More tapping that suggests my demands are being executed. “Consider it done.”
I disconnect without another word. He’s capable of managing the details and doesn’t expect a coddling farewell. A glance at my desk reminds me of the paperwork yet to be completed—or started for that matter. The cycle is an endless loop, but idle hands have never done me any favors.
That doesn’t mean I enjoy being constantly buried. Tonight could’ve been designated to pleasure and relief. Instead, I’ll be stuck in traffic heading to O’Hare with the other miserable fools.
These solar panels better pay off, or Jordan’s ass will be removed from the roster of calls I accept.
I tap my pen to the same erratic bouncing as my knee. Waiting for this meeting—whether it reveals a spike or plateau—is scratching along my already short fuse. That phrase about watching paint dry has never been more accurate. When I glance at my boss’s closed door for the umpteenth time, Olivia’s glare is waiting for me.
She makes a point of cutting her gaze to the offending sound, which is still rhythmically rapping against my desk. “Do you mind? Some of us are trying to do our jobs.”
I wince and yank the pen out of sight. “Sorry. I’m a bit nervous.”
Olivia rolls her eyes and returns to whatever task I interrupted. Not that I can blame her for the glower and gloom in this instance. I’m annoying myself with this jittery behavior. That doesn’t stop me from wrinkling my nose at her rude demeanor, even if it’s expected at this point. Many of my fellow real estate brokers are pissed that I’ve climbed the ladder faster and more efficiently than them. Some have been here twice as long, but haven’t made their mark yet. The corporate world isn’t made for wimps and slackers. I’d allow guilt to trickle in if they were nicer about their envy.
Vince whips open his door, effectively cutting off those wayward musings. His authoritative presence ripples across the station of cubicles clumped in our otherwise open floorplan. I flip my mindset to become the calm professional I’m known as. When his hard stare lands on me, I’m ready and waiting. He makes a sweeping gesture into his office. “Can I see you for a moment, Vannah?”
This is it. Whatever he has to tell me could boost or belittle my career.
“Yes, of course.” I don’t let the nerves quiver my muscles as I stand and walk toward him.
“Take a load off.” Vince motions to the empty chairs in front of his desk.
I lower onto the seat in an elegant display of poise and confidence. A dynamite combo. My exhale is slow, rallying against the pounding on my ribs. “I’m hoping you have good news for me.”
Beating around the bush isn’t my style.
His loose chuckle lets me know we’re on the same page. That eases a sliver of coiled tension from my shoulders. “I always appreciate your direct focus.”
“That’s what earns me the big bucks.” I fold my hands in my lap, attempting not to fidget. The sugary scent of victory already infuses the bland air. Taking a long whiff is a reflex I don’t bother denying myself.
“Yes,” he agrees. “You’ve only been with us for a year and are already making memorable impressions. Of the best variety.”
I bob my head, trying to rein in the bubbles of excitement fizzing in my belly. “Thank you, sir. I appreciate that.”
He waves me off. “None of that. Your hard work is what got you to this stage so early in the game.”
Those words have me scooting to the edge of my seat, all forms of controlled grace forgotten. “And what stage might that be?”
Vince steeples his fingers. “I’m well aware that your aspirations involve landing a leadership role for this branch. That’s a hefty leap in the Brogen Realty chain. One I’m willing to grant.”
My gasp is an audible boomerang between us. “Really?”
His nod is sharp. “Yes, but there’s a stipulation.”
I bite my tongue at yet another hurdle. But whatever stands in my way will bend like the rest. “I’m up to the challenge.”
He laughs, the sound lacking his previous ease. “We’ll see about that, Vannah. This guy is a real shark.”
Ah, a new case. The opportunity to prove myself—yet again—makes me grin. “I can handle him.”
“That’s what I’m banking on. You’ll need to rely on that steel backbone.”
I sit up straighter at the mere mention. “Absolutely. What are the details?”
“Sunny Skies is a booming manufacturer and distributor of solar panels. They’re searching for a sizable warehouse to increase their production. Landon Winters is the lead on this expansion.”
I glance up from my notes when his pause drags on. “Got it.”
His penetrating look has me second-guessing that assurance. “Does that name mean anything to you?”
Now it’s my turn to hesitate. He’s asking for a reason, and not having the correct answer is a weakness I hate having to expose. A pinch creases my forehead. “I can’t say that either rings a bell.”
Vince muffles a grunt with a fist against his mouth. “The company is just starting out, so that’s no surprise. Landon is another story.”
“Okay?” That word peels out of me on an extended breath.
“This man is Fortune 500 big. He’s a top-tier investment mogul from Chicago with shares in countless companies.”
“And he’s gracing us with his presence?”
“He’s teaming up with a local business, which is apparently worth the trip. I don’t question a rare gift. If he wants our help, that’s what he’s going to get.”
“Sounds familiar. I’m capable of landing this deal.” His message is coming across loud and clear. Mr. Bankroll is swooping in with the funds so Sunny Skies can turn into his next cash cow. Expansion for these rich folks is what pads my pockets.
“Landon is an entirely different bracket. Each year his net worth seems to double. He delivers success and loads of cash. We’re talking full vaults. Our reputation will skyrocket just from working with him once.” Vince drags a hand through his salt and pepper hair. The agitated gesture twists a knot inside of me. My boss is rarely flustered. This Landon dude must be rather impressive.
“No pressure, huh?” I gulp as the weight stacks on my chest.
His flinty stare pummels me with the power of a gavel delivering retribution. “It’s nothing you can’t handle. Making him happy is top priority. Keep him chomping at the bit. Meet his demands. There is no limit to the schmoozing. I’ll increase your credit card limit if necessary. Take him wherever he wants.”
If this was my first rodeo, I might assume Vince is suggesting I gain the upper hand by any means necessary, even sexual appeal. That couldn’t be further from the truth. Vince is passionate and fueled by the possibility of winning, but there are limits. If not, I would’ve walked after the first line was crossed.
My nod is a natural extension of his pep talk. “Yes, of course. I’ll deliver nothing less than his complete satisfaction.”
He points at me. “That’s why I chose you for this. Even the most pretentious suits listen to you.”
The fact he trusts me with this potential jackpot spreads warmth through me. “I won’t let you down, sir. Thank you for your faith in me. Do you have a dossier on this guy?”