Chapter 7
Seven
Dagen
My calendar is full, like always. Karla had warned me that my ten o’ clock meeting with the new marketing exec from Goliath should be here soon and I’m prepared for it.
Goliath is a newer marketing firm in the industry, Gary McLane rising quickly among the top corporations.
Despite their newness, they’ve quickly shown they know what they’re doing and have earned some of the biggest contracts in New York City in the last year.
It’d been easy when they’d presented their current marketing exec’s resume and ideas for me to select them.
Fox Industries needs creativity and professionalism.
I expect this to be our largest launch yet.
I’d expected a man when I’d initially booked Goliath, but the note on my desk says Ms. Hutcherson will be who I meet.
That’s not a problem. Some of the most successful people I’ve worked with are women.
I expect this woman to be a powerhouse, one who clearly knows tech as well as she knows marketing.
Someone like that has to be older, established, and I’m never above learning from my elders.
But before I meet with the new Goliath powerhouse, I have to finish up the business with this asshole.
Aria Tech is a company I really wish I didn’t have to work with.
I’d considered cutting ties altogether, but when the COO had presented me with the new program they’re preparing to soft launch, I couldn’t resist. It’s a damn good algorithm program.
It makes me wonder how someone like this asshole could code it.
“You haven’t explained anything about how it works,” I point out, glaring at the man sitting far too comfortably in my chair. “My patience is wearing thin, McCoy.”
“I’m not telling you how it works,” Ric answers, scowling. “I flew all the way out here because I respect you, but you know damn well we aren’t going to be doing deep dives into how this program works.”
“It’s almost as if you don’t know how it works,” I goad. “Did you even create it?”
“Yes,” Ric hisses, but seems to remember who he’s talking to before he schools his features again.
Aria Tech may have a good program on their hands, but they’re nothing compared to the success of Fox Industries.
It’s best he remembers that. “As I stated, I can give you the stats. As for the coding itself, I won’t be sharing that. You understand, of course.”
“My company will need to have the full algorithm in order to incorporate it into our system,” I point out.
“We’ll provide the programmers.”
I narrow my eyes. I really despise this man.
The COO of Aria Tech is getting far too comfortable thinking I don’t have options.
I want that program. But I have no doubt that I can find someone else to do what these people do.
I didn’t get to where I am by being cornered.
I’ll make sure to remind him exactly what place I hold soon.
The moment my tech team gets ahold of the program that is.
There’s a little buzz on my desk and I press the button. “Yes?”
“Your ten o’ clock appointment is here, Mr. Fox. She’s on her way up,” Karla replies.
I glance at the clock. Prompt. I like her already. “Send her in once she’s up.”
I don’t care that I’m meeting with Ric right now. I’m tired of this meeting, and this marketing exec is more important at the moment. If I can get out of seeing this fucker for longer than necessary, I’m always going to take it.
“You’re cutting our meeting short?” Ric snarls. “I flew all the way out here from San Diego to meet with you personally—”
“And when we come to an understanding, our deal will be made,” I say, cutting him off. “You haven’t sold me on anything yet, Ric. When you can show me how the program works, then we’ll talk.”
His face contorts with anger. “Is this how you treat all your business partners?”
“We’re not partners,” I correct him. “I have another meeting. You’re excused.
” I gesture toward the door on the opposite side of where I lead people into my office.
I prefer this man disoriented and feeling as if he has no power.
Ric clearly dislikes the feeling, but he stands and gathers the meager paperwork he’d tried to present to me into the crinkled manila folder.
He expects me to sign a blank check, and I won’t do it, not until I can see what the program can actually do.
The asshole didn’t even bother to bring his laptop with him.
“I’ll expect a call from you. I’ll be in town for a few weeks,” Ric says, almost like a threat.
“When you can present the program and show how it works, we’ll talk,” I nod.
He strides to the door and disappears out it just as Karla knocks on the main door.
“Send her in,” I say, leaning back against my desk and crossing my arms. It’s my preferred way to receive new business partners. Karla calls it my intimidation pose. I always jokingly say it’s just me being comfortable.
The door opens and I get my first look at the new marketing exec of Goliath.
Well. . . shit. I expected someone older, not the powerhouse that walks inside wearing a red suit, her chin up high.
She’s a brunette, her hair pulled back in an artful messy bun.
The color of her lips matches her suit, and she smiles despite the nerves I see flashing in her eyes as she steps inside.
She immediately strides forward with confidence and holds out her hand for a firm handshake, firmer than that asshole Ric had given me.
“Mr. Fox. It’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance. My name is Ava Hutcherson.”
“Ava,” I repeat, squeezing her hand gently and releasing it despite the urge to hold on. “The pleasure is all mine.”
The corners of her eyes tighten, and I can’t help but smile at her. Oh, she may be younger than I expected, probably in her early thirties, but I shouldn’t take that as a sign of na?vety. This woman knows what she’s doing. And she knows it well.
“Where would you like me to set up my laptop?” she asks, glancing around the masculine office.
Finally. Someone who comes prepared for a meeting.
I gesture to the desk and actually look forward to hearing what she has to say as I take my seat.