Typically, my phone and laptop are like extra limbs. I’m always available and willing to help. Truth is, I don’t want to miss anything. I do my best to plan for every scenario, with every client—no matter what stage the project is in.
I know I won’t be able to take a nap without checking my email first.
Luckily, it takes a total of three minutes to skim my inbox for anythingimportant, or client facing, and to delete any emails from Jack.
Success.
I pull the shades down, darkening the room, chug a glass of water, and crawl into bed.
I wake up courtesy of my phone ringing.Royce Jonesflashes on the screen. I don’t want to answer but I know I have to.
“Hello, this is Ivy.”
“How’s it going? It’s Royce Jones.” One of my biggest pet peeves is when people ask you questions they don’t really want the answers to.
“All good here. What can I help you with?” To the point but professional.
“As you know, I’d like to sit down and discuss extending our contract with Sparks. We’re thinking of a five-year extension instead of our typical three.” Royce is all business right now and this is the man I’m used to working with. Not the slurring version from the other night.
Intrigued is an understatement. Five more years with Bliss4ul means lots of revenue and growth for our company. Promotions and new hires—if things continue to go the way they’ve been. No reason to expect anything different.
My mouth is open.
“This is great news. What works for you, as far as a meeting?”
“How about tomorrow evening? Seven? I’ve reserved the room off the restaurant at the lodge.” At least I don’t have to worry about going anywhere else.
“Works for me. Anything you’d like me to prepare?” Good thing I have no plans and could get something done during such a short turnaround.
“I’ll send over the draft of the contract. Take some time to review. Just want to have a conversation on some ideas we have for the next five years.I’d like to make sure we’re on the same page.” He sounds nonchalant while I’m borderline freaking out.
“I’d also like to keep this between us and probably your boss. It’s still in the early stages and that means we won’t be renewing some other vendors we work with. I’d like the time to get out in front of my employees, if you don’t mind.”
Jack would scream if he knew about this. It feels good knowing something he doesn’t. I won’t be able to keep it from him forever but that doesn’t mean I have to rush to let him know. Especially with Royce’s request.
“You got it. I’ll only share with Stella.”
“Appreciate your discretion. Look forward to connecting tomorrow.”
The line is dead before I can utter a goodbye.
Not even a minute later and the contract comes through my email. I forward it to Stella.
Stella, see attached. I’m meeting with Royce tomorrow evening to discuss this extension. He’d like us to keep it between you and I for now.
Would you mind taking a look and let me know anything you’d like me to bring up tomorrow?
Appreciate it!
And then, a few minutes later, Stella’s response pops in at the top of my inbox. Not surprising as Stella is old school and is a more frequent email checker than me. And that’s saying something.
Ivy! This is exciting. I didn’t read much into it yet but saw the five-year term and couldn’t help myself. I’ll review it right away and get my notes to you.
Thanks for staying a few extra days. This meeting will be worth it.
To see Stella use an exclamation point is startling. Not her style.
Before I can fully wrap my head around what just happened with Royce, my phone rings. This time it’s Viv.
