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“What makes you say that?”
“You’re not smiling.”
“Ah, right, well, things are moving forward with Moonbeams, but Jerry has decreed I have to bring Emma Hartman into our team,” he said with a sigh as he settled behind his desk. “But there’s more.”
“How could there be more?”
“We’ve started seeing each other, and we have to keep the relationship under wraps.”
“Zach, that won’t be easy,” she said solemnly. “You have sharp people.”
“Agreed. I’m not sure what to do.”
“For starters, avoid being seen with her as much as possible. And for the record, if she gives me a hard time I won’t be responsible for my actions.”
“Don’t worry, Martha. She’ll be the one asking if you want coffee, not the other way around. If she does give you any lip, just let me know.”
“You sound very sure of yourself.”
“Trust me, her attitude will be the least of our problems. Is everyone set to be in the conference room at three-o’clock?”
“Yep. At least they’ll be thrilled with the news about Moonbeams.”
“Hopefully that will soften the impact of Emma joining them, but Martha, the team looks up to you. I need you to lead by example. You have to put on your game face.”
“Don’t worry, I will, but why do I get the feeling there’s something else?” “You should be a professional psychic.”
“So I’ve been told. What is it?”
“She has to believe she got the job from merit. When she finds out she’s here because her father made it happen, and I suspect she will, she’ll feel betrayed. I hate this. I hate the thought of lying to her. Any suggestions?”
“Zach, this isn’t good,” Martha said, shaking her head. “You have to tell her without actually telling her.”
“I have no idea what you mean.”
“This is what I mean.”
Leaning forward, Zach listened to the tough, wise woman, and when she’d finished he leaned back in his chair and let out a long, heavy breath.
“Martha, I owe you! That Christmas bonus just keeps getting bigger and bigger.”
“I’m glad I could help.”
“You are the best. Besides the check in December, what can I do for you? There must be something.”
“There is, actually. A new coffee machine. A good one.”
“Consider it done! Pick out the one you want and order it.”
“Thanks, Zach, that’s great, and you asked me to remind you about Stewart Baxter.”
“Yes! He had to go to New York. See if you can track him down, and make sure that deal memo goes out today. And please order me something to eat. I’m starving.”
“Sure thing, and Zach, try not to worry. Things have a way of working themselves out.”
As she walked out and closed the door, he said a quiet thank you to the secretarial Gods. Martha had come through for him again.
