Money For Nothing

by Dom Price

  “They do David. But you have to remember that in my world, there is a massive difference between potential and ability. The challenge I set you was your opportunity to show me that you aren’t a flash in the pan. That you’ve not had a lucky few years. That you’ve not succeeded by riding the coat tails of those around you. That you haven’t been a passenger in a booming market. That work hasn’t just arrived at your feet. That you have the ability, not the potential, to consistently perform at the level to which I think a partner should.” Each sentence was stabbing into Dave’s body like acupuncture gone wrong. The words hurt more as Dave knew that they weren’t fair and really weren’t true, but there was little he could say. He’d tried and said his bit. The really strange part was that instead of wanting to fight, all he wanted to do was to be in the arms of Ronnie. She seemed to make bad things good.

  “Well Bill, I have lunch with Miss Patel today. So whatever you want to attribute my success too, you certainly can’t fault my commitment, eagerness and ability to take on a challenge.”

  “David, please don’t be disheartened. The world of being a leader can be a lonely one, and I need to know that you’ve got the smarts for this. I admire a lot of your qualities, but we have targets to meet and mouths to feed. That only happens when we win major clients, not when we make friends over lunch.”

  Dave was angry. His blood boiled inside, but he bit down hard to hold back the barrage of words that wanted to erupt out of his mouth. Bill had just used words that Dave had used a million times himself to manage his team and others around him, and being the recipient made him nauseous. He felt like he was at a turning point in his career and life.

  “Now go and enjoy your lunch young man. And remember, there are always more candidates for promotion than there are positions available, so someone has got to miss out. Once the dust settles, maybe another year at your current standing will give you a chance to convince those that doubt your longevity.”

  Bill reached out to give Dave a firm hand shake, but the adrenalin wasn’t there anymore. It was neither patronising nor warming. It didn’t comfort or convince.

  “Can I get a vodka tonic please?” The waiter hadn’t yet asked about drinks, but Dave needed to calm his nerves. He felt unusually rattled and very confused.

  “Wowsers. Bad morning darling?” Just hearing Ronnie’s voice and seeing that gleaming smile turned Dave from rock hard butter to spreadable margarine.

  It helped, in the same way paracetemol helps a hangover. It was a temporary relief, but there was more pain to come. Dave looked into her wondrous eyes and was lost in a world of passion. But the feeling wasn’t all soft and cuddly. He felt like he was sat on the top of a very large mountain, one leg either side of the pinnacle. On one side, his world at CEC Services and everything he’d worked for, lived for and sacrificed for. His commitment to that life had been unequivocal, unquestionable and uncomplicated.

  The tipping point that he was now party to, was that one leg was on the other side of the mountain. A side that he’d ignored sacrificed and avoided, for fear of interference. That and the fact that he didn’t think he’d be any good at it. Dave had survived on the theory that you hide your weaknesses and play to your strengths. And that had worked, up until now. He never asked for this. Why had it suddenly become so complicated.

  “I never asked for this.”

  “Sorry Sir, I thought you ordered a Vodka Tonic?”

  “Oh yes, I did. I wasn’t talking to you. Thanks.”

  “Were you talking to me darling? Should I be worried?”

  Dave was flustered. The old inner monologue volume often played tricks on him and once again he’d let out a bleeper.

  “Oh Ronnie, I am just so confused. You know what I told you last night. The secrets I shared with you. No-one was ever supposed to know them. They were mine, and I kept them well hidden. I had my disguise and it worked. Look at where it got me. And now I feel that by letting them out, I have weakened myself. That I am not as good. But I am good. In fact I am brilliant. Do you see what I mean?”

  The taught and frustrated look on Dave’s face made Ronnie want to giggle, but she sensed the serious undertone in his ramble. She reached for his hand.

