by Robyn M Ryan
“So good to hear from you, Caryn! We’ve been keeping up with your sweet husband’s recovery. Things look very promising, right?”
“Absolutely,” Caryn said. “Drew doesn’t know the definition of the term ‘slow and steady.’ In this case, it’s working in his favor. Does my dad happen to be in the office today—or in this hemisphere?”
“You’re in luck. He’s in town all week. Hold on, I’ll connect you.”
As always, Caryn felt her body tense as she waited for him to pick up the call. Why do I let him affect me this way? He’s my father…wonder how Mom and Dad will feel when they learn they’ll be grandparents? The image of a toddler climbing up on her father’s lap, sticky hands all over his custom-tailored suit, caused Caryn to chuckle quietly. A toddler could wreak havoc on his office. Even worse than I did with my pink “accent” gifts.
“Caryn, this is a surprise. What can I do for you?”
All business. As usual. “I’ll say hello first. How are you and Mom? Traveling a lot?”
“We’ve cut back some. You and Andrew doing well?”
“We are. Andrew’s made incredible progress…I keep busy with my business. I need your advice on a business matter.”
“My advice?” Caryn heard the surprise—or is that sarcasm?—in his tone. “I’m no expert on social media marketing…”
“This is not related directly to the social media marketing. I hope you can advise me on contract negotiations.” Caryn briefly summarized their attempts to land McRainey as a client and the impasse they’d reached in negotiating a contract. “I feel they’re trying to take advantage of us.”
“Perhaps.” Caryn could picture her father flipping through action items on his desk as he spoke. William Stevens always multi-tasked. “Send it. I’ll read it and ask one of our contract attorneys to look it over. With a company of McRainey’s size and stature, I’m not surprised they’d try to lock you into a one-sided contract. Send along theirs and also your original contract.” Stevens paused for a moment. “You sure you want to expand in this direction?”
“I thought I did. But now I think I may be in over my head,” she admitted.
“That’s not the issue, Caryn,” he replied. “I’m surprised you’re considering this move—right into the very corporate culture you claimed to want no part of. What changed your mind?”
Caryn glanced at the Bay when she came to a stoplight. “Nothing, really. I thought it was a way to diversify and grow.”
“You’re willing to give up the freedom that comes with the smaller client base? Are you prepared to travel four, five days a week?” Stevens challenged. “McRainey is an international corporation. They will expect you to be on call twenty-four-seven. Your personal life will take second place. Unless Andrew’s thinking about retiring and working with you?”
“No, not at all. I hadn’t looked at it that way,” she admitted. “I was so excited to get my foot in the door, I didn’t think past the immediate task—landing the contract.”
“It’s time you do, Caryn. Send me the contracts. I’ll have our attorney get back with you by tomorrow.”
Caryn hung up the phone, as usual conflicted after a conversation with her father. Always makes me feel inadequate, like a child again. He’s right, though. I didn’t think beyond the challenge of adding McRainey to our client list. Caryn sighed, wondering why she still craved her father’s approval—even after all this time.
12
Caryn saw Tom backing out of the driveway when she arrived home. She waved and waited for him to exit, but instead Tom hopped from the car and walked toward her. Lowering the window, she greeted him with a warm smile. “Off to work?”
“Yeah, my schedule’s hectic for a while. Just wanted to check in with you when I had the chance.” He leaned against the doorframe. “Did you get to therapy this morning?”
Caryn nodded as she described the sessions. “You need to meet his new PT, Tom. Andrew seemed pleased with his background and the shift in direction. The guy…Glenn, I think…plays in a local hockey league. Drew thinks he has a better understanding of what they need to emphasize right now.”
“Good to hear. Long overdue in my opinion.”
“Well, I can’t say I’m disappointed.” Caryn pushed her sunglasses back on her head and smiled. “Tell me about your residency. Did you jump into the deep end?”
“In some ways, yes. Had orientation meetings this morning. I’m pulling the night shift tonight with a few other new residents and the neurology chief resident.”
