Muffy leaned in as if to drive in the point she was about to make. “Sturm’s is known for having a robust and innovative charitable arm. It’s part of the brand.” She leaned in and winked at me like she was about to let me on a secret. “Rich people can feel good about spending money here because they know a lot of it goes to a good cause. That’s why we have more exclusive lines with the hottest designers in the industry than any other luxury department store. People spend fortunes here because of our mission.”
This was not a place I was going with them. I’d be damned if I showed them any sort of bias before I even started working. I cleared my throat, and went with the “this won’t hurt a bit” smile.
“I can’t promise that I won’t make recommendations for some changes or cuts for the foundation, because it is a significant part of your budget. Almost double what other companies your size are doing in their social responsibility arms. But—”
I held up my hand, conceding the point they were both about to make. “I realize this is an integral part of Sturm’s. I won’t take that lightly. I assure you.”
They seemed to relax a bit with that. “We appreciate it and even believe you mean it, but we also know Phil is an asshole and a cheat.”
I was going to stress again that I would not take sides, when my phone started vibrating on top of my desk and a text from Tariq appeared on the screen. Mitzy and Muffy took that as their cue and stood up in unison.
“We’ve done enough damage to Phil for today and it’s getting late.”
I chuckled at their disdain for the CFO and stood up to walk them to the door.
“Ladies, rest assured we will look at everything before we start making our report.” They nodded and walked out, looking slightly less distressed than when they’d arrived.
When I got to my desk, I saw that I now had a message from my sister and the phone was lighting up with a call from Tariq. I decided to take his call first in case anything had come up with the project.
“What’s up, man?”
“Did you RSVP? Dani and I are going home to change and then heading over there.” I rolled my eyes as I sat back down.
“RSVP for what? I don’t know if I can go out tonight.”
Tariq was one of the junior consultants on the team and sort of my mentee. He was sharp as they came and we’d become close since he’d started at Davidson’s over a year ago. He was also the friendliest guy on the planet. When we were on a project, Tariq could get the goods from staff better than the most seasoned veteran, because everyone loved him. Which was just one of the many reasons why I’d picked him to come to Sturm’s. Tariq was as sunny as the Honduran beaches he’d grown up on. I, on other hand, had the broodiness that could only be produced from five generations of mixing Woodside Irish with Corona Italians.
Tariq helped me to not be such a scowling asshole on the job, which did help. Only downside was that no matter where we were, he was instantly the most popular guy in town. We’d only been at Sturm’s for a few weeks and he was already best friends with Dani Andam, one of the top marketing guys in the company and a bona fide Instagram celebrity. Still, I wasn’t up for socializing, especially after my little interaction with the twins.
“My dude, check the email. I got a feeling you’re going to be up for this one.” I could hear the grin in his voice. It was impossible to stay pissed when Tariq was around.
“Fine, give me a second,” I said, feigning exasperation, as I clicked to actually open the email this time.
Gotham Exiles Club-Happy Hour
If you’re an ex-New Yorker working at Sturm’s come have a cocktail and shit talk the MTA with me at Rose Dove Gastro Pub.
Date: This Friday!!
Time: 7:00-Who cares they got $5 Margs and it’s Friday!
I was chuckling at the invitation until I got to the end and saw the name of the host.
Julia Ortiz.
I coughed, choking on the laugh that got stuck in my throat.
“Julia’s organizing this?”
I didn’t have to tell Tariq why I sounded flustered; his favorite new game was giving me shit for mooning after her.
“That’s right, baby. Julia and a few others have been wanting to do some kind of ex-New Yorkers get-together since there are so many of us at Sturm’s. You know her and Dani are tight, so I got an invite and I hooked you up.”
Great. I was going to crash her party too, like I wasn’t enough of a pain in her ass.
“Riq, I don’t know man, it’s not cool to invite people to somethingyougot invited to.”
Tariq clicked his tongue, clearly running low on patience.
