Page 5 of The American

His respect for her grew. She had been able to win them all over and apparently had a big influence on their multi-million dollar company. He wondered how much of Zachary’s plan she was actually aware of.

“This next announcement will come as a complete surprise to everyone in the room.”

Well, except for himself. Thad hoped the reactions were favorable.

“Even you Thad.”

His eyes widened, and he leaned forward.

“We would like to announce the creation of a dual CEO position within our company.”

Gasps followed that announcement. Thad kept his face blank, but Sage went noticeably paler.

“Much like Chipotle or Whole Foods or even the Deutsche Bank, we would like to offer the position to you both, working in tandem.”

“Zachary, really.” Sage stopped. She looked around the room at the expectant faces, and then she smiled. “I would be honored.”

Thad didn’t know how to respond. They had flown him here, moved him to Manhattan under a different pretense. He felt a bit cheated. But now was not the time to discuss his personal feelings or the details of the contract. “I accept the position and look forward to getting to work straight away.”

Zachary’s old eyes sparkled. Perhaps he was amused. Thad was not. Neither was Sage, as far as he could tell.

The meeting progressed as normal he supposed. There was an air of restraint, or formality, he hoped would not continue once they became used to the new leadership. Then at the end of the agenda was a moment for the new CEO to make some remarks. Without even looking in his direction, Sage stood and accepted the position with grace and charm. “And I will continue the work we all began together many months ago to create a company name that will be a stand out in the world for many years to come.”

Thad stood up beside her before she could add anything else. “And I too look forward to what new efforts we can utilize that will further enhance those already in force. Along with our new marketing campaign.” He winked. Then the screen started flashing through marketing blurbs, jokes, high energy content, and multiple pictures of him. He laughed in a self-deprecating way. “I apologize for the model. He’s new at this.”

A low laugh rewarded him. “The idea is that the CEO can be somewhat of a marketing tool himself. Someone who can generate confidence in the company and its direction while at the same time, cater to the press, social media, and other avenues for publicity and gain more buyers and more loyalty in our buyer base.”

The women were all for it, the men, for the most part also, but everyone looked to Sage to see her reaction. And so he too turned to her. And held out his hand. “I look forward to working with you and am happy to share the position with such an accomplished partner.”

She paused and then rested her hand in his. Warmth spread up his arm and his eyes smiled back at her in response. Her cheeks flushed but she didn’t pull her hand away. She shook it in a professional manner and then slowly slid her fingers off his palm.

He tilted his head in question but she turned back to the room. “So you see, we are in excellent hands. The poster boy and the brain child workaholic. A perfect combination.”

Thad held up his hands. “I have ideas too. Which I would like to discuss…”

Zachary waved his hands in the air. “Naturally. You two will have lots of time to discuss whatever you like.” He turned to the rest of the people in the room. “We will be sending out a vote to all our board members. But I expect the decision to pass with flying acceptance. Does anyone here have any reason to object?”

When no one spoke up, Zachary adjourned the meeting and everyone filed out. Thad stayed in his seat. Sage did as well, and when Zachary moved to leave, they both called out.

He grimaced. “I don’t suppose I can just leave you to it? Pretend I didn’t lead you to believe one thing and then hand you another in a manner you couldn’t refuse?”

“I do think a bit of explanation is in order.” Thad gestured that the man take a seat. Then he turned to Sage. “From that, I understand you weren’t aware of this plan either?”

She shook her head. “I was not. Though I see the merit. We can really use a figure head, his profile playboy type as the poster boy and marketing campaign while someone else makes up for everything else that might be missing because of it.”

“I hardly think that’s what is expected here.”

“Of course it is. Why do you think we are both here? I mean, a duo-CEO-ship a bit unusual, isn’t it?”

Zachary watched them. Thad watched him.

Finally the man spoke. “I know this is unusual but as I pointed out in our meeting, not unprecedented. Sage, Thad is not here solely because of his notoriety or ability in front of any camera. He has his MBA, and the Valdez empire is bigger than most corporations. He sits on that board even now. He does not come to us void of personal experience and talent.”

“And Thad, Sage is the most respected consultant in Manhattan. She deserves this position and could do it all by herself. Except for one thing…You. She needs you just like you need her. So I know this is unconventional, but I need you both to get over the shock and get to work.”

Thad ground his teeth for a moment before he said, “Of course.”

Sage smiled her brilliant white teeth smile, but her eyes held concern. “I’m in.”

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