2: A Place Called Chance (2)
597 Words
Fatty turned down the sheets of the motel bed in Moreland. His presentation went well, and Brick & Brack Company was a new addition to his customer list. It was a fine end to a trying day. Could life get any better?
It could. He opened his flip phone and answered a call. It was the Senior VP of Sales.
"How's everything, Fatty?”
"Everything is wonderful, sir. Couldn't be better.”
"I understand you closed the deal on that Moreland company. Tough nut to crack, and you did it! That's why I wanted to reach out to you. You've been selected for Top Salesman of the Year.”
Fatty pumped his arm in the air. "Oh, thank….”
"And there's more. Our company is growing…”
"Yes sir, I know sir. You mentioned that at the last all-hands meeting.”Fatty held his breath.
"Managing our growth will require a paradigm shift. Fatty, you have a natural ability to think outside the box, and we need your talent to be successful. I want you on our S.W.A.T. team so that we can leverage your skill set. Since sales is obviously your core competency, how would you like to be Northwest Sales Director? Can you wrap your arms around this position?”
"Yes, sir. I'm amped up about it.”Fatty paused for a moment. "By the way, how much travel is required?”
"Other than the yearly all-hands meeting and a conference or two, you'll be flying your desk at corporate. Do I have your buy-in?”
"Yes sir!”
"Excellent! Take the rest of the week off, and meet me at corporate headquarters Monday morning at 8 o'clock. We'll discuss the details of your new position then.”
"Thank you, sir. See you Monday, bright and early." Fatty ended the call and grinned. "No more getting lost and ending up in places I don't want to be. I'm going to live forever!”He wiggled his body, dancing in his sweaty boxers.
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"Morning, Boss.”Artie's breathing was labored. He gave Fatty a cup of coffee. "Three sugars and half cream, just the way you like it.”
"Thanks, Artie.”Fatty scrutinized his top salesman. "Are you ok?”
"Actually, I'm a little nervous.”
"You know you can talk to me about anything.”
Artie closed the office door. "Truth is, Boss, I want to apply for the VP of Overseas Sales position. Can you put in a good word for me?”
Fatty took a sip of coffee. "That's a big leap, Artie.”
"But you did it. You went from Director to Senior VP In five years. That's a world record.”
"I did it by working 12-hour days, including weekends, spending most of my day in meetings, and meeting impossible schedules. You have the skills. But are you willing to put in the time?”
"Absolutely!”
"I can't fault you for your enthusiasm.”Fatty shook his head and smiled. "I'm meeting with the CEO in about 10 minutes. I'll pitch you for the position then.”
"Thanks, Boss!”Artie grinned. "You're still going to the lake, right?”
"Yup, me and my fishing pole have a hot date.”
"It's about time you took a vacation. I hope you have a great time.”
"Thanks, Artie. I hope so, too.”
"Be careful. You might hit a few storms.”Artie opened the office door.
"Thanks for letting me know.”
"No problem, Boss." Artie waved as he walked out of Fatty's office.
- Writer