  “Dave. Life’s a funny thing. As the Stones once sang, ‘you can’t always get what you want’. Even worse, every now and then you get what you think you want and you are disappointed when you get it. We can’t always plan what happens, taking this case in point as a prime example. Look at us sat here. The week we’ve had and the randomness of it all. Now I’m going to guess that a sniper took a shot at you this morning and it hurt. Look at me Dave. You are wounded, but you are not beat. Your career will traverse industries, decades, fashions, booms, busts, and most importantly, you’ll outlast Bill Hennessey. You are bigger and better than that. You have the support of your family, your friends and me. Your chance will come, of that I am sure.”

  Dave barely heard the words. In his head he could hear a gentle orchestra that was playing a beautiful lullaby, that as well as caressing his ears was carefully massaging every muscle in his body and sending him into a tranquil stupor. Luckily, the words that eased out of Ronnie’s mouth interjected with the music and provided Dave with the headline he needed.

  Bill’s demanding, bullying and business chat had provided Dave with a role model and target, but in Ronnie, Dave had someone who finished him off. Polished him. She was his catalyst. This is why he didn’t need a mentor, life coach or any of that crap. He’d more than survived by himself, but with Ronnie for support, he’d become even better. Maybe not today, but eventually.

  “You complete me Miss Patel and you are a truly wonderful gift.”

  “Are you drunk?”

  “Haaaa. No Ronnie. I’ve just realised something. Being able to take my mask off is a good thing. The energy and time that I will save by not pretending and by just being myself, can be re-invested elsewhere and it will make me even more successful. You don’t like me despite my faults. You like me because of my faults. True?”

  “Maybe I do more than like you Mr Marsdon. Should we take these drinks and have lunch upstairs? Maybe some room service?”

  Dave didn’t respond. He grabbed his drink, her hand and headed for the lift. Life was brilliant, and Ronnie Patel was amazing.

  “Oh, and I accepted the invite for your surprise party. I can’t wait to meet your friends.”

  Sexy and clever. Could this get any better?

  Dave was starting to realise that opportunities like this didn’t come along very often. In business terms, and personal terms, he had to seal the deal before a rival bid came in.

  ***

  Chapter What Leopards Can’t Do

  ***

  “Morning Sir.”

  Dave hadn’t lost any weight but he felt lighter. He hadn’t changed his diet but he had more energy.

  “Morning Laura. Come in and sit down. I’ve got you a coffee.”

  Laura’s look of utter shock was replaced by fear, as she saw Dave sit down. He was smiling. This was unheralded and unheard of behaviour for a man who took life and his career so seriously. What compounded things is that the news doing the rounds on the grapevine was that Dave wasn’t going to get his promotion.

  “Ermmm, thank you sir. Is everything OK? I mean are you alright?”

  “Couldn’t be better Laura. And you?”

  “Suppose so. “

  “Good, now sit down, grab your coffee and let’s chat. I need a few favours from you in the next few days. Are you up for a challenge and some fun?”

  “That depends sir. Not if you are going to take me out for lunch, get me drunk and proposition me to help you get a promotion.”

  “Laura, Laura, Laura. I never really thanked you enough or apologised nearly enough for that. I am extremely sorry for putting you in that situation, and even more grateful for the advice that you provided me with. You are a wonderful assistant and a brilliant friend.”

  Dave was doing that smil
ing thing again which unnerved Laura even more.

  “But it didn’t work Sir. My advice didn’t work.”

  “Laura dearest, there is a difference between being right and something working. You were right with your advice and that is what I am thanking you for. Now onto matters at hand. I have a little secret to tell you. Can you keep a secret?”

  Unnerved now moved into petrified. Dave was smiling, being nice and he’d bought her a coffee. Something was definitely up and whilst the suspense was killing Laura, finding out what was going on might be even worse. Laura was flustered, but trapped.

  “I am excellent with secrets. When my sister told me about her threesome, I didn’t tell anyone.” Her mouth was working, but her brain wasn’t engaged. “Bollocks, I didn’t just tell you that!”

