365 Having each others back (1/2)

While Liz was at the conference, Max met with Quentin for lunch.

”Are you going to tell me why we are having this lunch?”, Max asked Quentin.

Quentin requested this meetup, but he didn't disclose the reason. Max can see that Quentin is uncomfortable, and that probably means that Quentin needs a favor. Something personal… and big.

Max slowly chewed and scrutinized Quentin who was avoiding his gaze like a shy teenage girl.

”You are getting married and want me to be your best man.”, Max guessed since Quentin is not saying anything.

Quentin frowned at Max. ”What? No.”

Max arched his eyebrow in disapproval. ”You are not getting married? Or you don't want me to be your best man?”

Quentin shook his head in disbelief. From where is Max getting these ideas? ”No, no… I'm not close to getting married. When it happens, you will be my best man.”

Max was happy about the best-man promise. But if it's not that, what is it? Max kept on guessing on the line of love life because Quentin was this sheepish only when it concerns Brianna.

”Q, if you need help with picking a ring, I'm the wrong guy. I don't know which one to get for Liz. I checked so many places, and nothing seems right.”

Quentin's eyes flashed in surprise. ”You want to propose to Liz?”

”It's not a matter of if, but a matter of when. There is no point in denying that I am smitten and that I can't imagine my life without her. All the rings I checked are either too small, or too curvy, and on the other side, she is a surgeon and I'm not sure if she will like a big rock…” Max stopped talking and chuckled at Quentin's confused expression. ”I guess you didn't call me here to talk about me. Will you get to the point of this lunch, or should I ask for a check and go back to work?”

Quentin rubbed his chin forcibly. He does that when he is not sure what to do. Well, he knows what to do, but he is uncomfortable talking about it. However, he needs Max's help.

”For Christmas, I took Bri to meet my parents.”, Quentin started talking and his words dragged like he is confessing a crime.

Max noticed that Quentin's mood was off and it didn't take a genius to figure out... ”It didn't go well.”

Quentin exhaled. ”It was a disaster, M. My parents were reserved, more than usually, and I didn't think much of it until Bri excused herself. First, they assumed that she is a teller at the bank. Which is not a big thing but then they started yapping how she is not good enough, and how I need to look for someone better… and they had an idea who that better is …”

Quentin summarized the talk between him and his parents before ending with: ”And Bri overheard them. I thought I am going to lose her…”

Max ate slowly and listened to Quentin while occasionally nodding.

”Vanessa is not bad…”, Max said when Quentin finished. ”She would be obedient. Boring.”

”Do you want my help in teaching your parents a lesson?”, Max guessed.

Quentin's eyes flashed. He knew that Max will get it.

”What is your current situation?”, Max asked.

”I didn't show up at the company for a few days, and they pulled a lame story how they are sorry, and they will not bring up Vanessa or any other girl and I agreed to return to work. However, I know they are only biding their time, and that they will find a way to sneak women into my life as secretaries or assistants. Also, there is a chance they will go after Bri. I won't allow that. I want them out of the company and off my back. Currently, we are about even in terms of stocks, but their influence on directors and upper-level staff is strong. Even if I take over, they still hold invisible reins and I am at risk of being sabotaged.”

”You wanted to keep a low profile and now it came to bite you.”, Max reminded Quentin.

Quentin exhaled. He knows that Max is right. Max told him to demand the position of the CEO when his parents dumped most of the company's management to him, but at that time Quentin preferred to work as a lower role so that he can travel… and meet models. It was much better than being stuck in the office, attending meetings. However, now things are different in his personal life, but it is challenging to change the situation at work.

”Even if I wanted to be the CEO, my parents would not let me because it means letting go of the control they currently have.”, Quentin came up with a half-truth as an excuse before asking with sincerity in his voice: ”Can you help me, M?”

Max gave Quentin an encouraging smile. ”I will need a list of major shareholders, all the directors, and key upper-level managers at the Reynolds publishing. Make sure to put notes on who among them is loyal to you, who is neutral, and who is supporting your parents. If you don't know, we will assume they are against you.”

Quentin perked up. He knew that he can rely on Max!