by Leah Kay
“Nathan’s leadership and reputation played a pivotal role in keeping the project afloat without getting derailed by difficult personalities. And for that I thank you, Nathan.” He gives him a thumbs up and finishes his spiel.
Isha and Claire exchange glances in each other’s direction that pretty much read Suckup. Reading the dynamics in the room like an open book, Nathan thanks Mark and moves on to the next topic.
“Isha and the team have done a good job at the site. I would like us to apply the same best practices at Lucerne as well. Change management will be critical at Lucerne considering they are a relatively new site and tend to push back on other site projects. The plant manager at Lucerne is very protective of the site and wants his team to walk before they can run. Claire, are you ready for this challenge?”
“Absolutely!” she responds.
“Very well then. Any other questions?” He addresses the room. With no questions in the room and having no further topics to discuss, he wraps up the meeting in 15 minutes. The teams are starting to get used to his management style. When it comes to meetings, they are all short, sweet and to the point.
Walking back to his office, he notices a text message from Isha. Swiping left to read it, he sees, “I am going to kill you.”
Laughing out loud, he replies, “Shouldn’t have started something you can’t handle.”
Realizing he is getting her back for switching seats with Mark, she texts, “Get over it.”
She then comes across Mark talking to a few junior associates and deliberately slows down behind them to eavesdrop.
“Nathan and I are pretty much buds now. We spent five hours together on the flight back, and I learned so much from him. He is a smart guy, and it is nice to hear him say that he sees tremendous potential in me. We are currently looking at other projects we could be doing together in the future.” Young minds fall prey to his slick pitch.
“What projects will you be working on?” they ask, watching him in awe.
“I am not sure yet. Nathan and I plan to discuss it over a few beers at Monk’s café tonight.
Gloating over his own pompousness, he walks back to his desk.
Isha swings by Nathan’s. “I hear you have a date with Mark tonight?”
Enjoying her improved comfort level with him, he replies, “I had to. You refuse to hang out with me.”
A warm flush smears her cheeks. “You never asked.”
Nathan seizes his opportunity. “Isha, want to have drinks with me tonight?”
“I have dinner plans tonight…”
He was hoping she’d say yes. “Well, Mark it is then.”
“Have fun.” She walks away dejectedly.
Nathan craves her company watching her walk away and struggles to understand the depth of his nascent feelings for her.
Liam and Isha have plans to meet up with Mike Spencer tonight, a close friend of theirs from college who also works with Liam at the Wells Fargo Center. With tan skin, dark hair, brown eyes, and a decent physique, Mike is definitely easy on the eye. After a painful breakup a few years ago, he has been quite active in the dating game, except instead of dating his usual type of smart and successful women, he is now into women who are dropdead gorgeous but struggle to have a decent conversation. After dating them for a month, Mike introduces them to his friends to get their nod of approval.
While waiting for Liam to get dressed before they head out to dinner, Isha texts Claire, “Good luck with the second date tonight. Hope you shaved your legs
