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slides.”
     

CHAPTER FOUR
     
    PAUL STOPPED INTO MIA’S office on his way out. “Nice job today.”
    “Did you really need to be so scathing? I’ve told you a million times to work on your delivery, otherwise you’re going to scare off all prospective investments before they make it in the door.”
    “Come on, you have to admit I’ve gotten better. Imagine what it was like before I hired you to coach me into being a somewhat-affable guy.”
    “Affable? Are you kidding me? Those guys were shaking like crack addicts searching for their next fix. Other firms will throw tons of money at them and not make them want to vomit into their laptop bags. They have to see you as a partner, not an antagonist. If you scare the hell out of them, they’ll bolt with our cut of the action.”
    “I know I was a little hard on them.” He sighed at her frustrated expression. “ Fine , a lot hard. But they need to develop thicker skins, otherwise they’ll get crushed out there. I’m exactly what they need.”
    “Everyone in the industry knows you’re a brilliant visionary and strategist. But mark my words, if we lose prospects, it won’t matter what you bring to the table, because nobody will be there to join you for the meal.”
    “This is exactly why I need you to keep me in line. I promise I’ll go easier on them next time. Their business plan was really a piece of garbage, though. Could you blame me?”
    “That’s an easy fix. You work on your attitude, I’ll resolve the documentation issues, deal?”
    “Deal. I’m heading out. Do you need anything?”
    “Yes, I need to finish a seating chart, make a boatload of favors, schedule the rehearsal dinner, finalize the contract with the photographer, and do a cake tasting. What can I sign you up for?”
    “Definitely the cake tasting. Don’t stay too late. Call if something comes up.”
    He walked into the late afternoon sunshine and grabbed his buzzing iPhone. “Emerson.”
    “Tell me you’re on your way.”
    “I’m starting my car right now. Should be there in about half an hour, unless traffic is even more brutal than normal.”
    His brother Evan snorted. “I’m frankly a little shocked. I figured I’d get a call right about now from Alison telling me you’ve been detained .”
    “Keep up the sarcasm, and I’ll have her give you a buzz.” He steered his gleaming black Bentley Continental GT onto the 101 and eased off the gas. No fucking shot in hell he’d have a quick ride. Traffic was utterly unavoidable in northern California. “I’ll see you there.”
    Blinding rays of afternoon sunshine streamed over the horizon, dancing on waves, crashing against the shore as the beach at Linda Mar came into view.
    Once he arrived at the beach, he stripped out of his clothes and into swim trunks. The ocean air immediately relaxed him, every stress dissipating into the cool breeze. The waves were so perfect, he longed to leap onto his board and ride into the swells, away from… everything. Just like he’d been doing since he was sixteen. It had always been his escape, his therapy, and the only way to channel all the anger before it consumed his entire being. He’d vowed long ago to never give it that power, but some days were harder than others. Fortunately, as the years passed, those times had become few and far between.
    “Hey!” Evan jogged down to the shore as Paul slid on his Ray-Bans. “What time did you get here?”
    “About ten minutes ago. I made sure my calendar was clear so I could get here on time .”
    “Sue me, I was held up in surgery. I’ve got the scoop on our next group of kids. We have about nine signed up so far.”
    Paul stared out at the horizon, his jaw twitching. Great, more kids with deadbeat parents fucking up their lives.
    “You know, I really believe in what we’re doing here. BreakOut is a great way to get these kids off the street. They’re getting the support they need through activities that help others. Collecting old