Page 42 of Daycare Santa
Chapter 17
“You haven’t signedthe documents my lawyer sent to you,” Nichelle accused as she sat.
“That’s because I haven’t had time to read it,” Gina said, easing back from the desk. “I’ve been busy, as you know.”
“I bet you applied to the Companies Office for the change of directors on the company documents, though.”
“Did I have a choice? The fact that you asked me about a name I had before we went into business together made it urgent.” She stared at Nichelle, who was impeccable in a pale pink business suit. “What is it that’s so important? I don’t have time for this now. I have a function today.”
“So do I, but I’m here.”
Gina shook her head. “I’m really sorry, but I can’t sign off on something I haven’t read.”
She deliberately hadn’t made the time to look at the email or the document that arrived several days ago. Their relationship was beyond repair, but for some reason Gina didn’t want to face the finality signing the agreement would bring. It was a painful reminder of how both her friend and lover had abused her trust.
Nichelle pressed her lips together, then sighed. “Your lawyer could look at it and give you the highlights.”
“You know me. I take a hands-on approach with business.”
“Right.” Nichelle’s mouth puckered, and she looked over Gina’s shoulder.
“What is that supposed to mean?”
“It means you never trusted me during our partnership. What you call hands-on is really micro-managing. Every time I serviced one of your clients, you’d call to check on me as if I needed supervision.”
“My clientsaremy business. One I’ve built for five years. Forgive me if I’m a little over-protective about earning a living, which keeps my son fed, clothed, and sheltered.”
Nichelle narrowed her eyes and opened her mouth, but Gina stopped her by raising one hand. “Please tell me what is in the contract that I need to pay particular attention to, since it’s important enough for you to visit.”
“I want this building.”
With a sharp inhale, Gina cocked her head as if she’d heard wrong. “Excuse me?”
“I’m the one who signed the rental contract for this space.”
Gina opened both hands. “Yes, because it was necessary.”
“Since my signature is on the lease, it’s only fair that I get to stay.”
“But you moved your stuff out.”
“Doesn’t matter.” One corner of Nichelle’s mouth rose in a lopsided smile. “I can move back in ... when you leave.”
Gina stared at the desk, as a crushing weight dropped onto her chest, then raised her head to look at the other woman. “Why are you doing this?”
Her eyes flashed with what Gina read as triumph, then Nichelle shrugged. “All’s fair in love and war. Why should I be the one to search for new digs when you ended our partnership?”