Acquiring Trouble Read Free Page B

had family dinner every Sunday night at six. Yet, every Sunday morning for the past six years his mother called him. "This is your mother," s he’d say, as if he didn't already know. "Remember we have dinner tonight at six. Don't be late." It was usually followed up with, "dress nicely , we have a guest coming," which meant his mother had found a date for him. Some mothers knit ted , some baked, but his moth er hunted for potential brides.
    "Yes , " h e snapped when he saw a number he didn't recognize. He was tired, naked , and just wanted to get into the hot shower.
    "Um, Mr. Davies?"
    "Yes, what is it?" The mumbling scared voice only confirmed his suspicion this was probably someone wanting to know his views on the upcoming election or some garbage like that.
    " I’m calling on behalf of Top Producers ."
    "Again, what is it?"
    " Please hold for a call from Miss Hamilton ."
    "Fine. But hurry up, will you? " He was naked and starting to get cold , which made his shower look even more inviting. Boring music flowed through the phone as he waite d for Miss Hamilton.
    “Miles, dear, what a coincidence that you’re the president of Family Farms!” A woman’s voice floated across the line. She had a confident voice with the cutest hint of a southern accent.
    “I’m sorry. Do we know each other?” Miles ran through all the people he knew at Top Producers that he’d met at conferences but couldn’t place her.
    “It’s been a while. Seventeen years or so. But I still remember you. What does the Keeneston water tower say now?”
    Miles didn’t blink. He didn’t breath e and his heart practically stopped beating. Not Miss Hamilton —M iss Morgan Hamilton! “Morgan.”
    “Is that all you have to say after the way we parted?”
    “Well, if you’re giving me a call on behalf of Top Producers then it can’t be out of the goodness of your heart since we both know you and goodness don’t go together.”
    Morgan’s laugh sent a tickle through his ear as he waited for her response. “Miles. Your dry sense of humor is still in tact after all these years. It was so very attractive when we were in high school together.”
    “Stop with the pleasantries. What can I do for you?” He didn’t know what it was, but he was sure it wasn’t good.
    “ Smart as always. David told me he sent you an email of congratulations and while he doesn’t know you, I do,” she said smoothly.
    “Don’t presume to know me, Morgan.”
    “Play nice, Miles. I know that when you got that ema il you knew we were interested in learning more about your company. Yo u have a nice little thing going. C ongratulations.”
    “Little? So little we’re starting to win the contracts Top Producers is bidding on. Look, M organ, I appreciate you not tip- toeing around the subject. You want to take us over.”
    “You’re getting a little a head of yourself. I’m just telling you that you’re doing well enough to warrant us taking a look under your skirt to see if we like what we find.”
    “Since you’re an old friend, I’ll save you some time. We don’t lift our skirt for just anyone and certainly not you. Good luck finding as much as you can about us, ‘ cause I won’t give you a thing. And if you manage to be good enough to find the information, I’ll give you a heads up. We won’t sell. There will be no takeover. You all try to dress it up and call it a merger —e ither way, it’s not happening.”
    “Well,” Miles could hear the smile on her face, “I look forward to trying to sneak a pee k under your clothes. It’s been great talking to you , Miles. I’m sure we’ll talk again onc e I complete the investigation.”
    “Forgive me for my lack of manners, but I hope I don’t hear from you again. I will fight this and so will my members. Goodbye, Morgan.”
    Miles placed the phone on the counter and walked to the shower. Stepping under the spray he was assault ed with visions of the past. Visions of a slightly overweight girl with