Kay's eyes widened and started to tear up again. "Oh Dan, I'm honored! I'd love to help you run this company." Best. Job. Ever. Just weeks out of school and she was already advisor to the CEO.
"And another thing. I want you to come with me to all negotiations, not just the ones you're trying to game. It's time you got to work with some honest businessmen, too."
Kay smirked. "You mean I can come to a meeting and stay dressed?"
"Yes, I would like that very much." He grinned. "Congratulations, and welcome to my executive team."
"This is great! Thanks, Dan."
"And, to celebrate your promotion, I have a gift for you."
Is it a kiss? She wouldn't mind such a gift right about now.
Dan leaned back and grabbed a small box that was sitting nearby. "I know this looks like a jewelry box, but it's not. It's better."
Kay took the box and opened it. Inside were three sets of business cards, complete with the Yorick logo. All of them read "Kay Gershon," but each had a different job title. In the first set, her title was "Contract Advisor." In the second set, she was "Lead Negotiator." The final set was done in raised gold letters and she took one of the cards out to admire it more closely: "Kay Gershon, Vice-President."
"You're right. This is better than jewelry."
"You can use whichever card you want, depending on the circumstances. And by the way, the card that says Vice-President is real. I'm promoting you tomorrow."
Kay shrieked and threw her arms around Dan in a big hug. "How can I ever thank you for all this?"
"Just keep on doing what you've been doing. I don't need anything more."
But maybe he did. Maybe they both needed something more. I know I do. Kay looked at the three cards for a bit and twisted her mouth. "You didn't get me one that says 'Snake Dancer.' That still seems to be my best negotiating skill, I'm sorry to say. It makes me wonder whether they would have signed the contract today if it weren't for that."
"Probably not, but that's why you're here. When you do your snake dance, the playing field is no longer level." Dan beamed. "And you dance so incredibly well that even I lose my balance. It's the best show I've ever seen!"
"What if someone takes advantage of you, someday, Dan?" Like me. "How will you feel then?"
"Well, I have to tell you, these guys don't feel so bad after you've worked them over. Look at Spelling. He had a great day."