Executive Sweet (A Sample)

I'm going to fire everybody else and let Kay do all the work from now on. "So is it time to get George Lawson over here for a negotiation?"

"Yes, but make it late in the day. I want him and his people to be tired so they don't feel like working through too many equations." Kay beamed and leaned back in her chair, looking at Dan and Doris. "And because I'm having way too much fun with this deal, I've added a few touches that aren't in your version of the Fitness Center game. Watch closely and see if you can spot them." She not only knows our playbook, she's adding to it. "And one more thing, Dan. I'm your contract specialist in this game and hopefully I won't degenerate into a hooker. You can call me Ms. Gershon."

I think I love you, Ms. Gershon.

Monday, June 4

Dan had been sitting in his office for the past half hour, waiting for the Roadmover people to show up. He was particularly excited about today's deal and couldn't stop thinking about what Kay was going to do.

Doris finally let George Lawson and his contract specialist into the office, and Dan wondered if they were auditioning for a performance of Don Quixote. George Lawson, the CEO of Roadmover, was thin and surprisingly tall, with a bushy head of white hair. All he needed was a helmet and a skinny horse. His contract specialist, who he introduced as Jack Spelling, was short and rotund, a perfect Sancho Panza.

Dan stood up and shook their hands, exuding charm. This is going to be fun. "Gentlemen, welcome. I thought my contract specialist would be here by now, but she seems to be running late."

Lawson and Spelling gave each other a quick look. "Your contract specialist is a woman? We have some pretty complicated math in this deal."

Incredible. Dan knew that a tardy contract specialist would make them feel superior, but it was even more pathetic that they discounted her for being female. Then again, it was what he expected. He couldn't help but smile as he considered how thoroughly Kay was going to trounce these guys.

"Ms. Gershon is very professional and usually on time. While we're waiting, would you like a drink?" He nodded toward Doris to take their drink orders.

After delivering the drinks, Doris started to leave the office. Before she could get far, Dan pounded his desk and barked at her. "Doris! Find Ms. Gershon and tell her that she's supposed to be here. Now!"

Doris spoke crisply. "Oh yes, sir, Mr. Avery. I'll phone her this instant." Doris didn't get to play in these games much, and seemed to be enjoying her little role immensely. She bustled out of the office.