When Ross got to the office, he was greeted with yet more negative news.
While Ross had hired both corporate and tax lawyers on the advice of Alan Hell, and Tom "The Shark" from Philadelphia, and while Ross had vowed to "Stay away" from the "details", there was something which Vic could not hide from Ross.
"Ross, I think we should talk in your office. Even though I am taking responsibility to deal with the details of this situation, and you know I will continue to fully do so until we are out of this mess, I found out some news early this morning which I feel that I must share with you" Vic said seriously.
Ross and Vic went into Ross's office. Ross again said to his secretary "Please hold all calls. I must discuss something extremely important with Vic before I deal with anything else" Ross said.
"Of course, Ross" Ross's assistant, Kris, said.
Ross sat in his chair in the office, and Vic in his usual chair.
"Okay, Mister COO, my good friend Victor. Please lay it on me in full" Ross said calmly.
Vic sighed and said. "I received an e-mail that I will forward to you when I get back to my office. This e-mail talked about how, when this whole mess is sorted out, the company could lose another potential five percent in value, assets, possible lawsuits from various parties. I think you see what I'm getting at. I will show you the number that is being discussed. They say we can work "A payment plan" for any tax penalties as any person or company would do. I was advised by the financial people which are handling this, that since the company has already lost the first five percent of value, maybe we pay half of what they want now, and another half in as far away of a deadline as they will give us, since it is another very significant amount of money. Let's see what the details are. I will deal with the "nitty gritty" as I would be expected to , being the COO , and also to keep you focused and calm considering that we just experienced a very significant hit in value such a short time ago. " Vic said.
Ross gave a long sigh, somewhere between being upset, and an "I can't fucking believe this" mode.
Finally, to react, rationally, Ross said. "Vic, all I will say is this. This is the strongest vote of confidence I can give to you, my friend, and as RossShell's COO. Please do what you have to, to help whoever we need to, get us out of this mess. You absolutely did the right thing by coming to me with this information. Going forward, this is what I think we should do. Please handle the day to day details which we will discuss at the end of each step, and I will sign off on, but, if something involving a significant amount of money happens, such as what is happening today, and what happened when we lost the first five percent, please come to me with that information immediately" Ross said, in a tone that was justifiably upset, but also calm, for both Vic's sake with dealing with the situation on a day to day basis, for Ross's health, and for the good of Ross and Vic's relationship, both as business associates, and good friends.
Ross and Vic shook hands. "I think that is a very good approach, Ross. For your health, for your focus on day to day work at RossShell and with your other ventures as with RFS, and for your peace of mind" Vic said.
Vic got up, and started out of Ross's office.
"Please just forward me all correspondence in regard to this at my usual e-mail;. I will read it. We will discuss it again in person before we both go home tonight, and then as things are moving forward and "Unraveling" as they say" Ross said.
"Of course, Ross, and I think you are doing the most prudent thing you can under these very unpleasant circumstances" Vic said, leaving Ross's office, and heading back to Vic's own office.
Ross got up from his chair, and walked around the office, "Digesting" this most unpleasant information , and also figuring out just what to do next in regard to work for himself.
Ross had experienced what would likely be two very big hits, in a very short period of time, not to mention his recent health issues.
Ross sat in his chair thinking about the events which had occurred the last few months, just in his business life at RossShell, not to mention his recent health issues with the migraines, Botox shots, dizzy spells, and falls.
First,. Ross had to clean up Tim's situation and pay off that mess caused by Tom the now former account manager.
Then, Ross found out that he was likely going to lose five percent of RossShell due to a group of bad deals which had all collapsed at once.
Now, Ross had just been told that the company would likely shrink by yet another five percent at the "End of the Day" as Ross's father liked to use the term, when the current mess was sorted out.
Ross was.. upset, beside himself., in disbelief, angry, any reaction and or feeling which would be normal for a CEO of a company as remarkably stable as RossShell, until this definite five percent/possible additional five percent came down.
Ross was feeling stable. It had been "almost a month " since he had been to OKC.
Ross knew that he needed a break from all of the problems at RossShell which were happening in the past three months.
Ross called Steve, and said.
