He needs to discuss with Tanya

"This is quite an unexpected offer," Matt admitted. "I need to talk it over with my partner."

Mr. Adams glared at him. "You're the man in this operation, Matt. Women look up to men who make decisions and scorn those who wimp out and go whining to mommy any time they face a choice. Or did I read you wrong? Maybe you are a mommy's boy."

Matt had never really thought about putting up with his father as being a great thing. But his father was in sales and had used his hard-sell sales techniques on Matt, his mom and his sister starting back before he could remember. He recognized Mr. Adams's moves as classic high-pressure sales.

I guess the point of having a partner is to be a partner, not an autocrat," he answered. "So, let me take your offer to my partner and we'll discuss it and get you an answer."

"I really thought more of you, Matt."

"You know, if we're going to work together, you're going to have to cut the high-pressure shit and just be straightforward because the way I figure it, if we've done enough to get your interest, there are probably other people out there who would also be interested. So, what do you say you drink your coffee and give me and Tanya a few minutes to talk over your offer and get our heads around the possibilities?"

Mr. Adams laughed. "I guess you're different from Jordan, I'll give you that. If I'd run that macho line on him, he would have swallowed it like a shark grabbing chum."

"Well, I'm not Jordan," Matt said.

"Which is why I'm offering you this deal. If you're not interested, there are a hell of a lot of eighteen year-old high school students out there who would snap up this kind of opportunity and investment."

"I'm sure there are. Come on, Tanya. Let's step outside and talk over this offer."

"Sure, Matt. See you, dad."

Mr. Adams watched them go. Matt couldn't tell whether the expression on his face was rage or respect. He figured it was probably rage.