I look out the window & I stared long & hard. I know I cannot push the idea through. Not only my head tells me that, even my heart. I heard my name being called out “ Fiona, are you still here ? Let’s come to a compromise. I’m sure you can understand my situation ”. I look back at James, expressionless & still deep in my thoughts. “ I’m here but my answer is NO. You can’t push this down my throat & expect me to just do it”.
We were in a very deep discussion of a takeover & we could not agree on certain commercial decisions. It happens very often but most of the time we’re able to come to a compromise. Yet, this time around, I just couldn’t accept the proposal given by James who happens to be my most dearest friend for a long time. He could always convince me to take his side & go ahead with his idea. I’ve tried to avoid this confrontation with James for the past 1 week & yet he’s found a way of knowing where I was this morning.
“Fiona, we could always work it around once we’re signed the agreement with the owners. There’s no legal obstacles here. Only your ridiculous conscience ! What happened to the hard headed & all-to-go fiery red lady that I have known over the years. Come one, let’s just make the call together & be done with it”
I stared hard at James. I miss the days he would listen instead of giving me instructions, which is what he does nowadays. I don’t seemed to be able to get the message across to him anymore. It’s wrong & yet he wants me to agree & move on ? “ James, if this is what you want, you go ahead & agree with them. Don’t expect me to just sit down next to you & keep quiet about it. That’s not me. I’m not going to put my name down on the contract & jeopardise everything that we’ve worked so hard for”.
I stood up. Got off may chair & walked out of the room. I could still hear James calling out to me.. followed by his usual curse & swear. I ignored his shouting. As I stepped out of the building, I caught a breath of freshly plucked daisies. Ohhh.. it smells lovely. I sign… Knowing that I’ve crossed the line between James & myself.
He’ll probably go ahead without me to agree with the owners. Maybe it’s time for me to move on without James too..