Chapter 35
Business is growing
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo
One of the things that Lester and I worked on before the trip to Barbados was set up a contract proposal template on my tablet. It was Lester who developed the majority of the project. The document would have standard details but I could add the specifications that each potential customer required. This would allow me to enter the details during the sales meeting. The information would then be populated into a contract proposal to email Ranger and Tank for review, pricing and approval. Once that process was completed, I would go over it with the client. Ranger and Tank agreed that they would immediately review these proposals to ensure a timely return, unless they were out in the field.
This concept proved to be successful because with the three customer visits, I was able to forward the approved contract to the client's email for printing and signature. Two out of the three signed without any issues, the third one wanted to negotiate on pricing, so I winged it a little by telling them we could reduce the price slightly but they would have to give up some pieces of an operational aspect. I suggested we keep the service 'as is' for three months and if it still was too much for their needs, we'd re-visit the proposal and adjust their account accordingly and credit the money. It was a go and Hector and I ended our day with three signed, sealed and delivered contracts totaling $195,000 in monthly billing.
The clients appreciated that I brought Hector with me since he was able to walk through the building with the company's director of security and myself. This would enable the director to get a better idea as to what would and wouldn't work instantly, saving the company time and money ensuring the job gets done right the first time. Hector would assign the installation crew and the team lead would take care of maintenance and would join me during my follow up calls to check on the equipment. I received positive feedback regarding our company and service.
I was pretty proud of our success and wanted to take Hector out to dinner to celebrate. I called our boss to let him know my plans. I had him on the speaker.
"Hi Babe, how are you doing?"
"Oh you know I'm not real sure, is coming home with three signed contracts good?" I asked with a smirk on my face and saw Hector was also smiling.
"Babe, the three proposals totaled $195k in monthly billing. Congratulations, I'm proud of you."
"Aww, thanks boss, having Hector with me helped. Anyhow, I want to take Hector out for dinner to celebrate, do you want to join us?"
"Where did you have in mind?" He asked.
"Mi Tierra, on Clinton Ave."
"Yeah, I'll bring the rest of the Core team with me." Said Carlos.
"Okay, boss we are heading that way now, we'll see you at the restaurant, bye." I replied and ended the call.
The Core team consists of Ranger, Tank, Bobby, Lester and myself with Hector, Manny, Hal, Woody, Ram and Cal as the leadership team. Hal has moved into Lester's spot until he returns from the mission.
"Felicidades Angelita, que le fue bien en la actualidad."
"Oh Hector, you know I'm not fully ready to communicate in Spanish." I told my Spanish speaking friend.
"I said, congratulations Angelita, you did well today. We must resume your Spanish lessons after Christmas. Okay?"
"Sí señor" giving him a silly smile which caused Hector to laugh. He has a nice laugh, but I think I am the only one who gets to hear it. I believe it was months before I was totally comfortable with him.
"Hector, how is it that I was so scared of you when we first met?" I asked my sweet friend.
"Because you were a big baby and decided to shoot the remote for the security system Ranger wanted installed in your apartment. Do you remember?" He replied.
"Ahh, yes I remember, that look on your face was scarier than death." I said laughing and he joined in the laughter.
"You happy Angelita?" He asked with all sincerity.
"Yeah Hec, I am very, very happy, my life couldn't be any better. I sometimes worry that I'll wake up one morning to find this has all been a dream." I said.
"Angelita, it is all real, believe me." Hector replied.
We continued driving, arriving at the restaurant before the guys. We informed the hostess that we would need a table for six. Hector surveyed the room and pointed out a large corner table.
"We'll take that table in the back corner." My intimidating friend informed the hostess without giving her an option to disagree. He put his hand gently at the small of my back and we walked to the table without waiting for anyone to escort us. The hostess followed quickly with a stack of menus. We sat down, with our backs to the wall and once everyone arrived, Hector and I would change seats.
A server came to our table asking for our drink order, we both decided on water. I excused myself telling Hec I needed to use the ladies room. Finishing up I washed my hands, fluffed up my hair and put on some face powder, blush and lipstick before. As I walked out the door, I bumped into none other than the slut of New Jersey, Joyce Barnhardt. She was dressed in leather and I swear she must have gotten another boob job because they about knocked me out.
"Well, well, well if it isn't 'can't keep a man happy' Plum Loser." She said sarcastically.
"Shut your barn trap. At least I don't ever get desperate enough to fuck with animals." I replied harshly.
"You're a loser Plum on so many levels, Joe is right, you're a joke." She said with evil written all over her face.
"Well Barnyard, I don't give a flying fuck what you say or even think." I spit out at her, as I started to make my way back to our table. She didn't like that I was walking away from her so she grabbed me pulling me by my hair. I turned around punched her in the nose and pushed her back against the wall.
