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Rivals
ML Preston
1
I woke this morning excited and nervous about a meeting with my boss, Mr. Armstrong. He sent an email yesterday as I was leaving. It was cryptic, and even though I know my performance isn’t an issue, I’m a little concerned. With all the different companies laying people off, job security is a real thing. I rolled out my yoga mat early this morning for a some meditation and relaxation before heading to the office. No reason for me to go in there tense. One thing has me worried—my co-worker, Lucas Weathers. The sound of his name sends icky feelings through my body.
“Good morning, Simone,” my assistant, Tanya, says when I step off the elevator.
“Hey, Tanya. Has Armstrong made an appearance yet?”
“Why don’t you ask Armstrong yourself, Ms. Greene,” a boisterous voice says from behind me. Mr. Calvin Armstrong, CEO of Merit Investment Firm, a company started by his great-grandfather.
I turn to greet him and extend my hand for a shake. “Mr. Armstrong, good morning. I was about to come to your office for our scheduled appointment.”
He takes my palm into his strong, yet delicate chocolate grasp, reciprocating the gesture.
“Were you now? I just saw you arrive.”
“Well, yes. I was going to put my stuff down and…”
“Save it, Greene, and meet me in my office in five.”
He walks the opposite direction from which I stand, and all my destressing goes out the door.
“Tanya, please hold all my calls and pray I have a job when I come out of his room.”
“Got it,” she replies.
I quickly retreat to my work space and put my personal things away and then head to his office. I stroll down the corridor, passing by my nemesis’ spot along the way. Look at him. So smug, and cocky, and oh my god is he arrogant. He and his team are apparently having a good laugh about something when he catches wind of the mean eye I’m sending him.
“Good morning, Simone,” he says.
The others fall silent and swivel in my direction. In true Simone Greene fashion, I roll my eyes and continue my journey.
“Hi, April. I’m here to see Mr. Armstrong,” I say to his secretary when I reach his location.
“Oh, yes. Go right on in, Simone. He’s expecting you,” she replies.
I enter Armstrong’s territory, and he gestures for me to take a seat while he finishes up a call. No matter how many times I’ve been in his office, I always take a few moments to glance at the accolades he and his family have accumulated over the years.
He places the receiver on the base and turns to me. “Simone, can I get you something to drink?”
“Um, no, sir, thank you.”
“Very well. Are you familiar with Clemet Industries?”
“Yes, I am. I’ve studied their business profile for the past year. They’ve had some strong surges in the market recently.”
“Yes, Greene. You are very studious and always on top of the movers and shakers. One of the many reasons why I hired you.” Just then his door swings open, and in walks him. “Right on time, Weathers. Have a seat.”
He takes the chair beside me, and I have to fight the hurl that is forming in the bowels of my stomach.
“Simone, you look nice today,” Lucas says, trying to goad me.
I don’t buy into his nice guy façade and turn my attention back to Mr. Armstrong, who can obviously sense or even feel the tension between us. I can tell by the sharp glances he throws among the two of us.
“So, as I was saying, the company has been approached to take on Clemet’s financial account and help them move the money around. Invest smartly and show them where they can afford to take risks and not bankrupt the company. I like the chances of bringing them on board, but I know it would be all but confirmed if one of you leads the charge. Both of you show strong management skills and you know the clients’ likes and dislikes. I like those who do their homework, and with the amount of knowledge you’ve each demonstrated for Clemet, I trust either of you will excel with this account. It’s for those reasons, this choice hasn’t been simple to make, so we’ll need to take a different approach. Each of you will put together a pitch, one that can be presented to Clemet Industries as a fully loaded proposal to maximize their bottom line and increase their income. If you get the contract, and do it right, there may be a promotion waiting.”