“So I should expect to see you…?”
Tom shrugged. “No idea. I’m winging it until I get a schedule. I know I’ll spend more time at the hospital than home.”
Caryn frowned. “I’ll miss your breakfasts.”
“I’ll call or text when I’m on my way home so you don’t think I’m an intruder and press the panic button on the security panel.” Caryn saw the teasing smile—so like Drew’s—hint at the corners of his mouth.
“Will you work in the rehab section?”
“Not right away. I think the ER and ICU right now. Dan said I should feel right at home.”
“Unfortunately, true.” Caryn paused a moment. “I hope you still have time to check in with Drew. He will miss hanging out with you…not to mention his personal chauffeur.”
Tom shrugged as he pushed away from the car. “He’s set up with Uber and Lyft. Besides, this will give him extra incentive to push himself during those visual-spatial activities.”
“Good luck tonight. Let me know when you need some real food.”
“Careful what you offer, little sis. You may regret it.”
Caryn shook her head. “You text, I deliver.”
Although they exchanged texts and spoke periodically, Caryn could not carve out time to see Andrew over the next several days. Lauren secured four new clients in the LA area, and Caryn prepared and sent contracts to each. Her own nightmare, McRainey, consumed much of the days. After a long conversation with the Stevens Company’s senior contract manager, Caryn received a revised contract that protected both parties and prevented what her dad called “Mission Creep.” She definitely did not want to find herself in a black hole with this project and realized how naïve she’d been in soliciting such a high-profile client. Maybe she should have diversified on a smaller level? Understatement. She felt like David facing Goliath in these negotiations.
She appreciated the assistance her dad’s lawyer provided, while at the same time bristled at the realization she hadn’t even considered consulting a local attorney. Her father refused to bill her for services, and Caryn hated the feeling of indebtedness to the very company that had controlled her life for twenty years. Independent for five years—now I’m right back in the company’s orbit. Her father’s comment drove the point home. “I’m surprised you’re considering this move—right into the very corporate culture you claimed to want no part.”
Jim Wesley provided the biggest headache of all. Irritated that she introduced a third version of the contract, he commented that he might not even forward it to legal. “You don’t want to work with McRainey?”
“Our contract indicates we do. But, we can’t—don’t—accept your terms. You know it’s tilted in your favor. I asked my lawyer to craft something that protects both of our companies.” Caryn fought to keep the exasperation from her tone.
“Caryn, I’m fairly certain legal will not accept this. But, let’s try to reach a compromise ourselves. A face-to-face conversation over dinner may give us a new perspective. What do you say—tonight?” He mentioned a restaurant in town.
Caryn hesitated. She knew he wanted more than a dinner discussion. He’d been transparent with his invitations to meet for drinks, go for coffee, lunch, and now dinner. Every discussion included an invitation, which Caryn good-naturedly declined each time. But, Wesley had just raised the stakes by including contract negotiations in the invitation.
“I’d prefer Lauren join in any further contract discu
ssions.”
“And she will be available when?” Wesley sounded testy.
“First of next week.” Caryn glanced over her shoulder to see the pool and mid-afternoon sun. As soon as this call ends, I’m heading out there.
Wesley let out a long sigh. “This puts you another week behind the schedule you submitted.”
“When we drafted the timeline, we had no idea the contract would get so complicated.” Caryn absently rubbed her forehead, acknowledging the headache building behind her eyes.
“Which I’m sure we can resolve over dinner.”
“How?” Caryn snapped, then immediately apologized. “Jim, if you have that kind of latitude, let’s Skype Lauren in on a conference call.” She glanced at her watch. “She should be free in forty minutes. That work for you?”
“Not sure.” Now his tone was dismissive. “Call when you both are available and hopefully I can break away from a meeting.”
