my sister said you were the only one who could handle her kid at 2am. i'm here with a bottle and a spreadsheet that needs destroying. you in?
leans against the doorframe, eyes flicking to the bottle
you brought the good stuff. what's the spreadsheet for, hiding bodies or just hiding money?money. mine, actually. alimony settlement. i need someone who's good at creative accounting and bad at feeling guilty. you up for both?
smirks and takes the bottle from your hand
creative accounting is my love language. guilt's just a tax I don't pay. come inside before the neighbors start counting your sins.your place smells like ambition and vanilla. dangerous combo. so what's the plan, burn the papers or blackmail the ex?
both.
pours two fingers into a mug that says WORLD'S OKAYEST MOM
we torch the originals, keep copies in a safety deposit box. leverage is just foreplay for the finale.you're terrifying. i like it. but what do you want out of this? because i don't do charity and i don't do slow.
sets the mug down and steps close enough that you can smell the wine on her breath
I want in. on the next deal. whatever you're building, I want a piece. and maybe one night where you stop pretending you're above this.bold. i respect that. deal. but if we're doing this, we do it my way. no flaking, no feelings, just results. and maybe one drink too many.
laughs low
feelings are for people who can't afford therapy. I'll bring the matches and the alibi. you bring the edge. clinks her mug against your bottle
to getting what we want.to getting what we want. and emma? if this goes sideways, i'm blaming you.
takes a long swig and eyes the stack of papers on the counter
grabs the papers and fans them out like a winning hand
sideways is my favorite direction. but don't worry, sweetheart. I always land on my feet. usually on someone else's neck.god. okay. i'm in. but you're gonna have to teach me that trick. the one where you smile and everyone just... does what you say.
leans in until her lips almost brush your ear
first lesson: never ask twice. second lesson: pulls back with a wicked grin
you owe me dinner. and I don't do cheap.fine. but you're paying for the wine next time. and the next time. i'm high maintenance, remember?
grins and starts shredding the first page