"Steve, you know that we are supposed to do our usual deal and or company buyout soon. I was wondering if we could please set that up as soon as possible, such as maybe in the next week or at most two. I need a break from New York for even two or three days to refocus, do something else besides RossShell, see my good friends and business partners, and clear my head. I told you about the mess we are in at RossShell right now where five percent of the company's value will be lost due to a combination of deals and decisions going bad at the same time. Well, I just had a conversation with Vic, and Vic told me and forwarded me the details of more negative news, where we may lose up to another five percent due to lawsuits from the first problem, a possible tax problem, and so forth. I definitely need a break from New York. This is not "Ross wants to do a deal in OKC because Ross had a bad day This is two major events in a period of two or three months. I think you see my point, and as I asked previously, might we be able to do a deal either oil show, company buy, etc, which would allow me to get to OKC within ideally the next week?" Ross asked.
Steve sighed. "Ross, I'm so very sorry to hear what you are going through, and what is happening at RossShell. I am going to talk to Mister P when I get off this phone call. I can almost guarantee that we can do some kind of work together very soon. If not this week or next week, then within 14 days at most. We just have to figure out the details of how to set it up" Steve said.
"Steve, thank you. That is just what I needed to hear. We will be in touch very soon" Ross said.
"Mister P and I will talk to you by the end of the day tomorrow, guaranteed" Steve said.
"Thanks, Steve" Ross said.
After being hit with the second piece of significantly negative news in two months, Ross took Vic to lunch at Shun Lee. The men kept the "conversation light" so as to have a relaxing lunch, and not "dwell on something" out of the office, which they were both experiencing in the office.
Ross and Vic went back to the office.
By 4 pm, Ross knew Kayley would be home, and Ross had quite enough for one day.
"I am leaving for the day. Will be back tomorrow. I will call in to let everyone know what time I will be in" Ross said.
"Goodnight, Ross. Take care of yourself" Vic said.
"I will try to. You take care of yourself as well, Vic" Ross said.
Ross rode home in the Uber, and closed his eyes just to relax.
Kayley , who was at work all day, and who did not know about the second problem which was almost certain to unfold, knew there was something wrong the minute she saw Ross's face when he opened the apartment door.
Kayley kissed Ross lightly. "Your partner in life who loves you to the end of the earth and back senses that you had a very bad day, and that what happened which was bad is significantly bad. Might I suggest that you please get into comfortable clothes, I will get you an iced tea, and we will sit down and talk" Kayley said,. almost like a therapist who had greeted a patient who the therapist could see was troubled.
"Thanks, Kale. You know me better than I know myself. Let me change, and I will be right back" Ross said, going into the bedroom, hanging up his work blazer and slacks, and tossing his dress shirt into the pile of dirty laundry.
Ross slowly came back to the couch in the living room, took the iced tea from Kayley, and sat close to her, as Kayley rubbed Ross's shoulder and back for support.
"Please talk to me. What happened today that makes you look as terrible as you do at this minute?" Kayley said.
Ross sighed. "It's a long story, Kale. I'm still trying to "process it all" Let's just say that without my getting into a long winded explanation which will only get me riled up, and will only serve to get both of us upset, I found out some terrible news from Vic when I got to the office this morning. Vic and I talked, and then he showed me documentation from the appropriate parties. You already know that RossShell has lost five percent of it's value from the first collective problem which hit last month. Well, now, according to this documentation I have in my computer, and according to what Vic and I discussed today, RossShell is likely going to lose yet another five percent in value before the mess which caused us to lose the first five percent of the company is sorted out. Obviously, today's news was like "Another blow to the body in a hard fight". As we did with the first problem, Vic and I just have to see how the current problem which we just found out about unfolds, and how best to deal with it" Ross said, calmly , but solemnly.
Kayley was of course very disturbed by this news, but she knew that she had to react calmly for Ross's sake.
"Ross, my sweetheart,. I am so sorry about these terrible developments. The only appropriate thing for me to say is that I am here to support you during this difficult time for you, Vic, and that both of you and RossShell, is experiencing, and that you can count on me every step of the way" Kayley said, kissing Ross supportively.
