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Landon’s own office was nice, but upstairs was truly the next level. Mr. Benton had two assistants who shared an office bigger than Landon’s. They glanced up at him as he walked in.
One stood and asked him if he would like something to drink, while the other one picked up the phone and announced his arrival.
Landon held up a hand. “No thanks.”
“He’ll see you now.”
He nodded at the two women before moving to the door. After one quick knock, he opened the door. “Afternoon, Mr. Benton.”
“Richards, come in and have a seat.” He looked past Landon out the door. “Miranda, can you bring us coffee, please?”
“Yes, sir,” came the reply.
Landon took a seat and glanced out the large picture window behind Mr. Benton’s desk. From up here, he had a great view of the city. Landon had always hoped one day to have a view of his own.
Mr. Benton waited while Miranda brought in a tray with coffee, cream and sugar, and two mugs. “Help yourself,” he said to Landon.
Landon had meant it when he said he didn’t need anything to drink, but now he reached for the carafe and filled his mug with coffee.
After Mr. Benton had done the same, he leaned back in his seat and dismissed Miranda. “Now, Richards, let's get down to it.”
“Yes, sir.” Landon wasn’t sure what to expect, but he wasn’t nervous. He was a good worker and did everything that was asked of him and then some. Surely whatever he had to say was a good thing.
“You’ve been busy around here lately.”
Landon chuckled. “I try to be.”
“Well, I’ve noticed. All of us have.”
Landon knew he meant himself and all the vice presidents of the company. They always referred to themselves as “we,” trying to communicate the message that they run the company together. “I appreciate that.”
“You really stepped up with the One Source company project, especially when O’Neal was out sick the day of the meeting.”
Landon nodded. “I want to be a team player. O’Neal did the best he could, but we didn’t want him showing up less than his best. It’s important we put our best foot forward in front of the clients.”
“Yes, indeed. But you handled the meeting seamlessly. The clients were pleased, even though they were disappointed dealing with someone else when they’d expected O’Neal. Not a lot of people could have stepped in like that.”
Landon’s chest swelled with pride. “Thank you, sir. I did the best I could.”
“That’s exactly my point. You give it your best at everything you do. I like that. Some people show up and do fine. But you don’t do fine, you do better than fine. That’s what we want to see from our employees. And because of that, we want to give you a new opportunity.”
Landon’s heart pounded in anticipation of his next words.
“We’d like you to take over two of our accounts with Greenway Airlines. You’ll be the account manager.”
Landon couldn’t help the wide smile that broke out across his face. “Thank you, I’d be honored.”
“Wonderful. Harris has worked with the clients before, but these are new projects. He has taken on a heavier load with United Technologies, so he can’t handle that now. He can bring you up to speed on what we’ve done with them before and make the introductions to their team. Then he’ll hand it all over to you.”
“Understood. I’m grateful for this opportunity. You won’t be disappointed.”
“I know I won’t.” Mr. Benton stood and shook hands with Landon.
“Miranda has the files for you. Stop by her desk on your way out. And, Richards?”
Landon looked up and raised his eyebrows.
“Good luck.” The older man smiled as if he had just told a great joke.
