Page 39 of The Off-limits Grump Next Door
Damon nudged me with his elbow. “You with us, bro?” he whispered.
I jerked back to reality, my eyes scanning the room. The presenter, Emily, looked expectant. “...and that’s why we believe targeting the millennial demographic will increase our market share. Shall we proceed with the strategy, Mr. Michaelson?”
I cleared my throat, attempting to compose myself. “Damon, you’re the head of junior marketing. Tell me, what’s your take on this?” I asked, stalling and quickly scanning the pages of the report that lay in front of me.
Damon’s eyes flicked to mine, a hint of amusement dancing in them. “Well, considering the data... I-I think we’re on the right track. The social media campaign will resonate with younger wine enthusiasts, and partnering with influencers will expand our reach.” His professional tone betrayed a slight stutter.
I nodded, still struggling to conceal my grin. “Alright then, approved. Let’s move forward with it. Damon, you’ll be working closely with senior marketing on this. I want all the progress reports from you.”
Damon frowned slightly but nodded. He was one of those people who had so much to offer but always needed a push.
“You know I still have school, right?”
“You know this experience will look good on your college application, right?” I retorted.
The room erupted into a flurry of nods and murmurs of agreement. Emily beamed, gathering her papers.
As the meeting adjourned, Damon fell into step beside me, following me back to my office. “By the way, what’s got you smiling like a fool?” he teased.
I chuckled, attempting nonchalance. “Just glad to see our marketing team on the right track.”
Damon raised an eyebrow. “Yeah, right. Save it, bro. You’ve been beaming since you checked your phone… and I know I saw some female’s name there… something beginning with…”
“Focus on work, Damon. We’ve got a lot on our plate,” I interrupted, playfully shoving him.
Damon laughed, holding up his hands. “Okay, okay. Alright, I get it. You’re not sharing… yet.”
I nodded toward the door, raising my voice just enough to intimidate him. “Out! I’ve got work to do.”
Damon saluted, grinning. “Yes, sir.”
As the door closed behind him, I settled into my leather chair, letting out a quiet whoop of excitement. My fingers flew across the keyboard, typing out a response to Kendra.
“Really?!”I wrote, trying to contain my enthusiasm.
I hesitated, then added,“When can I take you out to celebrate?”
My eyes lingered on the screen, anticipation building. I couldn’t wait to hear back from her.
With a satisfied smile, I leaned back in my chair, feeling the tension in my shoulders ease. The Terra Nova strategy was solid, and now, with Kendra’s message, my personal life was looking brighter than ever.
The soft chime of my phone broke the silence. Kendra’s response flashed on the screen:“Tonight?”
My grin returned, wider than before. I now have a girlfriend!
***
The day seemed to crawl by just to spite me. It was almost time for lunch break when my secretary came in to inform me that my father had asked me to join him for lunch in his office. Damon would be there too.
I made my way to Father’s office, my mind still on Kendra’s message. Tonight couldn’t come soon enough.
I stepped into the office, finding Damon already seated in one of the plush armchairs. Father’s piercing blue eyes greeted me from behind his massive mahogany desk.
“Ah, Antonio, good meeting this morning, I hear?” he asked, his voice booming.
I nodded, taking a seat beside Damon. “Terra Nova’s strategy is looking solid.”
Father’s face creased into a warm smile. “Excellent. And how is Damon doing in his new position?”