"Thanks. I am going to think about this carefully for a day or two. I'm thinking of doing something which I've never done before, since the current RossShell is in existence. I'm thinking of calling a meeting, or sending an e-mail , or asking Vic to do so, to everyone who works at RossShell, that all new business, and or any major decisions which Vic and or me might have to make regarding such, are on hold until further notice, until we really see what the end result is, especially of today's news" Ross said.
Kayley gave a small smile. "In almost thirty years I've known you. I have never heard you talk like this. Personally, I think that would be the best course of action you can take. It does not mean that such decision will be for long, honey. Maybe it is for a month, or two months, or three. If I know Ross the way I have for thirty years, and if I know how you have taken hits, and rebound from said hits., you will not be in stationary pattern for long" Kayley said.
Ross and Kayley had a quiet dinner of call in Italian food at home.
They got into bed, with Kayley cuddling Ross supportively. They quietly talked, and then Ross said.
"Kale, my head was spinning so much from discussing this so often today that I forgot to discuss something with you. This is not to "Run away" or "A thought in haste" The bottom line is, that after experiencing two significant hits in such a short time, not to mention the other problem not long ago with settling Tim's situation, I really need a break from RossShell and the office. I talked to Steve today. I think it might be a good idea if I went to OKC for my usual trip next week for the usual time frame of three days. I think it will help me to focus on something else, not be here and in the office every day to dwell on something negative, and to avoid driving myself crazy. Are you okay with that?" Ross asked.
Kayley kissed Ross. "More than okay. I think that you should go ahead and do just that. I think that whatever you accomplish in OKC, whether just talking and planning with Steve and Mister P, an investors deal or two, and or a company buy, such will make you feel better" Kayley said,.
Ross sighed with relief. "Good. When I get to the office in the morning, I am going to call Steve and do just that. I' m not leaving tomorrow or probably not even this week because of course it will take a bit of time to put a show together, but, within a week, I would like to be in OKC with Fritz and Steve working on productive business, and away from RossShell, and these two major day to day problems" Ross said.
Ross rubbed Kayley supportively, almsot like. "Thanks for understanding that I need to get out of here, and this thought is not one I came up with in haste"
Ross slept at intervals that night. The couple awakened in the morning. Ross and Kayley kissed goodbye, and before Ross left for RossShell, Ross called Steve from Ross's home office.
"Steve, Kayley and I talked last night. The trip we had talked about. You know how Kayley is always so concerned about my traveling due to my health and my tiring myself out. After the second problem hit me at RossShell yesterday, Kayley almost gave me her blessing to leave New York. She said, and I quote. "Go right ahead" Therefore, please let's do what we discussed yesterday. I would appreciate if you, I and Mister P could please talk by tomorrow or the next day, and if we could set up for me to be down there within a week at most" Ross said.
"Ross, I'm very happy to hear this Of course we will do just that. I can guarantee that you will be down here doing significant business with Mister P and I as usual within seven days at most, just as you asked" Steve said.
"Thanks., We will keep in touch" Ross said, as he clicked Steve off.
Ross went over to the couch in his home office, and sat in thought for a brief time.
Ross knew that he was making the right decision to take a break from the RossShell office for a while.
Unlike other times, when Ross had just "Dropped everything and ran off" which had caused fricition between Ross and Kayley, due to Kayley's concern for Ross's health.
This time,. when Ross explained the full impact of the two significant problems at RossShell to Kayley in detail, Kayley uncharacteristically gave Ross her blessing with her "I think you should go right ahead and do just that" response to Ross telling her that Ross needed to get away from the office and do hopefully productive business in OKC.
Ross stood up, went into the master bathroom, showered, put on his work clothes, took his briefcase, and went in an Uber to the office.
With Ross's supportive and wonderful discussion with Kayley, and an OKC trip on the horizon, Ross, in spite of the terribly negative news he had received at RossShell the day before, was trying to "calm down" and focus on what he could do work wise in New York, and looking forward to his upcoming trup to OKC and a break from the current problems at RossShell
Ross rode to the office, went upstairs, and entered the main office.
Ross "Hoped" that there would be no more negative news which greeted him on that current day.
Would things quiet down? Would Ross get any good news from RossShell?
