"I'm not about to dump all my Chinese assets because Shanghai got the jitters and can't get its shit together Jill. Rattle some cages. Home in on the companies with long-term manufacturing potential that aren't saddled by too much debt and shed the egregious state-controlled monopolies. And schedule me a flight - first class this time - for Shanghai in a few days, whenever Liu and his lackeys can meet."
Steven was pacing the expansive living room, issuing a barrage of orders to his long-suffering assistant Jill. He was frustrated not by the Shanghai stock market's dismal performance but by the lack of communication from a certain writer. It was already 7 p.m. and still no email from Katarina.
Finally, his inbox pinged. "Jill I have to go. An important matter has come up," he said, hanging up without another word.
To: Steven.M.Andrews@AndrewsFundManagement.com
From: Katarina-writing-editing@gmail.com
Subject: Tonight
Date: September 8, 2015, 7:01 p.m.
Hi - sorry for the late email. We wound up grabbing an early dinner. I'm pleased to tell you that there are only two kooks in the group, which is pretty impressive for a bunch of journalists ;)
Anyway, we're still going out for drinks later. The crack super-sleuth reporters in the group couldn't figure out where to go (because apparently there's nothing to do in Paris), so we'll probably just hang out by our hotel. You're welcome to join us but if you're tired or busy absolutely no worries!
Best,
Katarina
The writer praised herself for her missive - short, sweet and it gives him an out for tonight if he doesn't want to come.
Steven liked her little winky face. His reply was instantaneous.
To: Katarina-writing-editing@gmail.com
From: Steven.M.Andrews@AndrewsFundManagement.com
Subject: Re: Tonight
Date: September 8, 2015, 7:03 p.m.
Dear Katarina,
Thank you for your email - I would be happy to join you for drinks and meet your kooky colleagues. I have finished my work obligations for the evening.
At the risk of sounding presumptuous, might I suggest a place in the Latin Quarter? It is one of the best in town for after-dinner drinks and is located in a better neighborhood than your hotel. Please let me know and I can make the arrangements.
Best,
Steven
Did he just make a joke and inadvertently insult my hotel? Katarina just laughed at her hopelessly juvenile financial whiz kid. She wouldn't call him out on the hotel dig, but couldn't resist one flirty jab at his expense.
To: Steven.M.Andrews@AndrewsFundManagement.com
From: Katarina-writing-editing@gmail.com
Subject: Re: Re: Tonight
Date: September 8, 2015, 7:10 p.m.
You presumptuous?? Never ;-)) Sure we can go to the Latin Quarter - it's my favorite part of town. But I don't think the group wants to go anywhere fancy if that's ok. Maybe just somewhere chill and casual?
Katarina
Double winky smiley face! Chill? So much for the über-exclusive nightclub along the Seine he'd planned on booking.
YOU ARE READING
Something Tangible
RomansKatarina is starting over after losing the loves of her life — husband, pregnancy and job (not to mention dignity) — while Steven is a hedge fund manager/consummate bachelor/all-around prick whose only loves in life are his solitude and ambition. Bu...
