Quoted By:
>"Wh-..."
>"Where did you come up with this kind of money?"
Ash exhales, running a hand through her hair. Her lips curl and she gazes down at the wooden desk top. She clicks her tongue.
>I didn't inherit it. That's for sure.
>I've been in the business a long time, so...
>I guess it's all going back in.
Papers are shuffled and one of the WWA financial officers stack them neatly before placing them in a fancy, black leatherback folder. He looks up at Ash and nods.
>"Alright. Well."
>"We'll be in touch with Priscilla to see if she has a counter offer."
>(Fucking hell)- She will.
>So don't ask her.
>"Miss Romero, I can't just have you-"
>Just.
>Listen to me.
>I don't have anything else! With this offer, I'm parting with MOST of what I've earned through YEARS in this business. Damn near ALL of it!
>I've sacrificed my passions. My hobbies. All because this means more to me than it EVER will to her.
>And you can't-... You shouldn't let a higher flat number get in the way of building something much bigger than either me OR Priscilla.
>It's not about the revenue.
>I'm letting you guys keep NINETY-SEVEN PERCENT of it.
>And all I want- The only clause in there that is non-negotiable is that I *need* to okay every trainer that applies and interviews to work at the Dojo.
Ash leans back in her chair.
>A lot of bullshit went under people's radar... And I refuse to let that happen again.
>... You have to trust me. *This* is what the Dojo needs. What the rookies need. What WWA needs.
>I'm setting aside MY wants, MY needs.
>Miss Divine is just setting aside her *allowance*.
>Doesn't that mean anything to you?
The room is silent for a few moments before the officer clears his throat and slides the folder over to another executive for filing purposes.
>"Be that as it may, we can't make any decisions until after the upcoming show."
>"But... We'll keep you informed, Miss Romero."
>...
>Understood.
Ash hesitates, but stands up and exits the office.
All she can do is hope.
