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“——that Tiffany’s is qualified to move on to the next step in the vendor-qualification process.”
I let out a long breath I’d been holding, waiting on her verdict. We’d all worked so hard to get to this point.
Samantha’s face lit up. “That’s wonderful.”
This was a bittersweet success, however.
“Pardon me,” Samantha added after a moment. “I thought the trial northeast deliveries we made last week were the final stage.”
Celeste’s eyes shifted to Joanna momentarily before meeting mine. “They were, and based on your success at that stage, I recommended adding you to our supplier base——starting here in the northeast before expanding to other regions.”
This was fantastic news. Celeste had a reputation as a tough gatekeeper. Acquiring her recommendation had always been the key to getting on their shelves.
Celeste fiddled with her pen. “Since last week, though, corporate has added a new step.” She paused.
“At the corporate level, the company has decided we need to better evaluate the caliber of the management team behind the products,” Joanna continued. “We would like to see your two- and five-year marketing and product-development plans.”
“Right now?” Samantha asked, knowing full well neither of us had developed anything that far into the future.
Joanna stifled a laugh. “Oh my goodness, no.”
I was able to breathe again. The task would take us days to complete, but we could get ready by next week if we worked through the weekend.
“Over dinner before I leave is my preference. I find a casual setting is better than a stuffy conference room, don’t you?”
Samantha and I nodded.
Joanna turned to Celeste. “Very good. You recommended Holmby’s, is that right?”
Celeste nodded. “Yes. They have some quiet rooms in the back.”
Joanna rose, and Celeste followed her lead, making the pecking order clear and indicating the meeting had run its course. “Shall we say seven o’clock, then?”
“Tonight?” Samantha asked, putting my fear into words.
It was a good thing she’d spoken, as my mouth had suddenly gone too dry to form the words.
“Yes. I leave for the west coast in the morning.”
Crap.
One afternoon to do a week’s worth of work.
* * *
Liam
At the conclusionof our meeting, I shook hands with Ryan Westerly and Anton Sarkissian. Wanda, my ever-present short shadow, escorted me back to the lobby, where she returned my phone.
“Thanks, Wanda. I look forward to seeing you again.”
She smiled. “You too, Mr. Quigley.”
“Liam,” I corrected her.
With papers in hand, I climbed into my car, started the V-12, and turned my phone back on.
It came alive with a missed call from Nick. It was about time.
