I roll my eyes before sliding my chair back, and plaster a fake smile on my face, making Jana laugh.
We all head toward the back of the room, where a large conference table sits, lining the floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook Manhattan. Everyone takes their normal spots—me facing the window so I can remind myself just how cool it is to be up this high and David directly across from me, like he knows he’s blocking my view and getting a kick out of it while he does so.
Christina goes over the projects we’re finishing up and checks in with everyone on what they’re working on before she discusses new business—the part of the meeting that always has everyone on their toes, waiting to see what exciting things she has planned next and who will get to be project lead.
“Now, onto new projects,” she says, making everyone perk up. “A longtime friend of mine is starting up a new company and has asked us for help with the launch. This will be a huge project, planning everything from logo design to signage to ads. We’re handling all of it. Due to the scope of the project and the timeline, I’m assigning both David and Zoe to work on it together.”
My eyes instantly go wide before looking at David. He just smirks, then turns his attention back to Christina. Neither of us says a word.
This is going to be a huge opportunity, and we are at least smart enough to not make a big deal of it here, in front of everyone, but I know I’m not the only one shitting myself when Jana kicks me under the table.
I kick her back, hoping no one notices while Christina closes up the meeting.
Needing a second to myself, I grab my things, wanting to bolt away from the table as fast as possible, but I’m stopped short when Christina says, “Zoe and David, please stay so we can go over the specifics of the new project.”
I close my eyes, take a deep breath, and turn to rejoin them at the conference table, only this time, I’m sitting closer to Christina. David gathers his things and comes to join us both at the head of the table.
“First, I just want to say thank you for this amazing opportunity. I won’t let you down,” David says in a total kiss-ass way.
I don’t miss the fact that he said, “Iwon’t let you down,” instead ofwe.
“Of course, I have no doubt you two are the perfect pair for this project,” Christina says as she flips through her notes for, I’m assuming, paperwork to give us. “Your presentations yesterday proved it. Our client was equally impressed with you both. Maybe if yours wasn’t coffee-stained, Zoe, they might have gone in your direction.”
The smirk he gives me makes me want to climb on this table and punch him in the face.
I try to keep my expression straight even though I want to internally scream that it wasn’t my fault!
She finds what she’s looking for and sets a copy of the report in front of both of us. “Beef tallow is hot right now, and our clients are creating a high-end skincare line. Here are their specifications for you to review.”
“Beef tallow?” David asks, confused. “Isn’t that just beef fat?”
“It is,” she confirms. “And it’s supposedly amazing for your skin. It will be all organic, very few ingredients, and all grass-fed beef. They’ll be sending over samples for us all to try. And yes, David, I want you to try it too.”
He raises his eyebrows and cocks his head to the side. “Beef tallow it is.”
“I’m excited.” I speak up. “I keep seeing it on my feed, and I’ve been wanting to try it.”
“Well, it’s your lucky day then. They want to get the product on the shelves as soon as possible, so I want to see concepts by the end of the week. And, no, don’t bring me your individual ideas. Work together and bring me a few that you both approve of. I chose you because of your background and cutthroat reputation”—she points at David—“and your … girliness”—she points at me—“and we need to blend the two. Got it?”
“Got it,” David says as he stands.
“We won’t let you down,” I say, gathering my things, then standing as well.
“Here.” Christina picks up all of her stuff. “You guys stay and set a game plan. We don’t have any scheduled meetings today, so the conference table is all yours.”
She leaves, and the air in the room shifts instantly. One second ago, it was humming withwe can’t believe we were chosen for thisenergy. Now it’s pure, unfilteredgreat, I’m stuck with youannoyance.
David and I stare at each other, a silent conversation filled with disdain passing across the table. I break the battle of wills we have going on between us and sit first. Thankfully, he does the same. I’ve never wanted an actual conference room with walls and doors in our office until now. I wish there were a way for me to say what I’m really feeling without everyone else hearing, but instead, I put on a fake smile and try to get started on our project.
“What did she mean about your background?” I ask.
“Trust me, if it were relevant to your role, you’d already know.”
“Obviously, she thought it was important,” I bite back.
“She was just explaining why she chose us. Now, if you’re done speculating, let’s focus on the project instead of things that don’t matter.”
I grit my teeth and pick up the paperwork she gave us. We’ll be creating the logo, color scheme, and packaging, as well as working with website designers and setting up their store displays. It’s a huge opportunity that I’d be dying over right now if it didn’t involve the bane of my existence sitting across from me.
