“What are you going to do today?” her mom asked.
“I don't know. Cry.”
“Amanda, honey. Go find a nice restaurant and get yourself some breakfast. Then think about what sights you wanted to see but haven’t yet and just go do it. You’ll meet up with Sheila again eventually and you both will continue your vacation. It’s going to be fine,” she assured her.
“You’re right,” Amanda agreed. “Thanks, mom.”
“That’s what I’m here for.”
“I wish it was you with me.”
“I know, honey. Me too.”
“When you’re better, I’m taking you. Whether you like it or not,” Amanda threatened.
Her mom laughed. “I can’t wait.”
“I love you, mom.”
“I love you too, Amanda. Don’t let this get you down. Have a good time.”
“Thanks. I’ll call you later.”
They hung up and Amanda took a deep breath. She gathered her things to shower and began preparing herself to go out. She put on a brave face as she left the hotel and headed towards a small restaurant she had seen on their way in that served breakfast. It was bustling with activity despite being past the breakfast hour and not quite lunch. The hostess told her a table should open up in about 15 minutes and so she waited to be seated. As she sat watching the other customers she couldn’t help but notice that there were no single diners.
She noticed the restaurant offered free Wi-Fi and connected her phone so she could check for messages. Still nothing from Sheila. She looked over the menu and settled on her order before even getting a table. When she was finally seated she asked for a coffee and placed her order. She didn’t want to linger in the restaurant any longer than she had to.
As she sat alone sipping her coffee and then eating her meal she had a hard time shaking a feeling of profound loneliness. Here she was on the vacation of a lifetime in Europe and she had no one to share it with. The positive energy her mom had tried to impart was quickly fading. Amanda began to wish she had never come.
Chapter 3
Inside a large conference room in an office building in Edinburgh, powerful executives and lawyers were gathered waiting for their guests of honor. Viktor Dostoyinsky was escorted in moments later along with an advisor and his own lawyer. Viktor was in his early thirties, average height with dirty blonde hair and bright blue eyes. Dressed down in khakis and a blue button-up shirt, he was the only one not wearing a suit but no one seemed to notice or care. He smiled as he entered the room and was warmly and enthusiastically greeted by all.
One of the men who introduced himself as the VP of operations directed Viktor to a chair at the head of the table. “Please, have a seat.”
“After you,” Viktor insisted.
“Would you like anything to eat or drink?” the VP asked.
“No, thank you. I’m fine,” Viktor said. “Shall we begin?”
“Yes. Of course,” the men agreed.
Viktor sat casually in one of the chairs and crossed his ankle over his knee. “Have you considered my offer?”
The president of the company leaned forward in response. “We have and I believe we can come to an agreement.”
“Is that why you’ve invited 3 lawyers to sit in?” Viktor asked with a smile, knowing they wanted to negotiate for something.
“We just have a few kinks to work out,” one of the lawyers responded.
“Hmm.” Viktor seemed to ponder that for a few seconds. “You are losing money on this property, no?”
The president took a deep breath before replying, “Well, yes. For right now. But there is great potential.”
“If there wasn’t, I wouldn’t be interested,” Viktor agreed.
“We just feel we deserve a bigger piece of the action,” one of the lawyers replied.
"So …" Viktor looked around the room at the men who seemed to be eagerly awaiting his response. "I bail you out. I take all the risk. And in return, you want more money? Do I have that right?” Viktor asked calmly, the tone of his voice expressing his displeasure.
“If this pans out, you’ll make millions,” another lawyer chimed in.
“And if it doesn’t, I’ll lose millions,” Viktor reminded them. "I don’t need the money. If you want to hang on to this chain around your neck, be my guest. I know for a fact I've offered more than anyone else, otherwise you wouldn't be talking to me. The opportunity interested me but if you don’t accept my terms I am more than happy to walk away. Just please don’t waste anymore of my time.” Viktor stood and his companions followed suit.
“Wait.” The president stood. “Give us a minute, please.”
Viktor shrugged and went outside with his colleagues to wait as the executives and lawyers hashed out what they wanted to do. They were invited back in 10 minutes later and informed that they would accept the terms as they are. Viktor’s lawyer pulled out the contracts that had been drawn up in preparation. A few hours later, after all the documentation had been scoured by the lawyers, they were signed and the deal was finalized.
“Shall we celebrate with an early lunch?” Viktor asked his two companions as they left the building.
“Sure,” they agreed.
They went to a popular restaurant in Edinburgh where Viktor liked to go. It was always busy. The food and service was excellent and he liked the laid back, comfortable atmosphere. As they revelled in their latest acquisition, Viktor’s eye was drawn to a woman eating by herself who appeared to be a contradiction. Here she was, eating in a lively and cheerful restaurant and yet she looked profoundly sad.
“Is everything okay?” his lawyer asked as he turned to see what had Viktor’s attention.
“It’s nothing. I just drifted, that’s all.” Viktor brushed it off.
His advisor smiled. “Why don’t you go introduce yourself?”
“Mind your own business,” Viktor warned him, half-jokingly.
Viktor watched as the woman paid for her meal and left. He sighed, thinking