  “Laura, calm down and drink some of your coffee. I’ve forgotten about your sisters endeavours. I need your help OK? As you may have noticed, you got an invite to a party on Thursday night.”

  “Yes Sir. Your surprise party.”

  “How did you know I sent that? No-one was supposed to know that the invites had come from me.”

  “Well sir, the wording kinda gave it away. Not many other people can get leverage, strategy, synergy and contingency into a party invite, but you did. And with all due respect sir, there is only one person I know who can do that.”

  “Thank you Laura.” Now wasn’t the time for her to explain that her statement was not a compliment. She wanted his good mood to continue. “So I need help with the party. I’ve got the venue sorted, but nothing else, so we’ll need to sort out decorations, drinks and food.”

  Laura placed her coffee down sharply and looked at the imposter in Dave’s office. Her face said it all.

  “Yes Laura, I am planning the party and paying for it. And before you ask, no it is not a promotion party. The gossip that you’ve heard is largely true. We didn’t secure Food United Group as a major client and so I failed in my final challenge. Good news is that we aren’t going anywhere. It’s still me and you conquering the business world. Maybe with a little help from some friends.”

  “And you are OK with all this? It’s just that I thought...”

  “Laura, this is the best thing that could have happened to me. There is another secret I want to share with you. I’ve met someone. Someone really special. And the whole experience, both missing out on the promotion and meeting someone, has really changed my perspective on life.”

  “That is wonderful news sir. I am so happy for you.”

  “Thanks Laura, and please stop calling me sir. Call me Dave, OK?”

  “OK Dave. In that case Dave, do you mind me asking how you got someone so special in such a short period of time. I hope she isn’t after your money or anything. You know there are some gold diggers out there.”

  “I appreciate your concern Laura, but funnily enough, I’ve known this woman since before I was a teenager, and ironically enough, I’d be doing the gold digging. She isn’t badly off herself.”

  “Oh that is brilliant.” Laura was silently clapping her hangs together like an excited kid. “I hope I get to meet her sometime.”

  “You will Laura. You’ll get to meet her at the party that we are about to plan. Now drink your coffee and let’s get creative. This is going to be one hell of a non-promotion party.”

  ***

  Chapter Fight or Flight

  ***

  “Well Colin, it has been great chatting to you again. I am as ever, deeply envious of your life over there, but convincing my better half to move more than an hour away from the dreaded in-laws, was a mission, do doubt I’d ever make it over there. Plus, I think that lifestyle would kill me. Where do you get your stress from? Anyway, I’ll have a think on about your situation. I’ve got someone in mind who might just be perfect. We’ve been honing him for a while, and I think his drive and determination is exactly what you are looking for. I’ll just have to see if he will take the bait and accept the offer of a thankless task in exchange for an office, new title and status.”

  Bill beckoned for his assistant to come into his office, despite still being mid conversation. “Look, I’ve got to run. The end of my day sparks the start of yours and I’m sure you’ve got a shrimp to put on the barbie or something ridiculous like that. Have a good one buddy and I’ll get back to you on that before my morning so your night-time yeah? Bye”

  Bill placed the handset back on the phone, thought for a milli-second to get his strategy right and then engaged his assistant. “Jen, I need you to get Dave Marsdon for me. He’s usually the only other person still in the office at this hour.”

  “No problems Bill. What should I say it’s regarding.”

  “Nothing Jen. It’s urgent and it is regarding nothing. Just find him.”

  Before Bill could even think about starting his next task, the annoyingly efficient Jen was back in his office. “Sorry Bill, no sign of David or his PA in the office Sir. Both of them have their phones switched off and they are going to voicemail.”

  “Sorry Jennifer, that was my fault for not being clear. When I mean urgent, what I should have said was that I don’t care how or where you find that boy. I need to speak to him tonight. Preferably nearer to now than later. Thank you.”

