Page 66 of Remembering Passion

“Tell me why.”

I took a deep breath. “I don’t like the feeling that you offered this campaign to Beta Kappa Phi to get to me.”

He grinned, his stare softening as small lines formed near his eyes. “And they say I’m the narcissist.”

My eyes opened wider. “You didn’t?”

Damien shook his head. “You’re correct. I did. It shouldn’t be a secret, Ella. I want you back in my life. This idea presented the perfect opportunity. That said, know that I would never have proposed this position to the coalition—to my friends—if I didn’t think you were the best fit for the job. You have years of experience working at Sinclair. You were with me when I became CEO. It would take time to teach someone all that you already know. On top of that, you have the people thing down to a science. You’re going to knock their socks off.”

A giggle bubbled in my throat. “I haven’t heard that saying in a long time.”

“You will blow them away.” His eyebrows moved. “Speaking of blowing—”

“Damien.”

He grinned. “Okay, different subject. Tell me what you know about the coalition.”

I sat back. “I’ve only had access to public records…”

I went on discussing the seven pharmaceutical companies, the names of each CEO and the spouse’s name. Two of the CEOs were women: Julia Sherman and Cynthia Broche. I recited each company’s top formulas and the usage.

“What did you think when you learned about Perry?” Damien asked.

“I had a terrible time finding information.”

Damien nodded.

“But I found them. Perry is the name behind Body Kindness, the health supplements. Their fortune is from over-the-counter health aids. I never dreamed that market was so lucrative.” That made me think. “No facility will prescribe their formulas, and they don’t have FDA approval.”

“It isn’t required. Their claims are carefully worded. The ownership is as well. It’s one of the confidential aspects of the coalition.”

“So how can I influence their sales?”

“If you saw a commercial for a health aid…say to improve sleep, would you buy it?”

I shrugged. “I might give it a try.”

“If you took that same concern to your physician and he or she suggested a nonprescription alternative, would you try it?”

“I would.”

“That is where you fit in. You speak with the physicians and facility administrators and advocate for Perry’s products.”

I nodded.

Angie appeared. “We’re at cruising altitude. You’re welcome to move about the cabin. Is there anything I can get for either of you?”

Damien’s eyes met mine. “It’s not a long flight.”

“Fine,” I said incredulously as I unbuckled my seat belt.

“I love the enthusiasm,” he said.

Standing, I spoke to Angie. “I’d like another cup of coffee for when I return.”

“I’ll have it waiting.”

I didn’t stick around to hear what Damien ordered as I made my way back to the sleeping cabin, closing the door behind me. Removing the suitcase from the closet, I laid it on the bed and opened it. Being as I’d just repacked the outfit this morning, the navy jacket and skirt were on top of the other clothes.

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