Page 28 of Fake it For Good
“We’re very private,” I said.
“I see,” he replied. “Congratulations.”
“Thank you. I don’t want to get in the way.” I smiled at Cane. “I’ll see you later.”
“I don’t want to run you off,” John said.
“Stay,” Cane said.
I gave him a look. I wasn’t sure if I could add anything to the conversation. I didn’t want to get in the way or say the wrong thing. “What orders were you inspecting?” John asked.
“We were looking at some of the wood puzzles,” I replied. “I am just so impressed with the quality. Every piece is cut and sanded and then painted. I work with a lot of underprivileged kids. When we do happen to get a hand-me-down from the Carver Toys collection, it’s a hit. It’s always the favorite toy in the playroom.”
“Really?” John said and looked to Cane.
“Yes,” I said and pulled his attention back to me. “Before I met Cane, I always thought the toys were overpriced. I mean, you can buy a doll for five bucks and it looks the same as one of Carver’s dolls. But then you look at the detail. This one, for example.” I pulled a doll from the shelf and gently ran my hand over the silky strands. “Look at it. Really look.”
I handed the doll to John. He took it and looked at the doll. “It’s a little better than the average doll, I suppose.”
“Pull on the arm,” I said.
Cane smiled. I realized I was dominating the conversation. This was a business meeting and I was just running right over all of them.
“I’m sorry,” I said and tried to look meek. “I’m going to go. You guys have business to get to.”
“No,” Cane said. “You’re doing a great job.”
I laughed and was a little embarrassed to have run roughshod over the meeting. I was standing with three very powerful, wealthy men and acting like I owned the joint. “Well, I’m not sure what your concerns are with the company, and I couldn’t tell you anything about it, but I can talk toys all day.”
“Did you work at the company?” John asked. “Is that how the two of you met?”
“No,” I said, laughing. “We met over drinks. I’ve never worked for Cane. I just love toys.”
“Sounds like the two of you are a match made in heaven.” John chuckled.
“I could talk toys all day,” I said. “It’s a very good thing my future husband loves toys as much as I do.”
John and I got into a conversation about what kids did and didn’t want. I was certain my experience with kids gave me an advantage. We talked much longer than I realized. Cane and Denton had moved to the side of the office. When I realized how much I had been talking, I took a quiet step back. “I think I’ve said enough,” I said.
“I think you’ve saidjustenough,” John said. “Cane, I will be in touch soon. You should put this woman in sales.”
“We wouldn’t want to mix business with pleasure,” I said with a laugh.
“I’ll walk you out,” Denton offered.
Cane and I were left in the office. “I’m sorry,” I blurted out. “I tend to talk a lot when I’m nervous.”
“You didn’t seem nervous at all,” he said.
“Maybe not nervous, but I got the impression you wanted the guy to buy your toys,” I said. “I wasn’t lying or trying to sell anything. I was being honest.”
“I’m glad you were,” he said. “You’re a natural. Did you really mean all of it?”
“I did,” I answered. “It’s not like I get a bonus if you make the deal.”
“True, but I appreciate it,” he said. “I think this match might work after all. You fit into my life a lot better than I imagined.”
I laughed. “Well I will take that as a compliment.”
