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My legs burn, but I keepto clear my mind Nerves and anxiety have consumed me the last teeks and today’s the day In a few hours, I’ll be presenting a proposal that could change the course of my professional life
I don’t knohy I thought it was a good idea to throw my small firm’s name into the Request for Proposal process with Hurst & McCoy I highly doubt they’ll look at a boutique fire after the shit storm that was created last month I’m not totally confident they can save their reputation, but if I could be a part of the process and bring the organization into a positive light, it would be the pinnacle of my career
Slowing dohen I get close to my house, I see a familiar black BMW in my driveway Laci Barnes, ainst the car with a drink carrier full of Starbucks She smiles widely at me and waves with her free hand She’s the only person I knoith the energy and enthusias
“Hey, Lace, what are you doing here?”
“I knew you would be running! How the hell do you stand this heat and huerates by fanning her face but s as well
“It’s a bit early for the dramatics Seriously, why are you here?”
“Stella, I kno important today is I’m here to help I’d bet you have all the proposals laid out froht of your outfit”
She knows me so well
“Right, so let’s get inside and get you showered I brought a variety of caffeine choices” She turns and walks toward e style house
Once we get inside, I pick the first drink my hand touches and head to the shower Before I shut the door, I see her organizingthem in my oversized laptop case
For once, I’m thankful for her unexpected visit We’ve been best friends for twenty years after ht While she drivesabout her
When I’ for me on my bed with two dresses laid out Neither of them are classic business suits that would i
“Before you dismiss these choices, let me tell you why I chose theive the impression of confidence”
For once, I don’t argue, but nod and start on my hair and make-up We decide on a red and white print dress with a black patent leather high belt I grab a black blazer as a precaution and follow her downstairs
“Let’s go over a last minute idea” I reach for my iPad and sit down
“I’d rather talk to you about sorabs the iPad and searches a few seconds before shoving it back in my hands
The ie on the screen causes eouswith a supers a tuxedo that has to be custom made for his tall frame His stare into the carey
“That is Maxwell McCoy, Stella, as in the McCoy in Hurst & McCoy”
“Why are you showing me this?”
“I needed to prepare you in case he’s in yourtoday You deserve this project more than anyone, and I don’t want you to be tripped up by him Rumor has it that he’s hard as nails—his looks are the only nice thing about him”
“Laci, I’hly doubt the president of the company has time to listen to these proposals”