  The party was in full flow and despite feeling a little uncomfortable with his promise of not talking shop, Dave was enjoying himself. It felt strange being the centre of attention and having to correct everyone who wrongly congratulated him. The people arrived in droves, many bringing their own alcohol and the majority having eaten before they arrived, doubting the sincerity of the invite which promised drink and nibbles.

  “Well it would have been a promotion party, if I’d been promoted. Long story, and not worth getting into now. Let me introduce you to my close friend Ronnie, and I’ll grab you a drink. Red wine OK?”

  It was a standard headline that Dave was delivering to each person as they arrived, each person who was equally shocked by his lack of promotion as they were to his sudden investment in buying drinks. Had the venue not been so well decorated by Laura that afternoon, with a keen addition of some wait staff, Dave was sure it wouldn’t be such a success. There it was. That word again. Success.

  In between welcoming guests, ushering wait staff with drinks and collecting “Congratulations” cards and gifts from people who thought it was his Partnership party; Dave had a rare moment to himself. But when he did, he treated himself to something he knew he hadn’t done much of in the last decade. He reflected. Success had only meant one thing for so long, but observing the room, the people, the laughter and the coming together, he realised in that moment that success was all around him and that he was a by-product of that. It felt good. Like getting a towel off a heated radiator.

  His daydream was broken by Ronnie, the ideal person to wake up next to. He’d barely seen her in the first part of the night, as she matched him chat for chat on the networking front. She seamlessly glided around the room from group to group, cajoling, giggling, empathising and generally making sure everyone was alright and having fun. For once in his life Dave smiled at someone who was good at all the things he was good at, but wasn’t competition. She was a compliment.

  “Come here you piece of perfection. I hope you aren’t using my party to drum up contacts Miss Patel?” There was a new cheeky side to Dave and he was milking it.

  “Oh dear, am I at the wrong event. I thought this was ‘Networking for Beginners’?”

  They giggled and gently embraced. Laura, who was logistics manager for the evening came over, with that expectant look that women often adopted. Dave got straight to the point. He’d learnt a lot, but deep down he was still an alpha male.

  “Laura, I can’t profess to have a clue about what you want from me. That face suggests I’ve forgotten something, but now isn’t the time for subtlety. Spit it out woman.”

  “Well Sir. I mean Dave. I’ve been busy all night and I hope that you are enjoying your party. I was just curious, an
d please forgive me if you consider this rude...but you haven’t introduced me yet.”

  “A thousand apologies Laura. I got carried away with everything and just assumed you two had met. After my dearest Mother, you are the two most important women in my life. Laura meet Ronnie, Ronnie meet Laura.”

  The expectant look on Laura’s face quickly transitioned into a quizzical look. “As in Ronnie Patel. I thought you were a man.”

  “Why thank you Laura. It’s a pleasure to meet you too.” Ronnie smiled a forgiving look to Laura. “It’s OK Laura. You aren’t the first, and you certainly won’t be the last person to think I was a man. Comes with the name and the seniority.”

  Just as the girls became acquainted and the pieces of the puzzle dropped into place, Dave was interrupted by his mobile. “Sorry ladies, you two get to know each other. This is probably my sister. Second one out and always late!”

  ***

  Chapter Dogs, Tricks and Spots

  ***

  Dave returned from his call feeling flustered but looking excited. He loved how good he was at playing the game. Scanning the room, he was glad to see that Anne and Tony had made it, and could see them in the corner chatting with his parents, all being dutifully entertained by Ronnie. They all looked so proud.

  Rushing towards the bar, Dave located Laura and the wait staff. “Right, I know we said no champagne, but I think we should push the boat out and make this a real celebration. So, I want the coldest, best value bottles of the fizzy stuff, and I want you to make sure that everyone has a glass. Can you also get me a microphone please? I need to address the guests.”

  Dave was trying to make his way through the crowd over to his family. The words were practically bursting out of him. The crowd however, had grown, and with each new attendee came a new set of the same questions. Funnily enough, not a single person asked who’d planned the ‘surprise’ party.