks unpleased, but still forced himself to act professional. Afterwards the two lawyers approached me, nodding their heads in my direction with grim eyes. All together they walked through the door, leaving me behind with a spinning head and nervous fingers. Without looking back and watching them leave, I stood in place and waited. And waited. It felt like eternity, as I suddenly heard the door clicking, confirming me that my guests actually left.

Fuck, it did not work! I thought...

"Hold up! I've got one last offer for you!" Mr. Stanis voice was surprisingly heard throughout the foyer. He sounded hectic, panic lacing in his voice, as I turned around and was brought face to face with him and his two lawyers again.