Hollow

Forty | Nirvana

I sigh, leaning back in my chair and close my eyes but before I even get far, my phone rings interrupting me from little trance. Looking at the caller ID, I smile to myself before answering the call.

"Hey, Avery."

"Guess what? I might come back in time for your birthday." She gushes over the phone that I can almost hear the underlying excitement in her voice.

"You do realize nothing special's happening, right?" I laugh.

"Leave that to us."

"You should see Jas and P, they w—" I'm interrupted by a knock on the door and Alex comes in hurriedly. "Uhm Avery, let me call you back." I tell her before cutting the call.

'Board room. Now." He presses.

I sigh, leaving my seat and walking out of my office to the board room. I know Tate has a meeting going on but I didn't think it would require my presence; usually I'm not called in unless it's urgent. I open the door, walking inside and head straight to the seat close to Navid. As I settle in my chair, he hands me a file. I open it and flip through the pages, listening closely to what is being said as I read.

"You should take our offer." Tate states.

"We've tried to make things work but there's been a lot of cut-offs." The man, who I presume is the owner of Hank Energy replies.

"That's exactly what I've been trying to make you understand for the past hour. Frankly, I'm starting to lose patience." Navid says in a bored tone, joining his hand in front of him before motioning to me. "This is your alternative."

"We just need more funds to make up for the losses."

"Have you seen your sales?"

"You're still one of the major investors, you'll still get a dividend."

"Tell me Hank, what do you think is going to happen if you don't sell? I'll tell you what: your stock is going to drop, you'll be suspended from trading and your company will go poof!" I state, emphasizing on the poof for dramatic effect. "When you go bankrupt, there won't be any negotiations. Make the wrong move now and it will backfire by the end of the month."

"Come on Tate, she's clearly out for blood. If I sell Hank Energy, she will turn it into a fucking warzone!" Hank hisses.

"Well, that's what will happen if you don't make the right decision." Priya tells him. Hank looks at Tate and Navid with a pained expression.

"Don't look at them, look at me."

"Okay, fine."

"You made the right choice." Navid says, opening the file in front of him and taking out papers for Hank to sign.

Tate stands and walks past me, giving Navid a pat on the shoulder before leaving the room. And on that note, I stand as well, making my way out with Alex following closely behind, leaving Navid and Priya in the room with Hank to regain my office. I have a couple of hours before meeting with Jas later.

<<·>> <<·>> <<·>> 

I am currently lounging on a beach chair with Jas as we watch the waves crash against the shore, sipping on mimosas. We decided to hang out since it has been a while since we last had a proper day out. We went shopping, had our hair and nails done, went to a spa before hitting this restaurant by the beach.

"So what's up with you?" I ask, taking another sip of my mimosa.

"Not much. I've been so caught up with my residency that my social life is practically nonexistent now."