That would be seen.
While Ross had hired both corporate and tax lawyers on the advice of Alan Hell, and Tom "The Shark" from Philadelphia, and while Ross had vowed to "Stay away" from the "details", there was something which Vic could not hide from Ross.
"Ross, I think we should talk in your office. Even though I am taking responsibility to deal with the details of this situation, and you know I will continue to fully do so until we are out of this mess, I found out some news early this morning which I feel that I must share with you" Vic said seriously.
Ross and Vic went into Ross's office. Ross again said to his secretary "Please hold all calls. I must discuss something extremely important with Vic before I deal with anything else" Ross said.
"Of course, Ross" Ross's assistant, Kris, said.
Ross sat in his chair in the office, and Vic in his usual chair.
"Okay, Mister COO, my good friend Victor. Please lay it on me in full" Ross said calmly.
Vic sighed and said. "I received an e-mail that I will forward to you when I get back to my office. This e-mail talked about how, when this whole mess is sorted out, the company could lose another potential five percent in value, assets, possible lawsuits from various parties. I think you see what I'm getting at. I will show you the number that is being discussed. They say we can work "A payment plan" for any tax penalties as any person or company would do. I was advised by the financial people which are handling this, that since the company has already lost the first five percent of value, maybe we pay half of what they want now, and another half in as far away of a deadline as they will give us, since it is another very significant amount of money. Let's see what the details are. I will deal with the "nitty gritty" as I would be expected to , being the COO , and also to keep you focused and calm considering that we just experienced a very significant hit in value such a short time ago. " Vic said.
Ross gave a long sigh, somewhere between being upset, and an "I can't fucking believe this" mode.
Finally, to react, rationally, Ross said. "Vic, all I will say is this. This is the strongest vote of confidence I can give to you, my friend, and as RossShell's COO. Please do what you have to, to help whoever we need to, get us out of this mess. You absolutely did the right thing by coming to me with this information. Going forward, this is what I think we should do. Please handle the day to day details which we will discuss at the end of each step, and I will sign off on, but, if something involving a significant amount of money happens, such as what is happening today, and what happened when we lost the first five percent, please come to me with that information immediately" Ross said, in a tone that was justifiably upset, but also calm, for both Vic's sake with dealing with the situation on a day to day basis, for Ross's health, and for the good of Ross and Vic's relationship, both as business associates, and good friends.
Ross and Vic shook hands. "I think that is a very good approach, Ross. For your health, for your focus on day to day work at RossShell and with your other ventures as with RFS, and for your peace of mind" Vic said.
Vic got up, and started out of Ross's office.
"Please just forward me all correspondence in regard to this at my usual e-mail;. I will read it. We will discuss it again in person before we both go home tonight, and then as things are moving forward and "Unraveling" as they say" Ross said.
"Of course, Ross, and I think you are doing the most prudent thing you can under these very unpleasant circumstances" Vic said, leaving Ross's office, and heading back to Vic's own office.
Ross got up from his chair, and walked around the office, "Digesting" this most unpleasant information , and also figuring out just what to do next in regard to work for himself.
Ross had experienced what would likely be two very big hits, in a very short period of time, not to mention his recent health issues.
Ross sat in his chair thinking about the events which had occurred the last few months, just in his business life at RossShell, not to mention his recent health issues with the migraines, Botox shots, dizzy spells, and falls.
First,. Ross had to clean up Tim's situation and pay off that mess caused by Tom the now former account manager.
Then, Ross found out that he was likely going to lose five percent of RossShell due to a group of bad deals which had all collapsed at once.
Now, Ross had just been told that the company would likely shrink by yet another five percent at the "End of the Day" as Ross's father liked to use the term, when the current mess was sorted out.
Ross was.. upset, beside himself., in disbelief, angry, any reaction and or feeling which would be normal for a CEO of a company as remarkably stable as RossShell, until this definite five percent/possible additional five percent came down.
Ross was feeling stable. It had been "almost a month " since he had been to OKC.
Ross knew that he needed a break from all of the problems at RossShell which were happening in the past three months.
Ross called Steve, and said.
