[ Clyteus smacks the table as she gathers the paper, his voice growling but staying low enough to try and avoid Tim or other bystanders’ listening. ]
It’s not about the admittedly pretty good fucking, Laine. What I’m adamant about is being able to trust you. You’ve lied to me too many times to be able to leave you responsible you with investing and distributing my income unless you can prove yourself to be reliable in any sense of the word.
[ He lets out a breath, not particularly liking what he was prepared to do. But he needed a date and- Well. She was the best option. ]
You’re intelligent, cunning, dogmatic, and ruthless. But I need to know that won’t be aimed at me unless I deserve it. What have I done to harass you besides ask for one after work meeting- that you failed to attend after agreeing? ...Or are you saying that you didn’t consent to the contact that you first started in this fucking room?
[ Cadence's eyes flick down to Clay's hand as he slams it down over the folders, quirking an eyebrow. She...well, softens isn't exactly the right word for her less-tensed expression (she doesn't do soft) but what platitudes Clay has offered has seemingly deescalated some of that brinkmanship.
...Some. ]
...To date, I have done nothing to indicate that I will fail to secure your interests in your case. If I really didn't give a shit and wanted to watch you fall flat on your face, I would have proceeded to let you dig yourself into a deeper legal nightmare with your stupid "where's the pea" divestment strategy and kicked that can down the road until it was no longer my case. I simply offer results; any desire for trust is your own baggage to deal with.
[ Clay considers that for a moment. The aforementioned hand retreats from the table, returning to rest on the lock of his standing briefcase. ]
You’re right. It’s been a very smooth several weeks... Financially.
[ His creased brow relaxes as do his shoulders with the noticeable lapse in tension. There’s a nod and a throat clear. ]
This is why I’m, respectfully, asking that you come with me. Your instincts and experience keep you sharp; I can use the extra set of eyes and ears if business opportunities arise— in addition to your being an exceptionally attractive date.
[ She really doesn't want to give him any semblance of a victory here, but he's backed off his other bullshit and-- ]
It's going to be my overtime rate, just so we're clear. And whatever I have to buy for the event will also count towards your expenses. Is that worth it to you?
Of course. Not a problem. I really appreciate you helping me with this.
[ Clay’s relief is more palpable but his glinting eyes are wrinkled with the thrill of the small victory. He extends his hand across the table, palm out for a handshake. The offer comes with a confirmatory question-inflected statement. ]
I’ll be with the car outside, then. 6pm, Saturday?
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no subject
It’s not about the admittedly pretty good fucking, Laine. What I’m adamant about is being able to trust you. You’ve lied to me too many times to be able to leave you responsible you with investing and distributing my income unless you can prove yourself to be reliable in any sense of the word.
[ He lets out a breath, not particularly liking what he was prepared to do. But he needed a date and- Well. She was the best option. ]
You’re intelligent, cunning, dogmatic, and ruthless. But I need to know that won’t be aimed at me unless I deserve it. What have I done to harass you besides ask for one after work meeting- that you failed to attend after agreeing? ...Or are you saying that you didn’t consent to the contact that you first started in this fucking room?
no subject
...Some. ]
...To date, I have done nothing to indicate that I will fail to secure your interests in your case. If I really didn't give a shit and wanted to watch you fall flat on your face, I would have proceeded to let you dig yourself into a deeper legal nightmare with your stupid "where's the pea" divestment strategy and kicked that can down the road until it was no longer my case. I simply offer results; any desire for trust is your own baggage to deal with.
no subject
You’re right. It’s been a very smooth several weeks... Financially.
[ His creased brow relaxes as do his shoulders with the noticeable lapse in tension. There’s a nod and a throat clear. ]
This is why I’m, respectfully, asking that you come with me. Your instincts and experience keep you sharp; I can use the extra set of eyes and ears if business opportunities arise— in addition to your being an exceptionally attractive date.
no subject
It's going to be my overtime rate, just so we're clear. And whatever I have to buy for the event will also count towards your expenses. Is that worth it to you?
no subject
[ Despite the bitterness behind the memory, he can’t help but smile in an understated expression of victory. It worked— at least for now. ]
Would you prefer to arrange transportation yourself or I’ll send a car for you?
no subject
Don’t be stupid, those wouldn’t remotely work for the occasion. But you‘ll certainly get my bill.
[ As for the latter question, she crosses her arms and drums her fingers against her forearm, contemplating him for a moment. ]
...Arrange a car, for both of us. If we don’t show up together it defeats the whole point.
[ Fuck it, she’ll throw him this one bone. ]
no subject
[ Clay’s relief is more palpable but his glinting eyes are wrinkled with the thrill of the small victory. He extends his hand across the table, palm out for a handshake. The offer comes with a confirmatory question-inflected statement. ]
I’ll be with the car outside, then. 6pm, Saturday?
no subject
But she fights it. Somehow. ]
...Fine. Don’t be late.