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“She’s a medical biochemist. She’s currently working on a project to cure muscular dystrophy.” He finally got my attention. I lifted my head off the headrest and started to scroll through the website. “It’s pretty fucking impressive, man.”
“She’s one of the best out there and it's only a matter of time before she is snatched up by some big company,” he continued. “I heard the National Research Institute offered her a job. She has gotten many similar offers in the last few months, but she refused because they didn't want to pursue her research.”
“So if we brought her in and funded her research, it's going to get the market talking.” Among other things, my annoying little friend here could sometimes be a genius, even though he didn’t look the part.
My mind started spinning as I tried to hatch a plan.
“Her work, if it becomes a success, will definitely elevate us over any other biotech. Everyone will forget about all of this stupidity. In fact, the moment we announce the research, it will become the new topic of discussion in the industry. We need to make her an offer. Now.”
“See, that's why I rushed here so early in the morning. I heard all about what she was up to from Diana. She couldn't help talking after getting a few drinks in. She's meeting with her today and she's going to offer her funding and a place at her lab.”
“Shit.” I massaged my temples. “We can’t let that happen. Find out what Diana is offering her and I’ll make it better.”
Evan frowned at me.
“I’m not your secretary, bro.”
“You’re in this too now, Evan. This was your idea and you need to help me. Like you said, we need to move fast.”
“And what are you going to be doing?”
“I have to convince the fucking board that I need to give her anything and everything I can.”
Chapter 10
Amy
Inmanyways,Ibelieved clothing could be a weapon, and sometimes, it could be armor. As a professional, especially a female in an overwhelmingly male-dominated industry, you had to choose your clothing for every meeting or outing with extreme care. It was important to appear confident but not arrogant, to demand respect, but also to seem approachable.
Diana was an old high school friend, which obviously suggested familiarity. But she was also a potential sponsor.
I did my research, Diana appeared to appreciate elegance and sophistication. That was clear by the fact we were meeting at the cafe that could double as an art gallery. Since we weren’t meeting in her office, I decided to dress more casually, capitalize on the familiar history we had together.
I chose a pair of dark, slim fit black jeans with one of my favorite floral, sleeveless blouses. I hesitated before grabbing my favorite bright pink blazer. It felt like a bit much, but it also fit really well and was polished but still fun. Packing up my tablet and wallet in a black leather bag, I felt good enough about how I looked.
I walked into the cafe and was immediately greeted by the hostess.
“Do you have a reservation?” she asked, looking at a tablet.
“Yes. I’m meeting Diana Walker.”
She scrolled through her tablet.
“Oh, yes. It looks like Ms. Walker has already checked in. Follow me, please.”
She led me to where Diana sat sipping coffee and scrolling her phone. The table was set in a small enclave at the end of the long space. It was brightly lit by the abundance of gigantic windows.
“Hi, Diana,” I greeted, smiling politely.
“Amy!” She shot up from her seat to pull me into a hug. “I really hope you drink coffee, because it is absolutely amazing here. I don’t know what they do, but it’s something magical.”
I nodded, trying to match her excited energy. I noticed her gesture to a server.
Diana seemed perfectly put together in slim white pants, a sleeveless blue shirt, and perfectly layered, delicate gold necklaces. Her dark brown hair was cropped in a long bob and was impossibly smooth and shiny. She looked effortlessly chic. It was honestly hard to believe she was a scientist by looking at her. I inwardly groaned at myself because it was a misconception that women in the field were constantly fighting.
The server came over to take our order and I took Diana’s suggestion and got a coffee drink that sounded more like a milkshake. Service was quick, and we barely got through pleasantries before my coffee was in front of me.
“I know you're very busy, so I won’t take much of your time,” she began. “As I mentioned at the reunion, I follow you. I love your work. You're certainly making waves in the research world."
