For a moment, everything settles. All seems right with the world. My six months of torture turns to two weeks, all over tomorrow.
Nudge 7
The Disagreement
Presentation Day Schedule
8 a.m.– Arrive at work. Proceed to wait seventy-eight minutes for Aiden, who promised he’d ‘make it for 8.30’ and severely oversold.
9.20 a.m.– Wait for Aiden to reluctantly unpack, harass him to be ready for:
9.30 a.m.– Run through presentation from start to finish.
10.15 a.m.– Quick-fire feedback about said run-through.
10.30 a.m.– Reattach items to the mood board and make note for next time to buy better glue.
10.45 a.m.– Set up in the boardroom; ensure coffees and herbal teas are ready for consumption.
11.15 a.m.– Wow Evie with perfect pitch, smile and wait patiently while she takes it all in.
Evie is flawless as ever, a pop of pastel against the otherwise monotonously slate-grey boardroom. She has us all under her hold without even trying as she flicks through our handout with rigorous focus. Her eyes jump from word to word, giving nothing away, every small movement a tease. Pippa, Oliver and Maxwell look about ready to burst, and, as I stand at the front, right next to our mood board, I do my best to ensure I don’t look as bad as they do.
There’s a shift in the room, a quick catch of breath from all, as she flicks back to the beginning of the printout and closes it for good. She smooths down the paper with a soft but intentional stroke, before staring back at our expectant faces.
‘I love it!’ she says, a wide grin on her face. ‘It’s a fabulous concept with tons of potential. I want it bigger, though.’
‘Bigger?’ Aiden and I echo in tandem.
‘Huge. This is a transformative time in my life, so this Summer Splash must be one for the ages. I want no expense spared– if it’s right, then we get it. And you two certainly get the vision enough to help me grow it.’ She beams, looking between us with pride.
‘Thank you.’ I try and fail to hide my joy.
Evie Eesuola thinks I ‘get her’. I can die happy now.
‘Don’t thank me; this is where I start riding you hard. I’ll need you all to bring your A-game, twenty-four-seven. And obviously you’ll be adequately compensated.’
‘Compensated?’ Maxwell asks, eyes widening.
He’s practically frothing at the mouth at the mention of financial gain. It’s very on brand for him, but it doesn’t make it any less sad.
‘Your team pulls this off and you can have my Christmas launch too. I’m thinking ski holders, cute bumbags. . . you get the gist,’ she says.
Maxwell gushes, reaching out his hand. ‘We’d be honoured.’
Evie pretends she does not see. ‘I’m sure you would. And, obviously, Aiden and Maddison would be rewarded for leading. Do you do bonuses here?’
She turns to Oliver, who seems to fold under the weight of her direct gaze.
‘Well, yes, at Christmas, and sometimes with KPIs. . .’ He’s scrambling for an answer that will grant him her favour.
The answer doesn’t pass. She cuts him off with a brief nod before turning her attention back to me and Aiden.
‘I’ve put a lot into this collaboration and I need the party of all parties to reflect that. You make it happen and there’s a thank-you bonus in there for you. A big one.’
‘A bonus for each of us?’ I say.
‘If you follow through, yes. Good work warrants good rewards’
