Glancing over at the four people on the beach,Katie knew exactly where to go. As she approached the four she could see a blond woman around her mom's age, an obese, balding man with brown hair and a goatee, a thin woman with dark brown hair tied up in a bun and a man with salt and pepper hair and an athletic build. Katie at first thought the group was sunbathing but as she got closer she could see that two of the people seemed to be working on something. As she got closer she began to listen to their conversation.
"We really should go over these numbers one more time Marissa," Robert said as he furiously read over his Kindle. Robert stroked his goatee as he strained to make sense of the information on his Kindle. Marissa brushed her golden blond hair out of her eyes as she glanced up at Robert from her place on the blanket. "Robert," she stated. "We know these numbers backwards and forward. We're going to close this deal. We've been prepping for this deal for the last month. You need to relax."
Robert continued to worry as he continued to read the information off his Kindle. He glanced over at Nancy who had a folder full of paperwork open. The thin brunette woman had a serious look on her face. "Marissa," Nancy stated. "This is serious. This deal is worth over $5 million to the company. Old man Johnson wants this company and he wants them to sign the deal at tomorrow's meeting." Marissa propped herself up on her elbows and stared at Nancy.
"I know how much this deal is worth Nancy," she stated. "But I learned along time ago that there can be such a thing as too much prep. I insisted on this beach day to clear our minds and relax us. If we go into the meeting too tense we could blow this. Then we'll really be screwed." Marissa's voice was calm but a certain amount of sternness was present that made her point clear. Nancy broke eye contact with Marissa and began to fumble with the papers in her folder.
"That's why I like you Marissa," James said from his spot on the towel. "We've got a connection. It always pays to be relaxed before a big deal." James removed his sunglasses and looked at the attractive blond businesswoman. "You should accompany me to the country club this weekend. Maybe catch a late dinner or possibly breakfast?"
Marissa smiled and looked over James. "Nice offer James but I'll pass," she stated. "You maybe a hell of a businessman but your not my type. Besides golf isn't how I lke to relax. I'd much rather get a mani/pedi." Marissa held up her newly done french manicure for James to see. "So what is your type?" James asked. "Someone that isn't as sleazy as a Time Square strip club." Marissa's comments made the group laugh and relax. They were the four best closer's for a small corporation in New York. The deal they were working on was a merger with a small time biotech company that would open up new avenues of revenue for the company. The four businessman had known each other for 20 years and were close. They enhanced strengths in each other and allowed the company to grow leaps and bounds over there tenure. None of them noticed the 10 year old girl that was rapidly approaching them.
"Hi," Katie said cheerfully. "My name's Katie what's yours?" Marissa looked over at the girl and smiled. "I'm Marissa," she said politely. "These are my friends Robert, James, and Nancy." The other three waved politely tto the girl hoping it would satisfy her curiosity. "What are doing at the beach?" Katie asked. "Relaxing," Marissa responded. "We're in town for business." "Are guys married?' Katie asked. "You guys don't look like you're married. How old are you my mom's in her 40's, you guys look like you're in your 40's. Do you like working in business?"
Marissa was starting to get annoyed but kept her composure. "You ask alot of questions Katie," she said. "Where's your mom?"
"She's....not here I came with my sister."
"Maybe you should go find her honey. You look a little young to be by yourself. Besides isn't it a school day."
"I was just trying to be nice and make friends," Katie responded.
"Sorry kid," Marissa said. "But I think we're a little too old to be friends.
Katie smiled. "Not for long," Katie thought as her ring began to glow.