"Steve, you know that we are supposed to do our usual deal and or company buyout soon. I was wondering if we could please set that up as soon as possible, such as maybe in the next week or at most two. I need a break from New York for even two or three days to refocus, do something else besides RossShell, see my good friends and business partners, and clear my head. I told you about the mess we are in at RossShell right now where five percent of the company's value will be lost due to a combination of deals and decisions going bad at the same time. Well, I just had a conversation with Vic, and Vic told me and forwarded me the details of more negative news, where we may lose up to another five percent due to lawsuits from the first problem, a possible tax problem, and so forth. I definitely need a break from New York. This is not "Ross wants to do a deal in OKC because Ross had a bad day This is two major events in a period of two or three months. I think you see my point, and as I asked previously, might we be able to do a deal either oil show, company buy, etc, which would allow me to get to OKC within ideally the next week?" Ross asked.
Steve sighed. "Ross, I'm so very sorry to hear what you are going through, and what is happening at RossShell. I am going to talk to Mister P when I get off this phone call. I can almost guarantee that we can do some kind of work together very soon. If not this week or next week, then within 14 days at most. We just have to figure out the details of how to set it up" Steve said.
"Steve, thank you. That is just what I needed to hear. We will be in touch very soon" Ross said.
"Mister P and I will talk to you by the end of the day tomorrow, guaranteed" Steve said.
"Thanks, Steve" Ross said.
After being hit with the second piece of significantly negative news in two months, Ross took Vic to lunch at Shun Lee. The men kept the "conversation light" so as to have a relaxing lunch, and not "dwell on something" out of the office, which they were both experiencing in the office.
Ross and Vic went back to the office.
By 4 pm, Ross knew Kayley would be home, and Ross had quite enough for one day.
"I am leaving for the day. Will be back tomorrow. I will call in to let everyone know what time I will be in" Ross said.
"Goodnight, Ross. Take care of yourself" Vic said.
"I will try to. You take care of yourself as well, Vic" Ross said.
Ross rode home in the Uber, and closed his eyes just to relax.
Kayley , who was at work all day, and who did not know about the second problem which was almost certain to unfold, knew there was something wrong the minute she saw Ross's face when he opened the apartment door.
Kayley kissed Ross lightly. "Your partner in life who loves you to the end of the earth and back senses that you had a very bad day, and that what happened which was bad is significantly bad. Might I suggest that you please get into comfortable clothes, I will get you an iced tea, and we will sit down and talk" Kayley said,. almost like a therapist who had greeted a patient who the therapist could see was troubled.
"Thanks, Kale. You know me better than I know myself. Let me change, and I will be right back" Ross said, going into the bedroom, hanging up his work blazer and slacks, and tossing his dress shirt into the pile of dirty laundry.
Ross slowly came back to the couch in the living room, took the iced tea from Kayley, and sat close to her, as Kayley rubbed Ross's shoulder and back for support.
"Please talk to me. What happened today that makes you look as terrible as you do at this minute?" Kayley said.
Ross sighed. "It's a long story, Kale. I'm still trying to "process it all" Let's just say that without my getting into a long winded explanation which will only get me riled up, and will only serve to get both of us upset, I found out some terrible news from Vic when I got to the office this morning. Vic and I talked, and then he showed me documentation from the appropriate parties. You already know that RossShell has lost five percent of it's value from the first collective problem which hit last month. Well, now, according to this documentation I have in my computer, and according to what Vic and I discussed today, RossShell is likely going to lose yet another five percent in value before the mess which caused us to lose the first five percent of the company is sorted out. Obviously, today's news was like "Another blow to the body in a hard fight". As we did with the first problem, Vic and I just have to see how the current problem which we just found out about unfolds, and how best to deal with it" Ross said, calmly , but solemnly.
Kayley was of course very disturbed by this news, but she knew that she had to react calmly for Ross's sake.
"Ross, my sweetheart,. I am so sorry about these terrible developments. The only appropriate thing for me to say is that I am here to support you during this difficult time for you, Vic, and that both of you and RossShell, is experiencing, and that you can count on me every step of the way" Kayley said, kissing Ross supportively.
