He gave a dismissive snort.
“Some women just can’t handle being told no.”
Several people
laughed uncomfortably. Someone tried to lighten the mood.
“Well, at least she picked a nice color,” someone joked.
“Very funny,” he snapped. “Do you have any idea how difficult that stuff is to remove?”
More laughter followed. I covered my mouth. Megan’s polish was worth every penny.
“Anyway, enough about that lunatic,” he continued. “We’ve got more important things to discuss.”
“Like our new regional director?” someone asked.
“Exactly.”
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His tone shifted into unmistakable self-assurance.
“Between us, I expect my promotion will be announced pretty soon.”
“That’s optimistic, Bradley,” a woman replied.
“Optimistic? I’ve practically been running this place already.”
“Nobody’s even met the new director yet.”
“Doesn’t matter. I know how to handle people in charge.”
I lifted an eyebrow. Did he, indeed?
“First impressions are everything,” Bradley continued. “You walk in, shake hands, show some confidence. That’s how you get ahead.”
“And what if the new
director doesn’t like you?” someone teased.
He laughed confidently.
“Please. What’s not to like?”
I had several answers, though I decided to keep every one of them to myself for another few minutes.
“I guarantee I’ll have this person eating out of my hand before lunch,” he added.
Footsteps sounded behind me as I suppressed a laugh. My assistant, Sophie, arrived with a folder. She glanced from the conference room back to my face.
“Ready?”
I straightened my jacket and settled the folder under my arm.
“Oh, absolutely.”
Bradley had been correct about one thing: first impressions mattered enormously.
Sophie opened the conference-room door.
“Everyone, our new regional director is here.”
I stepped inside, and conversation died instantly.
Bradley was seated near the head of the table, wearing the same confident smile I’d seen on the airplane. His smile disappeared when he recognized me. He looked winded.
