Page 7 of Richard

Collette had glared at her offensively.

She had soberly reminded Collette how much they needed to land this very lucrative account. “If you manage to come back with a contract, I am going to take you to lunch at that posh restaurant, Takahashi’s, that just opened on Dupont Street.”

“I doubt you would be able to get reservations.”

“I have my ways,” she had responded loftily.

Now exiting her vehicle inside the large parking lot, she took stock of the towering glass building and felt the mounting apprehension. She had come armed with her ideas and while inside her office, it had all looked perfect on paper, but now that she was here, she was wondering if it was even adequate.

She could blame Babs for putting her on the spot and not giving her enough time, but the truth was that she was now acutely aware that she would be facing a giant. And like the story in the Bible, she felt like David about to face Goliath.

But David won that round. A voice reminded her and gave her the impetus to move toward the revolving glass doors.

Instead of a reception area, there was a glossy arc manned by two burly looking men, leaving her in no doubt that they were not merely there to answer the phones. High above, in raised blue and gold letters, the name: McBride Productions was mounted.

One of the two men looked up and beckoned her closer.

“You are expected, Ms. Sutherland.” His voice was courteous, light blue eyes watching her like a hawk. “Please proceed to the left and place your bag on the machine.”

She supposed that a place like this would have precautions against the many crazies who would like to storm the building. With that in mind, she did as she was told and watched as her things went through an X-ray machine.

“The elevator is to your right and will take you straight up to Mr. McBride’s office.” The second man informed her. “He is expecting you.”

Slinging her tote over her shoulder and claiming her briefcase with her notes and portfolio, she punched the button and tried not to look out of place and was awed by the sheer opulence.

The car whizzed her up, and before she could catch her breath, it opened into a wide hallway with the trademark blue and gold décor. It was almost the end of the workday, and the staff was skeletal. She knew that he had his recording studio here as well, but figured it would be on the ground floor.

She had no sooner stepped out of the car when a fashionably dressed man with a golden tan and honey-blonde hair stepped out of a suite of offices, a pleasant smile on his face. He was impossibly beautiful and so poised; she could not believe he was real.

“My name is Rodney; you may come straight in.” He stepped back to allow her entry. “I am Mr. McBride’s assistant. Would you like something to drink?”

The outer office was plush and three times the size of hers. His desk was wide and polished with all the modern devices available. There was a refreshment table in one corner of the room. She belatedly realized that he was waiting for her response.

“Er- No, thank you.”

“This way please.” He led the way to a set of double doors that could be described as aged brandy in color. They were partially open, allowing her to catch a glimpse of the tall man standing behind the desk. His teal blue shirt was rolled up at the sleeves all the way to the elbows and he was staring at something on his laptop.

“Boss–”

“Close the doors and you may leave.”

“Of course.”

He didn’t look up, not even when the doors were closed, and Collette was left standing there in the largest and most opulently furnished office she had ever seen.

A huge fireplace took up one wall, and the others were dominated by glossy windows. The carpet was pale gold and swallowed her feet past the ankles. It simply took her breath away. The chairs facing his desk were padded.

She was standing there undecided when he looked up and pinned her with his hard emerald green eyes. His gaze settled on her for a few pulsing minutes before jerking his head toward one of the chairs. He settled behind his desk and stared at her for a few more seconds before speaking.

“Did my assistant offer you something to drink?” His voice was deep and distinguished

“Yes. I told him no.” She fiddled with her bag and then her folder and forced herself to relax. “I have some ideas–”

“Bring the folder.” His voice was abrupt and had her lifting her head to stare at him.

“It’s in the embryonic stages. I only got the message earlier today–”She stopped as she brought the folder and placed it in front of him.

She stood there for a minute while he glanced over her typed notes. Backing up, she sat back down, her hands clasped in front of her. And waited while he read everything.

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