"Neither is asking me to play nice with people who dismiss me because I have tits."
We stared at each other, the tension crackling.
Finally, Christian sighed. "You're right. I'm sorry. James is an asshole, and you shouldn't have to coddle him."
"Thank you."
He pulled me close. "But maybe try not to antagonize him quite so much? For my blood pressure's sake?"
I laughed despite myself. "No promises."
I spent the next few days researching alternative partners for the security software project.
I found a smaller company—Apex Security Solutions—that had a perfect track record of on-time delivery. Their team was experienced, their projections realistic, and their references glowing.
I presented Apex to the board.
"They're significantly smaller than Morrison," James p
