Iwas saved by a row of seats on an airplane. Also spared by Julian being on his phone for the entire journey to the hotel and check-in. By luck, a talkative woman from the event, with a little too much makeup, met us in the lobby to lead us to Julian’s speaking engagement.
What am I not saved from? Being mesmerized by the way he speaks in front of hundreds. I’m furious that I’m joining the crowd that listens intently in utter awe of a man whose success is easy to envy, but it’s the charismatic way that he delivers his words that has everyone captivated.
And I’m no exception.
I really want to hate the guy. As soon as he takes a step forward, it’s two steps back on the scale in winning our little game of attraction. Yet it only makes me more attracted to him. I try to keep reminding myself that he’s a jerk on his good days, but a whisper in my brain reminds me that I’ve seen glimpses of a man who is softer and might actually be breaking a brick from his wall.
Watching from the side of the stage behind the curtain, Idouble-check the time on my phone to see that Julian has already gone over by five minutes.
He stands behind the podium. “You are constantly making decisions that serve your business interests. Not everyone on that path will appreciate that, because people like soft communication. However, blunt directness brings clarity to all involved.”
My jaw goes slack. Is he fucking kidding me? Clarity is not his forte, at least, not when it comes to me.
“With that comes the ability to lead. I don’t need to make friends; I need solutions to ensure my company gets further success. Nobody wants to be the bad guy, but sometimes you need to be for the ending to be golden. For example, I’ve followed my policy, and Haven Crossroads is a place that treats its employees well and can reward hard work with great benefits. That wouldn’t be possible without my way of driving on the road.”
Gah, why are people so intrigued by this? And why must it all be true? Checkmark for a great place to work, company success, and to some extent, his ability to lead. A hard fail on his policy to drive on the road. I’m well aware that I’m projecting my feelings into analyzing this.
“So, ladies and gentlemen, the moral of the story is to consider the way you present yourself. Ensure you are a wall of steel that will only accept the answers you need to find success. Remember, once you reach the top, you can still go further; the roof has a lot of levels underneath it, but you still have the sky with more possibilities.” He concludes with a suave grin that weakens the female population and warns the world that he will come out the winner.
As the audience claps, he exits the stage. I can’t help but give him a death stare, and his lips form a contrite grin at me as he brushes past me, bumping my arm in the process.
Most people would say this is when they resign. But I’m not a quitter, and I think I’ve found a new craving I can’t shake.
I quietly groan to myself and trail behind him, while the event organizer sings his praises. And yes, I notice how she insists on staying close by his side as others give him compliments. She even throws in a little arm touch. Luckily, he shows zero interest in her.
This is not going to be a fun car ride back to the hotel.
Only proven by the stiff silence in the car an hour later, where we both pretend to be buried in our phones as we sit in the back.
“Did you see that email from Compliance? An audit is coming up. The head of the import division also needs another meeting. I’ve sent you your reservation for your trip to Seattle, pay attention since I won’t be there.”
Julian’s head whips in my direction. “What do you mean you won’t be there?” He isn’t impressed, but his tone also carries concern.
“I’m not really needed for that trip. It’s quick, plus I want to try and get home,” I easily explain.
“Some hoedown or something?”
I ignore his jab and grab my bag to pull out a fruit snack pouch.
“You have snacks, I see.” He sounds slightly judgmental.
"You never know when you might get deserted somewhere." I rip the bag open and notice his eyes on it. A tiny grin forms, and I offer him the bag.
“Don’t be ridiculous.” I stare at him, sure of myself. “Fine. One.” He takes a red strawberry shape.
I take the win and sink into the leather seat. “You’re good at spewing out bullshit, to be honest,” I remark.
“Enlighten me on which part you felt was incorrect.” He’s facing forward, but I can feel his eyes gravitate to me.
I lean my head against the headrest and turn to the side to greet his precarious eyes. “The part about how your personality brings clarity. Lie of the century.”
“Savannah, do I not get results for my company?”
“You do,” I agree. “But that is the only part.”
He holds my eyes hostage with his own. “If you are referring to other matters, then that is open for interpretation.”
I snicker. “Lack of accountability isn’t your style.”
