Page 7 of To Feel Like This Again
I put on a light green pant suit, the second time wearing this one, the pants hugging my curves like it was tailormade for my ass (thank you squats). The right amount of sexy but still professional. I’m comfortable wearing this suit because there are no pictures circulating on the internet with me in it at the brand launch a few years back. Can’t have any repeats in this social media age, if you know what I mean.
One last look in the mirror. Perfect.Presentations are always better when you look your best.
I head downstairs to the café and grab a cup of 100% Jamaica Blue Mountain coffee — black, of course, to get a taste of the real thing. Then it’s on to the conference room where I’ll be addressing one hundred and ninety managers based in Jamaica.
Going by the rapturous applause, I think I nailed the presentation. But you can never really be too sure when your colleagues give you a standing ovation, especially when you’re the CEO. Because what else are they going to do?
I hope it was an impactful presentation though, as I like to engage my colleagues in a meaningful way. At the question-and-answer section, Nadia Williams, CIO, is the first to ask a question, just for the sake of asking a question. “Good morning, Mrs Davis — this was a phenomenal presentation, thank you somuch. What do you think about using Artificial Intelligenceto drive profitability?” I got to admit, I love her outfit. She left an impression with her style, not her question.Cute.
Michael Campbell, COO, was next up with an even more general question “Good morning, Mrs Davis — thank you for an excellent presentation… How do you think innovation can drive growth over the next five years?”
Michael passed the baton on to Candice (I think that’s her name) “Good morning, Mrs Davis — Thank you for the insightful presentation. . .”
Then Candice to Tiffany, then Tiffany to Nicholas. Oh. My. God. Who the hell is this? If only I were twenty or thirty years younger.Get it together, he could be your son.
“Great presentation, Lisa… what’s the justification for increasing the capex by fifteen percent when. . .”
Wait. Did he just call me by my first name, while his more senior colleagues smothered me with the Mrs bullshit, making me feel old and autocratic? I love his confidence. Get it together, he could be your son… or even better, he could be good for Emily. If only I could introduce them.Wishful thinking.
Chapter 4
Nicholas
Later that evening all the managers converged in the hotel’s banquet hall for the after event social.Boring. Another piss-poor job by the planning committee.
Lisa is in the middle of a conversation with four executives, discussing the projected gross profit for the second quarter when she excuses herself and steps outside to take a call. Perfect, I have been waiting for over an hour for this opportunity, passing the time by chatting with geeks.
On re-entering, she is heading in the direction of the executives to continue the gross profit conversation, when I stop her in her tracks. “I can’t believe you’re drinking Chilean wine in Jamaica.”
“You’re right, this is unacceptable. I should be fined.” Her tone matches mine and with just the right amount of sass.
Taking a drink off the tray the waiter had elevated in the air, I offer it to her, “Here’s a glass of rum.” The waiter, Stephen, on cue, takes the glass of wine from her. Stephen wasn’t standing there by chance. When I had reached the event, I had showed him Lisa and then, giving him a J$5,000.00 tip told him to follow my lead. After I had tipped him, he said, “Mi boss … she sexy.” His opinion was unsolicited, but I have to admit, I loved his choice of word —sexy.
Whenever the guys at work describe her, it’s always pretty, gorgeous or beautiful. The women express a similar sentiment, and also tend to include some commentary on her wardrobe. Apparently, she’s a fashion icon, whatever women mean by that. And if you go by the comments made by Instagrammers, stunning is another word you can add to the pool. Speaking of pool, I wonder how she looks in a bikini. Or even better, without one.
“Who told you that I like rum?” She smiles, eyebrow raised.
“I’m an expert on reading people and situations… Mrs Davis.” I reply boldly with a wink and a semi-flirtatious smile. I’m still wondering how she would look in a bikini. And without one.
“Duly noted Sir.”
“In fact, I chose an everyday rum instead of the premium nonsense you’re used to,” I brag, pointing to three expensive bottles of rum on display. “Hope you like my selection.”
“We’ll see,” she smiles. Her smile even more enticing than before.
“You should finish your net profit conversation with my distinguished colleagues.”
“If you must know… we were actually discussinggross profit,” came her rejoinder.
“To gross profit increasing 25% year-over-year and to jerk chicken and festival,” I say, raising my glass. Clinking glasses, we both say “Cheers.”
“Well, it was nice to meet you, Lisa. I’m going to meet up with some friends now. I’ll see you at the luncheon tomorrow.”
“Nice to meet you too.”
“I’m Nicholas Thomas, in case you’re curious. You never know when a name may come in handy,” I nod, while holding her gaze. I walk towards the exit, smoothly drinking the last ofmy scotch and place my glass on the nearest bistro table. I can almost feel her eyes following me.
Chapter 5