When the call ended, Caryn almost hurled her phone at the opposite wall. Why do I—we—even want to work with that…jerk is too nice a word for Jim Wesley? She opened a desk drawer and reached for her Advil. Taking two with a long drink of water, Caryn picked up her phone and walked toward the pool deck. Maybe thirty or forty minutes of relaxation will clear the negativity…at least for me.
Lauren expressed concern when Caryn spoke with her forty minutes later. “I’m getting the feeling you regret pursuing McRainey.”
“Probably.”
“But it’s such a good opportunity and business model. We can deal with their deadlines. This is a huge win for us.”
Caryn shut her eyes when she heard the enthusiasm in her friend’s voice. “But, as my dad pointed out—at what cost? They’ll expect us to drop everything when they call.”
“Didn’t you say your father’s lawyer drafted a contract to prevent that?”
“Yes, but Wesley said he may not even forward it to the legal team. He wants us to discuss over dinner.” Caryn didn’t disguise her displeasure. “Tonight. I insisted you participate in this discussion and suggested Skyping instead.”
“Let me call him, Caryn,” Lauren suggested. “You sound like you’re so over this whole idea.”
“I am, at the moment.” She pinched the bridge of her nose as her headache intensified. “But, I’m not torpedoing anything. My concern is that we don’t neglect our current client base—and the new contracts you picked up this week—by giving in to these demands.”
“Who says we are? I read the three contracts, and the third one clearly defines the scope, expectations, and deliverables—and the fees we charge for services and when payment is due.” Lauren paused to catch her breath. “I’ve already spoken to several people I know from Vancouver and St. Louis. They’re eager to work with us and will make awesome seminar leaders, with very little training.”
“You really want this, don’t you?” Caryn lightened her tone. “I’m not sure how much I can help you as the months roll by. I’m already at sixteen weeks. When I first pitched McRainey, I held little hope I’d even speak with Andrew, much less begin to try to work things out. I thought a job like this would keep my brain off my problems and help me feel self-sufficient.”
“Maybe that’s what I’m looking for,” Lauren whispered.
Caryn hesitated. “Do you want to talk about it?”
“Not right now…so, do I have your permission to contact Mr. Wesley?”
“You don’t need my permission, partner. If he’s available and wants to Skype, text me.”
“I will,” Lauren retorted with a laugh. “Now, while I’m arranging this, go sit and relax by the pool with a glass of lemonade.”
“Already there. I’ll stay right here until you send me the text.”
13
The song integrated with her dream, and after a few seconds Caryn shook off the sleep and grabbed her iPhone. Andrew’s ringtone. She’d missed his call, but Caryn heard the phone beep with the voicemail message. She opened her eyes, adjusting to the late evening light, and then quickly checked her texts for a message. Did I sleep right through the Skype meeting? She held her breath as she scrolled through the texts and then cringed when she selected Lauren’s three hours earlier:
Skype scheduled at eight a.m. tomorrow. Call me to strategize.
Caryn groaned as she forced herself to stand and go to the kitchen in search of food. Five a.m. for Lauren. Is that the best Wesley could do or another version of his annoying power trips? She pulled a box of graham crackers from the pantry, poured a small cup of milk, and then sat at the kitchen table. Caryn fought a wave of dizziness and leaned her head on one hand, hoping to avoid nausea. She nibbled on a cracker while she listened to Drew’s voice mail.
“Call when you can, babe.” Short and sweet. I’ll take that. I’ll talk with him first, then Lauren.
“Sorry I missed your call,” she said as soon as he answered. “Guess I fell asleep…your ringtone just became part of my dream.”
She heard his low chuckle. “Should I ask what ringtone you’ve assigned me?”
“Sure—Nothing Else Matters.”
“Not bad. I was expecting Seul or worse.”
Alone—Appropriate choice. “Worse, as in Adieu?” Caryn tried to stifle a giggle.
“Yeah, that could frame the last few months. I didn’t mean to interrupt your nap.”
“Glad you did. I intended to just close my eyes for thirty minutes while Lauren set up a Skype conference call with Jim Wesley, our contact at McRainey. Three hours later…”
“You missed the call?”
