Free Uncontrolled Spin: The Power and Danger of Spin ("Un"missable Series Book 1) by Jerry Summers

glancing up from his work.
    Evelyn nods and obliges. After Jessica is seated at the conference table, Evelyn gets her fresh fruit and coffee, and tells her Sean will be in momentarily. Jessica thanks her and looks out the conference room windows.
    What an absolutely stunning view of San Francisco Bay , she thinks. She becomes mesmerized by the brilliant colors on the sails of the many sailboats and wonders how many employees skipped work to enjoy such a gorgeous day. Her thoughts are interrupted when Sean enters the room and apologizes for running behind schedule. He gets a small plate of fruit and a cup of coffee before sitting with her at the table.
    After a moment, he opens the conversation. “Jessica, thank you for the gift basket and scotch. They were very much appreciated.”
    She raises a fine-haired eyebrow and corrects him, “First, it’s Ms. Silva, and second, you’re very welcome. Thank you for the lilies.”
    Sean leans back in his chair with his usual smirk and says, “Okay, then. Ms. Silva, we need to get something straight before we begin today. I loathe formalities. I work on a first-name basis with all of my potential and existing clientele. My calling you by your first name isn’t a sign of disrespect, and I apologize if it has been regarded as such in the past. What we do here at SGM requires us to develop a deep trusting relationship with our clients, and I find that trust can be hindered by such formalities as titles and gender designations. That being said, can we please talk on a first-name basis as we move forward?”
    Jessica looks surprised, considers for a moment, and then gives him a small, dainty smile and nods affirmatively.
    “Very well then. Thank you, Jessica. I also need to extend to you an additional apology, as I have been told I was quite rude to you during our last meeting. In fact, Evelyn told me I was an asshole.”
    Jessica laughs aloud, nods again, and says, “Yes, you were actually very annoying. But I will never be dismissed like that again as long as I live, so I guess I owe you a thank you for giving me that wake-up call.”
    Sean smiles belatedly. “I understand, and again, I am sorry. I felt set-up and blindsided. Bonnie has that effect sometimes, I’m sure you know. Since then, I have been doing a lot of research and have asked my staff to do the same. We compared notes based upon our independent findings and have come to virtually the same conclusion. But before we get into the particulars of our findings, I want to hear from you what you are hoping SGM could do to help you take Beauty Boutique Clothing to the next level. What are your hopes, visions, and strategic plans to accomplish the goals you have?”
    Jessica is momentarily stunned. What the hell happened with this guy? I was expecting a rude, pompous ass, yet today he seems genuinely interested in understanding and perhaps even helping me…
    “Well, this may take a little while. I don’t want to interfere with your schedule. Shall we set up another meeting and just cover the basics today?” she asks.
    Sean waves a hand, his watch flashing in the sunlight let in by the large windows. “Don’t concern yourself. I’m sorry I neglected to tell you, but I have allotted two hours today and have arranged for lunch to be catered. I can also free my afternoon, if we are making progress today. That is, of course, if you have the time in your schedule?”
    She considers for a moment, then says, “Let me make a few phone calls to rearrange a few minor appointments. I’m delighted you are at least willing to consider a proposal from the Beauty Boutique.”
    Sean nods. “Absolutely. Let me know when you are ready.”
    Both Jess and Sean clear their schedules for the rest of the day, and Jessica begins to lay out her dreams for her company in the coming years. She tells Sean she believes her company has hit a point where sales and profits will level off if there isn’t some expansion into foreign markets.
    “I