Free I'll Be Your Everything by J.J. Murray Page B

have that kind of power. Think! “Why don’t we meet at a neutral location, a hotel conference room, perhaps ... here.” Corrine and I pitched Jamaica and Kmart, my two wins, right here at the Millennium! “I’ve used the presidential suite here at the Millennium before. It’s on the fifty-fifth floor, and it has an amazing view of the city.”
    He narrows his eyes. “You know I’m staying here, right?”
    “No, I didn’t know that.” Lucky guess?
    He points at his steak with his fork. “This is the best rib eye I’ve had in years. My wife would like it here, too. Not too fancy. Great views, like you said. Sure. I’d agree to a meeting here. Why don’t you set that up? I’ll let Harrison Hersey and Boulder know.”
    Because I can’t! Corrine had to set up the meetings we had here before. “Perhaps you could set up the meeting for us, Mr. Peterson.”
    He squints. “You want my business, right?”
    Oops. What did I say? “Yes sir.”
    “And yet you want me to do a little legwork for you?”
    Oh. That’s what I said without saying it. Never put the client to work. Hmm. “Yes. If you set up the meeting, this will show both parties your impartiality before we go to war.”
    Mr. Peterson smiles, and it’s a genuine smile. I haven’t seen many of those around here lately. “I like your style, Miss Ross. But what if that other outfit doesn’t like it?”
    Then I’ve already won a small battle in the war, Mr. Peterson. “A neutral location evens the odds a little.” I smile. “I, um, I don’t wear a suit or drive an expensive car.”
    He laughs. “I see your point.”
    He’s warming up to me. What does Corrine do next? Oh yeah. She travels. My legs start shaking again. I am about to go a lot further than I’ve ever gone before. “I will also be touring your plant in Georgia early next week. What day suits you?”
    “You’re coming down my way. What for?”
    “I want to immerse myself in your product, Mr. Peterson.” Wow. I’ve just used one of Corrine’s standard lines. “If I’m going to sell it, I have to know it from the tires up to the handlebars. Would Monday be acceptable?”
    He smiles. “Sure. Monday’s just fine. In fact, I think Monday would be the best possible day for you to visit.”
    I stand. “I don’t want to take up any more of your time, Mr. Peterson. I need to get further along on this project.” Hey, my legs are sturdier than they were before. I’m doing this! “How can I reach you should I need to know more of the particulars?”
    “You want me to remain impartial till the show?”
    I nod.
    “Then you’re on your own, Miss Ross, from this point on.”
    Just where I like to be. “Will you be in Georgia on Monday?”
    He nods.
    “Perhaps we’ll see each other there and I can meet your wife.” I get another idea. “No offense, Mr. Peterson, but I could really use some home cookin’.” Did I just drop a G ? I did. My hair is falling way down. “I’ll be looking you up for a recommendation.”
    “Fine, fine.” He stands and offers his hand, and this time he shakes my hand.
    “Let the competition begin, Mr. Peterson.”
    He lets go of my hand. “And what an interesting competition it will be, Miss Ross.”
    On my way back to MultiCorp, my sturdy legs turn into marmalade. What have I just gotten myself into? Not only have I successfully impersonated my boss, but I’ve also just invited myself to Georgia! I rest against the base of the Millennium, staring out at that cross. “Thank You, Jesus, for getting me through that, and if it’s not too much trouble, keep Your eye on me for the next twelve days.”
    Okay. Breathe. My stomach is grumbling! I need quesadillas! Take stock, take stock. Corrine is out of the picture for two weeks. My heart is slowing already. Tom, who may be watching me right now, is my competition. Hmm. A worthy adversary. He has to be handsome. I look around and don’t see any remotely handsome men. For all of Corrine’s ways, she