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?”
“It would be beneficial for you to gather more background info, but there’s just no time. Making him wait isn’t in our best interest.”
“Understood.” I stand without additional prompting, ready to get this power player on our side.
With a stretching grin, Vince passes me a folder. “I gathered a handful of properties as a launching pad to test his appetite. See what he thinks and go from there.”
“That’s an excellent plan.” I begin flipping through the listings, hiking my brows at the price tags. Closing this deal would provide an astronomical commission.