God, was I nervous! I had been shaking since I got the news of my promotion and transfer. I had only been with the firm for a few weeks. Sure, I felt that I was doing a fine job but I had no idea that the CEO even knew who I was, much less in a position to assess my abilities. So there I was, all dressed up, and attending the CEO's private party in the Executive Conference Center.
Looking around, I was even more amazed at my being there. All around me were all senior executives, all dressed in Armani suites. They were a lot older than I was and with a lot more experience. They were all chatting and giving that "corporate chortle" at the boss' little jokes. And there was the big boss, right in the middle of it all, surrounded by lackeys and wannabes. Hey, I'm not criticizing. I just couldn't figure out why I was there!
The hours wore on and I hadn't had more than two conversations the whole evening. I just wandered around, trying to fit in, and taking advantage of the lobster canapés, caviar, and expensive champagne. By the time the group started to thin out, I was feeling pretty loopy. Around the time when there were only about five of us left, I figured that I would make my unnoticed departure. Just as I reached for the handle on the finely carved mahogany doors, they swung open away from be and in walked the CEO.
"Where are you going, ma boy. Stick around. I have to talk to you later."
The boss just swept right on by. Wow! The head gonzimocker actually spoke to me. ME! What could the CEO and Chairman of the Board want with ME?
I sat in the plush chair against the wall next to the door, staring into my umteenth glass of champagne, wondering why I was to remain. It wasn't long before the last of the Italian suits walked past and out the doors. He patted me on the shoulders as he left and said, "Hang in there kid."
"Come with me son", the boss beckoned.
We walked through another set of doors into the CEO's private office. Like the conference room, it was decorated in exquisite deeply engraved wood. Expensive artwork illuminated with custom lighting spotted the walls. There was a private bar, a great desk, and a small meeting table with chairs. Two large leather chairs, a sofa, and a coffee table were also in the room. Huge tapestry rugs covered dark hardwood floor. One wall was all glass that gave a spectacular view of the New York skyline.
"Well, what do you think? Nice little office, eh? Relax. Sit down. Take off your jacket. I'm not going to bite you."
There was something comforting and yet foreboding in her voice. Yes, that's right, the boss is a "her". The CEO that ruled this company with an iron fist was a woman. She had a well earned reputation for sternness. She took no shit from anyone, either from inside or outside of the company.
I sat on the couch and gulped the last of my champagne. She reached up behind her head and let her hair down. It was a soft light brown that just came to her shoulders. She was wearing a gray business suit that in spite of its smart tailored look, it also preserved her femininity quite well. The jacket was open over white silk blouse with a deep neckline. (Funny thing about well tailored clothes. They look as though they will reveal more than the wearer wants but they never do.) The skirt was to mid-thigh. Her very long and slender legs were sheathed in dark stockings. This executive was a real knockout but no one was going to tell it to her face.
"Ok, Jack", she began. "Here is the story. You are a good accountant and you have a bright future here with the company. But frankly, I can get a boxcar full of good accountants if I need them. What makes you particularly useful to me is that you are one gorgeous fellow. Definitely model material."
She talked while she walked around the room, kicked off her shoes, and eventually sat next to me on the sofa.
