“You did.” But her smile was missing. “And there’s a complication.”
“Shit.” I pulled out a chair and dropped into it before my knees gave out.
Anita sat next to me and released the button on her blazer. “Look, the board was split. Half of them wanted you. You’re the obvious choice: experienced, knowledgeable about the company, and pleasant, but not a pushover. They liked your ninety-day plan with its focus on making personal connections through site visits. They liked that you wanted to understand the company and employees better before you change it to support your vision. However?—”
“Wait. You said I got it, right?”
“Yes, but…”
Under the table, I clenched my fists.
“Half the board voted for Cole. They liked his outsider’s perspective. His more forceful approach to change. His presentation was very dynamic.”
Of course it was. Peoplewho were not meliked Cole. He came across as smart and affable—when he wanted to be—and his energy could be intoxicating. At least, that’s the word I used when I fell under his spell after our first meeting. I’d been in the Cole Campion Fan Club too at first. Until he fucked with my budget proposal. As a newbie, he should’ve simply approved it until he better understood how the company worked. Instead, he slashed through it with his questions and “improvements,”and he’d done it publicly at our executive staff meeting in front of the former CEO, John.
But that was nothing compared to the shakeup in his own department. After less than two weeks, he fired two analysts and their manager and replaced them with outsiders, people he’d worked with at other companies. As far as I could tell, our guys’ only crime was not toeing the Cole Campion line. He was a terrible human being.
And he’dtied mein a vote. How depressing.
“So what happens next? Do we take it to the executive team? Put it up for a vote of the shareholders?” Cole would charm them all. An icy drop of sweat trickled down my temple.
“No, we came to an agreement. We’re offering you both the position for the next ninety days. During that time, you’ll be co-CEOs, and we’ll review your performances at the next board meeting at the end of January.”
“So this is a ninety-day cage match?” I asked.
She chuckled. I’d always appreciated Anita’s sense of humor. “Basically. Though I suppose if the co-CEO situation works out, you could continue to share the role. It works for Netflix.”
The idea of sharinganythingwith Cole Campion, destroyer of budgets, ruiner of careers, was abhorrent. Even for three months. “I don’t know about this…”
“Look.” She leaned closer, and her dark eyes were kind. “I know it’s not what you wanted, but you’ve been gunning for this position for years, and this is your chance. You bring not only deep company knowledge but also a diverse perspective as a woman.”
Heat flared in my chest. “Wait, I’m adiversityhire? They only want me because I have ovaries?”
“Notonlythat, but we’ve had more CEOs named John than female executives at this company.” Her lips tightened. “Wedidn’t want to overlook our first strong female candidate for the top job.”
I liked being a “strong candidate,” though I didn’t love how she qualified it with “female.” I was the best person for the job, regardless of whether I had a penis to swing around. “Okay, say more nice things about me.”
When she smiled, her shoulders lowered an inch or two. “Collaboration is your superpower. You’re going to rock this. You’ll show the board you have the skills you need to lead and excel. At the end of the ninety days, it’ll be a no-brainer to keep you in the corner office. If you choose to accept the role.”
“And Cole’s being offered the same thing? The same choice?”
“He is.”
Maybe his ego would be offended, and he’d turn it down.
I wouldn’t make that mistake. This was my best chance to achieve my dream. “I’ll do it.”
2
I ALWAYS WIN
Hobbies?
Cole:Running and rock climbing.
Bridget:Spending time with my family. Wait, that’s not a hobby?
COLE
