Jake
I woke up the next morning feeling like I'd been run over, the weight of last night's conversation still heavy on my shoulders. I had barely even slept, my head and heart were too heavy and I had to just force myself to an hour or less sleep. Like Laura said, I needed it to cool off so I can think straight.
It actually worked. My head was still heavy, but better than when the news was still fresh.
I turned to the side and she was there, her hand on my arm, looking at me with that fierce determination that had kept me from unraveling last night. Her presence grounded me, though everything around us felt like quicksand.
"Good morning, Laura." I let out in a gentle tone while she smiled at me.
"Good morning, I know you didn't sleep well but that's okay. I didn't too."
"You're going to get through this, Jake," she said softly, squeezing my hand. "I know it doesn't feel that way right now, but trust me. You've faced bigger obstacles than this." She retorted slowly, stressing on each word while I just shook my head, giving her a small smile. "Not quite like this, Laura. This feels… impossible."
She leaned in, her eyes intense. "The Jake I know doesn't back down. No matter what happens, remember you're not alone. I'm here now and we're in this together. We'll find a way to deal with Kurt. He can't ruin everything you've built." She said firmly.
I held her gaze, feeling a flicker of hope spark to life. Maybe, just maybe, she was right. "Thanks, Laura. I needed that."
"You're welcome."
"You should get prepared now, your breakfast will be ready by the time you're done." She cut in sharply while I shook my head.
"Oh no, don't bother. There's no need for that, I don't have appetite for food at the moment. Just go back to bed, you didn't get enough sleep, you know." I quickly countered but I could tell she wasn't going to listen.
"I have the whole day to myself, I can get some sleep anytime. You need to eat so I'm going to get you something light and you're going to eat. You need your strength for the long day you're about to have." She asserted and before I could raise an objection, she continued.
"If you say no again, I'll pack the food and go with you to the office." She threatened playfully, making me laugh.
"I'm glad I made you laugh." She chimed in and I smiled again.
"Okay then, I'll eat it. Something really light though, please."
"Thank you Laura." I said just as she got up and left the room.
I stood there for some seconds and thought about how she was fast becoming my favorite person. My mom would be so happy if I told her a girl was finally in my life. I think they would have a good relationship as well. Laura is coolheaded and though my mom, can be a handful at times, they would still get along well. Laura would win her heart just like she won mine and got me hooked.
My bath was a quick one, and in no time I was dressed and downstairs in the kitchen where Laura was already plating my food.
After the quick breakfast, I headed to work with a clearer mind and a plan. Throughout the drive to the office, my mind wandered around so many thoughts and finally, I settled on one. I'd reach out to Kurt, offer him a fair deal to settle things quietly, without the negative dramas.
He probably ran out of money so I would just write him a heavy check, in the presence of our lawyers though who would be a witness while we sign the settlement. He gets the money, leaves my life forever and never to return. Maybe that would keep him from destroying my reputation and my business.
The moment I arrived at the office, I made some calls and was able to get my hands on his number which I called immediately.
"Kurt, we need to talk," I said as soon as he picked up.
"Oh, finally. I have been expecting your call. I was almost giving up and then thinking of ways to force you to reach out." he replied, his voice slick with satisfaction as he taunted me. "What's on your mind, Jake? Another plea to back out?" He let out and then burst into laughter.
I ignored the smugness. "I'm willing to settle things peacefully. Whatever it takes, I'm willing to pay you off, compensate you for whatever 'losses' you feel you've suffered."
Kurt let out another annoying laugh, a low and mocking sound that made my blood run cold.
"You really think you can buy your way out of this?"
"I'm not trying to buy my way out of anything, I haven't done shit to you, I'm only trying to offer you a chance to leave this with some dignity, Kurt. Why are you so hellbent on tearing me down?" I slammed angrily, and then tried to calm myself again.
"Because I can," he said, and there was a menacing edge in his tone. "You think you can walk away from all this without consequences? Newsflash, Jake, you made your bed so get ready to lie in it. You came to me for help and I did everything within my power to help you but what did I get in return. Betrayal. Do you know what those guys did to me just because someone I called my friend selfishly went behind my back and ran his mouth. And now, you dare come at me with that silly joke of ruining you when I haven't even started at all?" He went on but I was already bored of his nonsense entitled gibberish.
"Kurt, listen," I said, my voice strained. "I know you think I betrayed you and all, it's fine if you won't listen to me but this drama isn't benefiting aby of us. There has to be a way we can reach an understanding here."
"Understanding? I don't think you know the gravity of the mess you're in. I guess you haven't seen the latest news, have you?" He laughed. "Well, funny you should say that. You might want to check the news. Seems like people are starting to understand just who you are."
My stomach twisted as I quickly opened my laptop. There, on the main news page, was a headline with my name, accompanied by a video link to an interview Kurt had given. The headline made my heart pound. "Business Betrayal: Former Partner Exposes Jake Robbins' Shady Deals."
"You did an interview?" I hissed, gripping the phone so hard my knuckles turned white. "You're trying to destroy me."
Kurt's voice was calm, satisfied. "Consider it a little public service announcement. I just told the truth, Jake. If you're worried about people finding out, maybe you should have thought about that before getting involved with me and then trying to play smart."
"Damn it, Kurt," I growled, rage bubbling to the surface. "You're twisting everything. This isn't the truth."
He laughed again, low and mocking. "Oh, feel free to correct the record, Jake. Go ahead and tell your side of the story. I'd love to watch you squirm while you try."
"And just so you know, this isn't the end. I'm just getting started with you and by the time I'm done with you, you would never think of betraying your friends or partners. F*cking bastard!" He yelled and with that, he hung up, leaving me with a dead line and a sense of dread clawing at my insides. I stared at the screen, watching as the views on his interview skyrocketed, the comments piling up with every refresh.
Just then, my intern assistant burst into the office, looking panicked. "Sir," she said, her voice shaking, "we have a serious problem. Investors and shareholders… they're pulling out. Fast."
I felt my pulse quicken. "What? How many?"
"Nearly a third of them already," she replied, her eyes wide with fear. "And more are calling in, wanting to cut ties immediately."
"Get the investors on the line," I snapped, the reality of the situation crashing over me like a wave. "And tell legal to prepare a statement. I need to do damage control, now."
"Sir…"
"Just f*cking get out of here now and do what I asked you do." I yelled.
I wasn't ready for her clumsiness, if it wasn't for the situation with Laura at the moment, I wouldn't be stuck with an incompetent intern.
"Alright si…"
"Get out of here now!" I yelled before she could say another word.
She jerked fearfully and ran out of the office while I crashed in my chair and went off in thoughts.
My phone wouldn't even stop ringing and I couldn't answer it. I already know the questions they would bombard me with and I had no answer for them…