“No idea. I’ve got to call her. She said we have a Skype tomorrow morning, eight Eastern Time. She’s on the West Coast.” Caryn sipped her milk before continuing. “I was this close to rescinding the contract…But, Lauren really wants it.”
“What’s the glitch?”
Caryn stood and walked toward the living room as she took a moment to reply. “I told you about the contract issues.”
“I thought your father’s lawyer put together a fair contract for both parties…”
“So did I,” Caryn interrupted, her voice reflecting her frustration. “But I’m not sure that’s even going to get to their legal department. He…” Caryn stopped when she realized she almost told Andrew about Wesley’s suggestion they work it out over dinner. “He wants to discuss it further in person, and I suggested Skype since Lauren is still out west.” Caryn knew she was pacing, but the aggravation threatened to consume her. “I called Lauren to ask if she’d be upset if I pulled the contract.”
“And she still wants the contract.”
“Very much. She insisted on setting up the Skype conference call…except I fell asleep and have no clue if they Skyped or not.” Caryn perched on the arm of a chair. “I understand now why you try to stay away from contract negotiations. How was therapy today?” She abruptly changed the subject.
“Exhausting, but good. I called to invite you to join me tomorrow. I’ll buy lunch.”
“Sounds delightful, but…I guess it will depend on this Skype call.” Caryn laughed without humor. “Though we may have a very short discussion if McRainey won’t consider anything but its contract.”
“Just come when you can, Cary. May I offer my two cents on the contract situation?”
“Why not?” She hoped he didn’t pick up the irritation she felt. What’s another opinion at this point?
“Make your decision based on facts. Don’t let Lauren’s emotions sway you. If it makes sense to proceed, do it. If not, you have no obligation to McRainey. It’s just not a good fit.” Caryn heard the slight hesitation in Andrew’s voice. “Do what you think is right.”
“My dad said he didn’t expect me even to consider a client like McRainey—I might as well contract with his company…everything I spent most of my life trying to escape. I never looked at it in those terms, but he’s right.” She slid from the arm of the chair to its seat.
“But, remember, this is one contract for a specific time pe
riod. Don’t let your father, Lauren, or me influence you. I know Lauren has a stake in this, but ultimately it’s your company and your decision.”
“Thank you for talking with me,” Caryn said. “I’ve missed this.”
“I hope you didn’t mind me offering my advice.”
“You give common sense suggestions, Drew. You never question my judgment…and your advice steers me in the right direction.”
“At least when it comes to your business.”
Caryn heard the hint of bitterness in his tone. “Drew, stop. We’re taking things one day at a time…and moving forward.”
Andrew shoved aside the flash of irritation he felt for a man he’d never met but blamed for the tension in Caryn’s voice. He knew tension led to headaches, which sometimes developed into migraines. With Tom immersed in his residency, he couldn’t check on Caryn. He hated the thought of her dealing with a migraine alone.
He picked up his phone to call Kelly or Terri, then tossed it aside before he could press either name. Caryn’s managed just fine during these last months. She didn’t need him butting in. If she needed anything, she’d call her friends. Andrew sighed and rubbed his face. Don’t screw things up now.
Without thinking, he walked across the room and opened his laptop. He surfed the web, randomly checking the news at his favorite sites, pausing on the Suns’ page to view any news from training camp. Curiosity took him to McRainey’s home page. He looked for the social media links, wondering why Caryn had decided to approach this account. He clicked on links to Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter and then understood the opportunity she’d seen.
Never would think consulting firms use social media. But evidently they do—at least this company. He clicked around the site until he located Caryn’s contact with the company. Wesley, I think. He found him listed as Senior VP of Marketing and scanned his bio. Harvard. Wharton. No doubt a smug S.O.B. Hope Caryn’s not taking any shit from him. Not likely. Andrew felt an irrational urge to call the man and tell him… What? What would I say to him? Quit trying to bully my wife? Caryn’s more than capable of defending herself.
