Vicky became a little more solemn, “Well, we both know everything is not good. Is it possible to be sick of yourself? I’m actually sick of me. I mean at least talking about myself. So…let’s not; let’s talk about you or anything else other than my life of ‘As the Rutherford’s Turn’?”
“I can do that. Let’s see, your replacement sucks. I mean she is not terrible enough to fire but she isn’t even half of you. She takes the most bathroom breaks of any rep I’ve ever had. And, I also heard a little rumor that she was dating Joshua.”
“Does that bother you?”
Sandy sighed thoughtfully, “Absolutely not. I told you I was over him and I am. I think what bothers me the most is his contribution to my distrust of men and their ability to do dumb stuff.”
Vicky raised a brow and was hesitant to ask but felt compelled to do so, “Like what?”
“Like lots of things but especially texting. Texting always seem to get men into trouble. They are so careless.” Sandy focused on picking off that non-existent piece of lint from her designer blouse.
“I’m sure a lot of men are but not Franklin. So, I don’t know what you think you found but Franklin is a good guy. And if we know anything about Franklin…he is meticulous in everything. I know he wouldn’t cheat on you.”
“Technically, Franklin and I are not a couple.” Sandy used air quotes, “Remember, we are seeing ‘where things go.’ Anyway, his ex sent him a text message the night you guys got back from your honeymoon.”
“Why didn’t you tell me? I never really knew the deal with that relationship. Wasn’t her name Amber, April or something? Anyway…all I ever knew was that he was engaged one minute and the next he said they’d broken up. What did she want?”
“I wasn’t going to bother you with this then. There was just too much going on. Anyway, she wanted to meet him for dinner.”
“Did he go?”
“I think so. The next morning when he went to shower, I finally got the nerve read his reply. He told her he couldn’t meet Thursday but he could meet her Friday. Who am I kidding…I can’t prove it but I know he went. Especially since he’s been acting…differently ever since.”
“Different…different like how?”
“We’ve spent almost every night together since Angel’s accident. But, right around the time of their ‘reunion’ he’s come up with every lame excuse why either he or I shouldn’t stay over. We haven’t really made love since around the time he got the text.”
“Sandy, you have to talk to him about this.”
Sandy moved a strand of her hair behind her ear, “I know because it’s eating me up. I just have no idea how to do it. Remember, he hasn’t mentioned one word about April. I only know because I snooped in his cell phone.” She slammed her hands down on her lap.
“Damn my exes. Because of Joshua and men like him, I’m an insecure mess and it’s come back to bite me in the ass. Bad habits don’t die easily. You know…I didn’t really think I’d find anything when I looked in Franklin’s phone.”
Vicky put her arms around her friends shoulder. “I’ve seen you two together and Franklin has very strong feelings for you. Have faith in him.”
“I’m doing my best.
*****
Jason was locked up in his office with his father and of course Franklin.
“Franklin, so where are we with the private detective? I haven’t gotten that update.”
“He’s still digging. If there is any dirt out there to be found he’ll find it. Jason, I hate to have to tell you this here and now but…it looks like CkR Int’l is going to lose the Leimann account.”
Jason walked over to the bar and poured himself a drink.
“Son, you think it’s a bit early for that?”
Jason didn’t respond to his dad but downed the drink in one gulp. “Just out of curiosity how much of a loss would that be for us Franklin?”
Franklin rubbed the back of his neck. “It’s about one-hundred and twenty million over three years. It’s not the money that’s the problem. If Leimann pulls, which will make the board a little shaky, how many more may follow?”
The news didn’t seem to faze Mr. Rutherford, “Let the bastards walk. And, I don’t give a damn about the board…Jason and I installed all of them. As long as we have the controlling interest they could run around the building with their hair on fire and I would care less. But, they better know that I have a long memory and I promise you, I’ll remember this. Franklin, make sure you put that word out there.”
“Consider it done Sir.”
Jason was exhausted, “We’re not going to lose Leimann. I spoke to Phil this morning. I convinced him it would be in his best interest to sit tight.”
Franklin looked impressed “How’d you do that? I’ve been working the phones all week and couldn’t get anywhere.”
“Leimann is leveraged up to the wazoo and guess who they’re getting most of their financing from? Edgewater, Price & Stone our favorite Hedge fund. I gave them a call this morning and they only need a word from us to call in Leimann’s note. I hate having to use strong arm tactics but he needed to know that the Rutherford’s are not in a weakened position.”
“Well, I will be flying back to Minnesota in the morning. That should still the waters for a while. In the meantime, we’ve got the monthly Dept. heads meeting. I’ve been gone
