Uncontrolled Spin: The Power and Danger of Spin ("Un"missable Series Book 1) by Jerry Summers Page B

like for Jessica to tour the facility before anything else is decided. However, if the funds needed aren’t available, I don’t want her to get excited about the possibilities only to realize she is undercapitalized.”
    Mark analyzes Sean’s words for a moment, then says, “You know, Sean, I wouldn’t necessarily count Jessica out. My experience with her, as limited as it has been, has told me that she is a very capable and resourceful businesswoman. If she needs capital, I suspect she would be able to raise whatever is necessary to accomplish her goals.”
    Sean nods, pleased with Mark’s appraisal of Ms. Silva. “So do you think Beauty Boutique Clothing is a good risk?”
    Mark raises his eyebrows. “Sean, quit beating around the bush. What exactly are you driving at today?”
    “I’m not sure yet, and, as I’ve said, my numbers are only preliminary.”
    Mark rolls his eyes. “I have never known your numbers to be off more than ten percent, at the most. Out with it, my man. Now!”
    Sean shifts in his chair and says, “I think I’m crazy for bringing this to you, but based on my initial analysis, I think Jessica has found a very viable niche market with enormous profit potential.”
    Mark sighs; realizing Sean is going to takes his time with whatever this proposal is aiming at. “Yeah, so?”
    “I see the possibility that any investment into the Beauty Boutique could be doubled or tripled within the first full year of operation,” Sean clarifies. “If you invest big…”
    Mark leans back in his chair, puts his hands behind his head, and studies Sean’s face. When he finally breaks his stare and silence, he says, “I only have one question for you at this point. Is your interest in Beauty Boutique Clothing and Jessica Silva personal or professional?”
    “Professional,” Sean says immediately. “I’m much more interested in making money than I am in chasing pussy. Hell, finding some split-tail to spend time with me in bed has never been an issue for me. You know that.”
    “True,” Mark concedes, “but I’m sensing a different type of interest in Jessica Silva from you, and I just want to caution you. If you’re analyzing this company as a possible investment vehicle, you need to view Jessica as a CEO and client only, not a possible conquest. Decide which it is before we continue with this discussion.”
    Without hesitation, Sean replies, “Mark, you have my word. I am more interested in the company’s possibilities than I am in any possibilities with Jessica Silva.”
    Mark eyes Sean carefully before giving in. “Very well. What else?”
    Sean shakes his head. “Nothing at this point, but I’d like you to consider investing one million dollars. I would do the same in order for this expansion to work for Ms. Silva, if she can’t come up with the funds on her own.”
    Mark grins knowingly. “Well, here we are then. The actual purpose of this dinner meeting, eh? I’ll tell you what; I’ll consider this a preliminary proposal with results subject to your final analysis. But I would have one major condition.”
    “What’s that?” Sean asks, smiling at Mark’s directness.
    “If I’m going to invest that much money in a fledgling clothing company, even if you’re going to do the same, I want both of us to be seated on a board of directors. Good luck getting Jessica to agree to me sitting on the board, given her friendship with Bonnie. She’d see it as a conflict of interest.”
    “All right, fair enough. I’ll take the challenge. And you’ll consider it?”
    Mark nods. “If you tell me it’s a good investment and your analysis demonstrates it to be correct, I’ll consider joining you in it. However, if you back away from putting your own funds into the company, I won’t go forward either. Fair enough?”
    “Fair enough,” Sean answers, appreciating the deal-making banter. “Now, what else do you want to eat? I’m starving.”

CHAPTER 7
    WOULD YOU?
    T hursday morning, Sean