Investment

The solarium was bustling, across the way a young couple were taking photos with their wedding party, a young co-ed beamed in her mortarboard as her parents toasted her upcoming graduation. Ivana was smiling as well, her cheeks ached and her eyes felt like they hadn’t closed in over an hour. Her teeth were grinding as she listened to Nicole drone on and on about the newest toys she’d procured on her trip south. It felt like insects were crawling along her legs and arms as she listened to the woman brag on and on. She fidgeted in her seat, feeling the sun crackle along the nape of her neck.

‘I don’t care! Let me get a word in please!’ She screamed silently, the brunette across from her arched an eyebrow then broke into a sly smile. 

She felt the sole of her sandal washing the warm spring air up her calves, into the billowing loose legs of her trousers. It took every ounce of self-control to carefully stop kicking idly before lowering her foot to the floor. 

“Is-everything-alright?” Ivana said, her cheeks practically folding in on her lips as her false smile threatened to rip her lips apart. 

Nicole leaned forward, resting her elbows on her knees in a very unladylike manner. “I think maybe you’ve had too much coffee for one day sweetheart.”

Ivana bristled as the American woman turned her head slightly, sizing the executive up. “Any more and you might crack, how will you get me to invest in your little company then?” She lifted her napkin to her cheeks, dabbing either side before setting the cloth on her knee. 

Sweeping a hand across her forehead, brushing a lock of hair out of her gaze, Ivana let out a sigh. “Well, I AM excited to discuss that with you, frankly Syrano has been my sole focus for the better part of five years and-…”

Nicole held up a hand, and stood across the table from her. “Spare me. I know all about your little project. I don’t need to hear the pitch.” 

Ivana levelled her gaze, the surroundings of the hotel fading into a tunnel focused solely on the American before her. “So you understand what a crucial mission we have, and how beneficial we can be to not only the world…” She gestured across the table to the woman. “…but also your bottom line.”

Nicole’s wry grin barely shifted as she nodded. “Oh yes, very much so. I’m afraid we’re going to have to clear any investment with my board though.” 

The sun suddenly left her, she couldn’t feel any warmth as she slowly rose to her feet. The other people in the surrounding tables took notice but quickly returned to their affairs. “I’m afraid this is a one time offer. There are other people I could have approached about this.”

Nicole laughed and spun round, walking towards the front entryway to the resort. “Oh don’t be so dramatic, they’re in my suites upstairs. Come along dear, I’m sure they have additional questions.”

Ivana’s cheeks puffing, she stomped after her quarry. “Now see here, this is a private investment offer. I have no interest in selling a stake in Syrano to your company Ms. Corcoran.” She hissed. “We may be young, but we’re going to be a big…”

Nicole wheeled around, poking her in the sternum. “Calm. Down. My board is a euphemism. It’s just my little ones. I’m afraid I’ve left them alone to long. Besides, if we talk about business out here, there’s liable to be eavesdroppers. You don’t want Syrano to get unwanted attention this early in a merger. TRUST me.” The taller woman sighed, staring into Nicole’s eyes. Putting her hands on her hips, she took a deep breath and felt her cheeks puff again. “Oooh, you’re utterly precious! Listen sweetie, you made such a good impression before don’t ruin it by being bratty now.”

Her cheeks burning, Ivana stalked after Nicole as she entered an elevator on the far side of the lobby. Pressing the fifth floor button, Ivana stood quietly as the lift began to rise. She finally turned towards her host and felt her longish brown hair flutter behind her. “You rented suites?” 

Nicole nodded. “Yep, actually the whole fifth floor. I find it’s easier to have space to spread out, especially with the little ones.”

“Don’t you find that a bit ostentatious?” 

“Nah, not really. I try not to overdue things, but if you have the liberty to indulge yourself from time to time, why not.”

The lift opened into an eerily quiet hall. The plush carpeting of the hall seemed to soak up every errant sound. “Plus, I can give the custodial staff a break. My little ones are a little sensitive, so if they don’t have to clean one floor during the brief time I’m here it really is a win win.”

She guided Ivana along, the Entrepreneur could hear the lift closing far behind her. Eventually the pair made their way to one of the large suites at the end of the hall. Nicole swept her card across the scanner and the door unlatched. She guided Ivana inside, and closed the door behind her.

“Nic…Ms. Corcoran, I’m sure you’re…little ones are adorable but we have a deal to make. If you’re…” 

Her jaw fell open, a little brown haired girl gawped up at her from beside a childish chair. Several other little figures turned to look up at her as well. A shock of green hair shifted off of slender shoulders as the woman sighed. 

Seven women in total, none of which over three and a half feet tall.

“Another investor.” Said the green haired woman. Ivana felt a tingle run up her spine. Turning around to find Nicole standing directly behind her. 

“Wh…what is going on here!?” She whispered, stepping back. 

“These are my little ones, each hoping I’d invest in their little interests.” 

“Hey! We talked about that!” A tinny voice squealed behind her.  Turning back, Ivana saw a fuming young woman adjusting her clothing. “And you promised us….”

“I always keep my promises don’t I?” Nicole snapped. Ivana turned back shuddering as her skin began to tingle. “Now, you’re scaring the new addition.”

“What!?” Ivana shouted, stepping back and leaning against one of the low chairs in the room. “I haven’t agreed to anything!?” 

Nicole nodded, and prowled up close to the career woman. “I know. Very brave of you too.” She leaned forward, lowering her mouth towards Ivana’s ear. “Now, here’s the thing. Business can be rather cutthroat as you’d likely agree. And from time to time, advantages must be seized.”

Ivana shivered, sitting down on the back of the blue and white gingham chair. Nicole seemed thoroughly oppressive, placing her arms on either side of Ivana. ‘Wait…what’s..?’ She thought to herself.

“So I secure most of my holdings… literally. I will grant you my money, my access. And in return you spend a couple of months with me in my little entourage.” 

Suddenly, everything came into focus as she glanced about the room. Her feet were arching, leaving her toes on the floor. Nicole loomed ever larger as she seemed to press Ivana downwards. “Just…how is this..?” Her voice creaking. She felt a light touch, looking back she saw another brown haired woman in a short red dress looking slightly up at her. 

“Just… don’t bother.” She whispered. 

“Ah ah ah! Don’t scare her Jenna. I’m sure she’ll be more reasonable than Bee-Bee.” Nicole placed an impossibly large finger on Ivana’s chin, forcing her to look back towards the rear of the room. A tall woman with Black & white split colored hair ran one hand along her forearm. Unlike the others, she was dressed like some ridiculous baby-doll with a bow in her hair and a high waisted skirt.

Ivana drew her knee’s up to her chest, teetering on the back of the chair. Nicole slipped a hand under her knees, scooping the brunette back into the air. “So. Here’s the deal, I will invest $200 million dollars in your little venture, in exchange for forty two percent of the company. And three months of travelling with me. You may use Zoom to conduct your little business from afar, and I will ensure it not only gets off the ground, but is successful. By Christmas, you’ll come home, full sized and your little pockets will be full of ludicrous amounts of capital. Otherwise you can head back to Syrano one foot shorter than you were.” 

Cradling Ivana in one arm, she held out her hand towards the now tiny woman. Her head whirled, looking at the small pretty faces looking up at her. Her knee’s floated closer to her chin as she stared into the large hazel eyes looming ever closer…