"Thanks. I am going to think about this carefully for a day or two. I'm thinking of doing something which I've never done before, since the current RossShell is in existence. I'm thinking of calling a meeting, or sending an e-mail , or asking Vic to do so, to everyone who works at RossShell, that all new business, and or any major decisions which Vic and or me might have to make regarding such, are on hold until further notice, until we really see what the end result is, especially of today's news" Ross said.
Kayley gave a small smile. "In almost thirty years I've known you. I have never heard you talk like this. Personally, I think that would be the best course of action you can take. It does not mean that such decision will be for long, honey. Maybe it is for a month, or two months, or three. If I know Ross the way I have for thirty years, and if I know how you have taken hits, and rebound from said hits., you will not be in stationary pattern for long" Kayley said.
Ross and Kayley had a quiet dinner of call in Italian food at home.
They got into bed, with Kayley cuddling Ross supportively. They quietly talked, and then Ross said.
"Kale, my head was spinning so much from discussing this so often today that I forgot to discuss something with you. This is not to "Run away" or "A thought in haste" The bottom line is, that after experiencing two significant hits in such a short time, not to mention the other problem not long ago with settling Tim's situation, I really need a break from RossShell and the office. I talked to Steve today. I think it might be a good idea if I went to OKC for my usual trip next week for the usual time frame of three days. I think it will help me to focus on something else, not be here and in the office every day to dwell on something negative, and to avoid driving myself crazy. Are you okay with that?" Ross asked.
Kayley kissed Ross. "More than okay. I think that you should go ahead and do just that. I think that whatever you accomplish in OKC, whether just talking and planning with Steve and Mister P, an investors deal or two, and or a company buy, such will make you feel better" Kayley said,.
Ross sighed with relief. "Good. When I get to the office in the morning, I am going to call Steve and do just that. I' m not leaving tomorrow or probably not even this week because of course it will take a bit of time to put a show together, but, within a week, I would like to be in OKC with Fritz and Steve working on productive business, and away from RossShell, and these two major day to day problems" Ross said.
Ross rubbed Kayley supportively, almsot like. "Thanks for understanding that I need to get out of here, and this thought is not one I came up with in haste"
Ross slept at intervals that night. The couple awakened in the morning. Ross and Kayley kissed goodbye, and before Ross left for RossShell, Ross called Steve from Ross's home office.
"Steve, Kayley and I talked last night. The trip we had talked about. You know how Kayley is always so concerned about my traveling due to my health and my tiring myself out. After the second problem hit me at RossShell yesterday, Kayley almost gave me her blessing to leave New York. She said, and I quote. "Go right ahead" Therefore, please let's do what we discussed yesterday. I would appreciate if you, I and Mister P could please talk by tomorrow or the next day, and if we could set up for me to be down there within a week at most" Ross said.
"Ross, I'm very happy to hear this Of course we will do just that. I can guarantee that you will be down here doing significant business with Mister P and I as usual within seven days at most, just as you asked" Steve said.
"Thanks., We will keep in touch" Ross said, as he clicked Steve off.
Ross went over to the couch in his home office, and sat in thought for a brief time.
Ross knew that he was making the right decision to take a break from the RossShell office for a while.
Unlike other times, when Ross had just "Dropped everything and ran off" which had caused fricition between Ross and Kayley, due to Kayley's concern for Ross's health.
This time,. when Ross explained the full impact of the two significant problems at RossShell to Kayley in detail, Kayley uncharacteristically gave Ross her blessing with her "I think you should go right ahead and do just that" response to Ross telling her that Ross needed to get away from the office and do hopefully productive business in OKC.
Ross stood up, went into the master bathroom, showered, put on his work clothes, took his briefcase, and went in an Uber to the office.
With Ross's supportive and wonderful discussion with Kayley, and an OKC trip on the horizon, Ross, in spite of the terribly negative news he had received at RossShell the day before, was trying to "calm down" and focus on what he could do work wise in New York, and looking forward to his upcoming trup to OKC and a break from the current problems at RossShell
Ross rode to the office, went upstairs, and entered the main office.
Ross "Hoped" that there would be no more negative news which greeted him on that current day.
Would things quiet down? Would Ross get any good news from RossShell?
That would be seen.
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