“Uh, no. If it were bad I’d meet you face-to-face.” I allowed myself to let go of the air that I’d been holding on to. “Well, I met with the two partners, as we refer to them in hairy situations such as this one…” We only referenced two partners because George Adams never had a hand in messy situations like this. He maintained a pristine reputation, much dissimilar to his colleagues. Michelle continued, “…and after going back and forth about your professional tenure at Smith, Katz & Adams Sports Medicine Center we came to an agreement.”
“Wait a minute! Mr. Katz was there, too? Does he know what happened?” I had to know how far spread this was.
“Yes, Rayna! I told you earlier he’d be there. He knows about the incident. Oh, they were very candid during this meeting. Jim Katz even called him an impulsive prick!” Michelle cackled at that one. And when I thought about it, I agreed it was well deserved. “He said that he had more to do with his time than correct the hideous actions of a middle-aged business partner!” She took a moment to belt out another round of laughter.
“The funny thing was when Uncle Dan reminded Jim of his indiscretions and all Jim could do was pivot in his seat to redirect his attention to another area in the restaurant.” Another pause for amusement. I, on the other hand, was on the edge of my seat in suspense. “Woo! Anyway, Uncle Dan wanted to explore the idea of letting you go. He didn’t force me to remind him that you were my best friend. I was happy to know he’d kept that in mind. Although, Jim did ask what were our other alternatives. That’s when the creative juices started to flow. Do you remember when I told you about the prospect of a new location…and the young tycoon who we were considering approaching for the space?”
“Yes…” I answered curious as to where this was going.
“Well, he has a recreation center in Long Beach City, but embedded in a very ominous community. Well, apparently he wittingly chose that location to drive revenue into the community. The thing that interests the practice is that he has a few A-list athletes that are on the gym’s membership roster. From what our scout people are telling us this recreation center has state-of-the-art construction and equipment, which attracts the athletes. There are full-size basketball courts, tennis court, Olympic-size pools, weight rooms, dance rooms, several aerobic rooms, two large cardio rooms, hockey rink, outdoor football field, and saunas. Not to mention smoothie booths, a Starbucks, and a full-service cafeteria among other amenities. He demolished approximately two blocks of vacant and abandoned homes and built this massive building.” I tried to recall if I’d ever seen that in the LBC.
“He’s recently announced vacant spaces available to lease to businesses and every type of enterprise you can think of from retail stores to restaurants are trying to get in. Apparently he’s selective as to who he’ll let in saying that he’s protective of the residents who the community actually belongs to and will avoid a tide of gentrification as in other revitalized neighborhoods.”
She continued, “In thinking of Smith, Katz and Adams, we would rely on those athletes to utilize our services. We need those professional athletes on our roster. Of course my uncle and his partner, being the airheaded pigs they can be from time to time, are challenging you to acquire the largest vacant space on the property to expand the practice. They’re leaving you to fend for yourself. This means your own negotiation tactics and timing. However, John Ephart and I can attend as the legal and financial consultant of the practice.”
“Okay…” I bit out trying to gain a hold of my speeding brain.
“You should say more than okay, Ray. Unfortunately, it’s either sink or swim here. This is a strategic way of getting you out of their hair without firing you, which would be blacklisting in terms of your career! Can you handle this?” she trilled loudly in my ear, I’m sure in an effort of waking me from my trance.
“Yes. I guess I have no other choice in the matter,” I mumbled.
“Okay well, we have to get shaking on this very soon. Let’s plan to meet tomorrow to discuss strategy,” Michelle sounded resolute. I, on the other hand, was taking part in a pity party. I couldn’t believe the highs and lows of the past two days of my life.