These people are the ones I want beside me as I lead Danger Enterprises into the future.
“So I think the big thing we need to hammer home is the long-term market positioning,” Robbie says from his end of the table, sitting next to my speech writer, Teresa. “It’s the biggest advantage we have over Olivia and Chase.”
“That’s true, but not the most important point,” says Teresa, who I hired because in addition to an MBA, she’s got a way with words. I’d lured her away from a lucrative political speechwriting career and felt fortunate she deigned to put her business mind to work for me instead of some slick politician.
Robbie’s jaw drops a bit and Teresa continues. “We need to show how the market is going to pay off faster. The key is speed.”
“What do you mean?” I ask, and Teresa grins, adjusting her glasses.
“Sir, your father isn’t focused on a twenty-year market capitalization, even if it’s good for the company. He’s flashy and wants a big payout that will pump up the stock price right now. So that when he gives up control, he can lay claim to being in the Forbes top 50.”
Money and pride. For my father, that’s what it always comes down to. “Where’s he at now?” I ask, not having a clue because that list isn’t something I remotely care about.
“Right now?” Robbie asks, tapping at his tablet. “Estimates put him at about one hundred and seven, give or take a couple of spots.”
Teresa presses. “If we can show how your deal will vault him up that list faster than our competitors . . . or even better—”
“Show how those deals will send him down the list,” I finish for her. “Of course, we can’t say they’ll lose money. That’s not true and everyone knows it . . . but if we can show how relative to the other Top-100, he won’t keep pace, we’ll have an angle.”
Teresa nods. “It has to be subtle. We can’t just attack Chase and Olivia directly, or we’ll risk turning off the whole board, including your father. But it can be done, with precision.”
“Good,” I reply, tapping the table. “Teresa, I want you to take Keith and start working on that angle. Do a cursory check on who the biggest movers on that list are and what they’re investing in so we can use that in our play. Get me a draft by the end of the day.”
Keith isn’t much for speaking up in these meetings, but I can always trust him to be listening and do what needs to be done. “On it, sir.”
“Okay then, everyone has their jobs. Get to it.”
The team breaks up, and I gesture to Teresa as she walks by. “Yes, Scott?”
“Teresa, regardless of how we pitch this to my father, I want it to be clear that this plan will position the company for total domination, now and later,” I comment, making Teresa smirk.
“You mean position you for total domination?”
“Isn’t that one and the same?” I ask, and she rolls her eyes, nodding before leaving. I spy Robbie, who’s hanging back, and lift my chin. “What’s up?”
“You got a minute?” he asks, waiting until the room’s cleared and the door closes before continuing. “Anything else you need? On the downlow, for the party?”
My head tilts, taking him in. “What do you mean? I think we’re solid. Or is there something you want to add?”
Robbie straightens his spine, seeming to brace himself for what he’s about to say. “Do you need a date, or are you bringing the bar girl?”
I narrow my eyes at him. “Yes. I’m bringing Madison,” I say, emphasizing her name and taking offense at the dismissal of her as simply a ‘bar girl’. “Although that’s not really your business.”
He sighs. “Scott, look, man. This deal is important, a fucking pivotal moment in your career and we all know it. Are you sure you want some random chick of the week from a bar on your arm? That’s all I’m saying.”
My blood boils as I seethe, angrier at my best friend than I’ve ever been. “She’s not a random chick of the week. I fucking care about her—a lot. And you will never speak of her like that again.”
Robbie cringes at my harsh tone but doesn’t back down. “Fine, so she’s important. Hell, maybe she’s The One, but is this the time to test that? You’re not the only one with everything riding on this. The whole team needs this win,