Beloved (Toni Morrison Trilogy #1)(18)

“Oh, I wish I could.” I feign disappointment and stifle the comments rolling around in my mind. “I have a few things that need my attention, but I’m sure they’re drool worthy.” I can’t stop myself. “You sure know how to pick ’em.”

She smiles, thinking I’m complimenting her. “I know! I love the one I found today. His name is Colin, and he’s just … wow!”

I smile and look back to the board. “Good luck, Elle. I gotta get back to work.”

I add my name to the next best account on the board and head back to my office. When I get there, I send Taylor an email to be in my office in fifteen minutes to start research.

I hear a knock on the door and look up.

“Hey. You want to do research for a new company looking for representation?” Taylor is standing against the doorframe looking baffled.

“Yes, we can’t have all our eggs in one basket,” I reply and gesture for her to sit in the chair.

“Okay, but doesn’t that seem hasty?” she asks tentatively. “You should hear back by the end of the day, right?”

“I don’t think so. It’s been over three hours since the call ended, and I haven’t heard anything. For all I know they’ve offered Boyce the account and are waiting until they settle the deal before they call me. I can’t sit here and do nothing. You know me.” I shrug with a smile. “Anyway, the promotion is still up for grabs and I refuse to let Elle get a leg up. Are you ready to get to work?”

“Of course. Let’s dig in.” Taylor smiles and we get to work on researching the new company.

We’re immersed in our iPads and computers and have completely lost track of time when I look at the clock, realizing it’s almost five. I start to stretch but jump midway as the phone rings, startling me.

Taylor runs to her desk, grabs the receiver, and pokes her head around. “Cat, it’s Raven. Want me to shut the door?”

“Yes. Thank you.”

This is it. I grab the phone and take a deep breath before pushing the blinking button that will finally end the waiting.

“Hello, this is Catherine Pope.”

“Hi, Catherine. It’s Danielle. I wanted to let you know we’ve made our decision.” Her voice is steady, giving nothing away.

“Wonderful, I hope you’re calling with good news.”

“Yes, we’d like CJJ to be our new PR firm. Congratulations.”

I let out a huge breath and stop myself from dancing around the room. “Oh! Thank you, I’m glad you chose us. I look forward to working with you.”

“Us too. We’re very excited about your vision. I know this is last-minute but Mr. Cole arrived back in the city today. He would like you to meet him tonight at the office if possible,” she responds hesitantly.

I’ve already stated I would be available for this project, and even though I want to celebrate, I can’t wait to get started. There’s a new feeling of determination and excitement coursing through my veins. I could probably run the forty blocks to Raven Cosmetics with all the energy I have right now, but not in these heels. I want to hit the ground running, impress him and everyone else, and then land the promotion.

“Yes, that would be fine. What time would he like to meet?”

“Can you be here around six? I have to leave the office to head to our production facility tomorrow, so I’ll be heading home to pack, but I’ll leave your information with security.”

“Perfect. I’ll be there.” We say our good-byes and I can’t help the smile stretched across my face. I message Taylor to come into my office.

She enters with a tentative smile, as if she wasn’t listening at the door. Inside I’m doing cartwheels—I needed this. I feel strong, confident, and again—I beat Neil. Even though I don’t want to think of him, I enjoy this victory and relish the fact that despite his efforts to sabotage me, I still won.

My smile widens, if that’s even possible. “We got it! Oh my God, Tay! We got the account!”

“Ahhh! I knew it!” she squeals with as much excitement as I’m feeling and rushes over, giving me a huge hug. She pulls back, keeping her arms on my shoulders. “I never doubted you! So what happens next?”

“I have to meet Mr. Cole at six. Can you call and have a cab or a car waiting? I want to make sure I’m on time.” She nods and zooms back out of my office. I only have thirty minutes to get there, and it’s at least a twenty-minute cab ride with the traffic at this hour.

I start to pace. The adrenaline and excitement is starting to ebb—I’m anxious because now that I have the account, I have to implement all my ideas and gain the trust of the CEO. Nervous energy fills my body and I grab my iPad to start taking notes on all the things I want to lobby for.

Taylor buzzes the intercom. “I have a cab downstairs. Good luck and congrats again. Now go kick some ass.” She giggles and disconnects.

I grab my purse and rush out of the office, throwing a quick good-bye over my shoulder. Throughout the ride to Raven Cosmetics I go over my key notes, examine some of my earlier sales figures, and plan to spend the next few days really honing in on the company’s core values. When I get there, I hop out of the cab, prepared to make one hell of an impression.

Entering the building, I make my way over to security. The guard hands me the badge that Danielle left for me and calls Mr. Cole, letting him know I’ve arrived. I’m told to head straight to the office, where he’ll be waiting for me.