“But it’s true. Look, I’m the CEO, and I’m out there in the woods once a year planting trees. I’m not just the face of the business. I have my hands in it. That means we’retrulyethically sourced.”
Between the commanding way Theo speaks, his clean-cut look, and the V-neck of his shirt… he’s… well, he’s…
I shake my head, pushing those thoughts away—again—thoughts I shouldn’t be having about my boss. No matter how many times I kill them, they pop back up like zombies.
“You’re that involved in the process?” The businessman looks impressed, nodding and pursing his lips. “Sounds like you really know your stuff.”
“I do. I have a degree in forestry and a minor in business, not the other way around.”
The older man grunts. “What about the business side? That’s important to me, too.”
“I think you’ll find our prices and model pleasing. The best thing about us is that it’s more than paper. We handle shipping, pulp, recycling…” He slips a paper across the table. “And here are our sustainability reports.”
“This all looks very good.”
“What needs do you have?” Theo leans in. “You tell me, and I’ll see if we can meet them.”
“Shipping and general paper needs are where we’d like to start, but I saw on your website that you specialize in retail packaging, too.”
Theo taps his fingers against the table. “We do, and we do it more sustainably than the other guys. Recycled products and quality printing.”
“Good. We’re considering a rebrand, and part of that involves becoming more sustainable. There’s a need for that in the beauty industry.”
Talking about beauty and makeup never sounds as dull as when this man does it.
I zone back out, waiting for either of them to say something worth noting. So far, it’s been small talk. Now, Theo is convincing him to work with us. I can’t stand this part of the sales process; I guess there’s a reason I don’t work in sales.
There’s no convincing someone to buy a cake. They either want to buy it or they don’t.
I look over the emails we exchanged with the company. This would be a massive customer if we land them, which is why Theo is handling the sale himself. How is he dealing with the pressure without breaking a sweat?
For most of the lunch, I doubt it will come together. I doubt the sale and doubt Theo. They seem to be talking in circles. The older man makes him repeat himself a thousand times. Do wewanta client we have to convince to work with us? I don’t get it.
Then, they capture my attention again.
“I have to check with a few of my people, but as far as I’m concerned, we have a deal.”
I lift my head.
They continue negotiations, and I furiously take notes—a reminder to send them a follow-up email and invoice, a reminder to let the supply team know about the sale. With their business, we’ll have to up production, something I don't know anything about.
I’ll be gone by the time they’reactuallyon board. That’s the weird part of it all. The contract isn’t set to start until the beginning of next year. I’m laying the groundwork for something I won’t see the end of. Every part of me is thrilled about my future, but a small part of me wants to see what my work here will amount to.
Theo will probably update me if I ask, but I won’t. Ever since my talk with Everett, I’ve been trying to keep our relationship professional.
“It was great to meet you!” I smile and shake the man’s hand, already forgetting his name.
It doesn’t matter. He doesn’t remember mine. Other than our initial greeting, he hardly looked at me.
I stand to leave, but Theo doesn’t.
He clears his throat, jutting his chin at the seat I rose from. “Let’s stay a little longer. This is worthy of celebrating, and we still have an hour until lunch is over. What about dessert?”
I hesitate. This doesn’t feel professional, but I suppose it is. It’s still a business meeting, after all. “Do you have a big sweet tooth?” I slide back into the booth and fix Theo with a sugary smile.
He lifts a brow. “I thought you assumed, considering the lavender latte.”
I look up at the ceiling and shake my head. “Are you ever going to let that go?”
