purse strings. The guy was so tight I was certain he squeaked when he walked. I bet the new office he was having designed for himself cost twenty times the monthly allotment for the breakroom supplies.
That was a battle that would require some strategizing. I had to find a way to appeal to the man’s human side. That was assuming he had one. I was beginning to wonder if he did.
Chapter 12
Nash
I pulled to a stop in front of Davin’s building and waited. He said he would be waiting for me. I wasn’t early. He was late. I really hated when people were late. It wasn’t like I could leave my Porsche sitting unattended. He didn’t live in a great neighborhood. I was certain I would come out of the building and find my car stolen.
He came out of the building with his clubs slung over his shoulder. I popped the trunk and waited for him to load them. “The Porsche today?” he said as he folded his body into the front passenger seat.
“I was feeling frisky,” I said with a laugh.
“I wore the dumb shirt,” he said and tugged at the polo shirt.
“It’s worth it,” I told him. “This is one of the best courses in the state. When we have more time, you have to go out to my house in the Hamptons. Sebonack is absolutely the best of the best.”
“Yeah, I’ll take your word for it. Green is green to me.”
I shook my head. “You’ll see,” I said. “Trust me, you’ll love it.”
“Are you sure I’m dressed appropriately?”
I glanced over and nodded. “Yes.”
“Is this a date?”
I almost choked. “Come again?”
“You sent me an outfit to wear. That’s weird.”
“I sent you an outfit because you are going as my guest and you have to be dressed a certain way to get in. And I don’t want you to embarrass me.”
He laughed and threw his head back. “You mean I shouldn’t fart or burp?”
I rolled my eyes. “Please don’t.”
I drove over George Washington Bridge and headed into New Jersey. The sun was out, and it was a perfect day to get out on the course. I was itching to do something I had not been able to do in months. I handed my keys to the valet and we headed inside the club.
“Holy shit,” Davin whispered. “This is swanky. Thanks for the clothes. I would have stuck out like a sore thumb in my shorts and tee.”
“You wouldn’t have been allowed in the door.”
Our tee time wasn’t for an hour. We headed for the lounge to grab a mimosa and some fresh fruit. “So, this is how the other half lives,” he teased.
“Don’t act like I never take you anywhere nice,” I said.
“You’ve never taken me here,” he said.
“I’ve taken you to my beach house.”
“Yes, which reminds me, summer is coming.”
“Yes, it is,” I said. “Hopefully, we have some free time. My hands are full right now.”
“Because you keep buying companies,” he said.
“I like buying companies.”
“You like money,” he retorted.
“I like being successful.”
“How is it going?” he asked. “I haven’t seen you in the bar all week. I’m guessing that means you’ve been there.”
“I have been there. It’s been a challenge.”
“What do you actually do?” he asked. “I know you’re not filling out tax stuff. That would be like me trying to do it.”
“No, I’m there to help streamline the process. I’m trying to identify the reasons why the firm isn’t making money hand over fist.”
“And have you figured it out?”
I shrugged. “I’ve got it narrowed down. I’ve installed cubicles to separate the employees. Now they can’t spend their days chatting away. I’ve instituted a strict policy about what is okay to do on work time and what isn’t. I had my IT guy restrict access to all social media platforms. That’s going to be huge in cutting down on the screwing around.”
He winced. “Damn, that’s very fascist of you.”
“No, it isn’t. I don’t pay them to sit around and take selfies. Nor do I pay them to look at every other selfie on the internet. Do you know how many social media sites there are?”
“No, but wouldn’t they just use their phones for that?” he questioned.
“I’ve made a rule that personal cell phones must remain in their desks, purses, or whatever during business hours. I don’t want them blabbing all damn day to their best friends and significant others.”
He looked at me like he was staring at a monster. “Damn. You are one tough boss. I’m glad I