I trembled as I signed the contract. I was literally giving my father the power to do whatever he stipulated if I failed to bring in the Kingsley account for his firm. My father, Richard Stephens, was a power broker in the business world and in the lives of those around him. Today I would know if I won the Kingsley account or if I was signed, sealed and delivered over to my father. I waited impatiently in my office for the call. My thoughts strayed to my father as I waited. Even in his late forties, he hadn't lost his sensuality or his dark good looks. He looked more like a dark sensual Italian prince than the prince of the power deals that had made him millions.
"Maria, your father wants you in your office immediately, " my secretary said as she came into my office. I got up slowly and brushed off my white linen suit.
"Wish me luck, " I said I as I walked into my father's office.
He was dressed in a dark blue silk robe which meant he had finished with his day's activities. He kept a bedroom in the adjoining room in case he worked late at night.
"Come here, my sweet Maria," my father said," I have just heard from Kingsley."
He turned on the television set that he used for business purposes...
"Richard in careful consideration of your daughter's offer, I have to refuse it at this time. She failed to make me an offer that I could refuse. I just wish she had, " Thomas Kingsley said,"She isn't using her full capacity in brokering a deal. Maybe you can teach her a thing or two about that. Maybe some other time, we could reconsider this offer. Good night, Richard."
Tears started running down my cheeks as I realized I had failed my father. My father turned off the tv and walked up behind me.
I turned to face him. I pushed my long wavy red hair back as I stood trembling before him.
"Maria, you are mine now signed, sealed and delivered. It is time
you start living up to contract, " he ordered," Fix me vodka on the rocks and one for you."
I walked slowly over to his bar and poured the vodka over the ice.
I handed him his drink. I gulped my drink down in nervousness.