"Listen you evil slut, I'm sick and tired of the shit you spew out of that vile mouth of yours. Stay away from me and fuck off bitch." I growled at her.
She was about to deck me when I saw a pissed off Hector suddenly appear out of nowhere and pull me off to the side. I stepped back directly into the strong hard chest of Carlos. He told Hector to take me back to our table and wrapped his hand around Barnyard's neck. I don't know what he said to her but she turned white as a ghost, she tried to walk away gracefully but the heel of her Giuseppe Zanotti high heel boots broke. She tripped and fell on her knees and tried to get up but she fell again. It reminded me of the video that was circulating where the runway model walking holding a watering can tripped on her shoes and fell a couple of times. I laughed so hard I had tears rolling down my face and the entire table was laughing right along with me. Hector walked over to her, pulled her by the arm and escorted her out of the restaurant. Next we saw Vinnie walking out of the men's room looking around.
"Oh my word, he's with Barnyard, he's such a disgusting pig. Wait until I threaten him with telling Lucille." I told my friends and more laughter erupted throughout the table. Carlos joined us after he had a few words with Vinnie while he him out of the restaurant. I would love to have heard that conversation.
We all laughed at what happened and the manager came to our table asking if I was alright, apparently he witnessed the barn slut pulling me by my hair. I told him I was fine and not to worry about anything and he apologized and left. I have finally chalked it up to the fact that the bimbo in leather is extremely jealous of me and this is the only way she can feel better about herself.
The cancer scare changed my life in more ways than one. It's given Carlos and me a different perspective in life. We both are going after what we want. For me, it's not letting people control my feelings and emotions such as my mother and the barn slut. I no longer tolerate it, oh sure it takes me a little time to get over the evil my mother throws out. But the slut in leather doesn't bother me as much as she used to. She dishes it out and I give it right back to her.
After Barnyards show was over, we managed to enjoy a very nice dinner. We discussed a few options for the contest and made the decision that it would be a yearly event, this way it would give the guys the year to get excited about the contest and prepare. The guys all thought it is a great idea and they would get together to work out all the details and let me know what they come up with.
We celebrated the new accounts and Tank sounded more like a proud papa than one of my bosses.
"Little Girl, I knew you would do well in this new position. I am so proud of you." Tank announced.
"Thanks boss, I appreciate it. I wouldn't have managed to get through it without Hector on the sidelines." I answered.
"Angelita, I did nothing, it was you who did the work, and you deserve all the credit." Hector added and gave a slight grin.
I was blushing with all the compliments being thrown around and it felt awkward, Carlos took one look at me and knew what I was feeling.
"Babe, stop underestimating yourself, you did a great job and the contract proposal format you and Santos set up is perfect and works with proven results." My boss added.
"Thank you everyone, you know how I get when positive things happen. I always wait for the other shoe to drop so your positive comments mean a lot." I told my friends and co-workers.
We ordered a variety of desserts to share. After dessert, we sat around and talked for about a half hour before deciding to call it a night. Tank took care of the check and Carlos left several bills on the table. He took my hand and we all walked to our cars and made our way home.
The drive home was filled with talk about the new accounts, with Hector filling in details about equipment and Carlos smiling. I believe my boss was pretty happy about the outcome of the sales calls and made it a point to compliment Hector and me.
"Great job you two, Steph I'm very proud of you." He told us.
"Thanks boss, glad you're happy with the results." I answered.
We arrived at the office and got out of our cars.
"Hec, you have our schedule for tomorrow, I'll see you in the morning. Thanks again for all your hard work today, you're the best." I told my friend as I hugged him and kissed him goodnight. I put my arm around Carlos while the elevator made its way to the seventh floor.
"Babe, would you like a glass of wine while we go over the details regarding Martha?" He asked as we walked into our apartment.
"Yes, that sounds good, I'll go and change into something more comfortable." I said with a giggle.
"Babe, most women have certain ideas when they tell me they're going to change into something more comfortable."
I stood with my hands on my hips, giving him a stare down.
"Oh really, just how many women do you have that particular conversation with might I ask?" I said with sarcasm.
"Need to know basis Babe." He said with a smirk.
"Well Batman, you need to know this. There had better not be any other women who say those things to you and you better never ever be in that position, got it?" I said glaring at him. I turned around and started slipping my clothes off walking into the bedroom.
"Babe, you're playing with fire."
"You always threaten me with that but yet you never follow through." I replied.
Suddenly, my man of mystery was behind me as he picked me up carrying me over his shoulder walking quickly to the bedroom. No matter how much I protested, screamed or punched him, he didn't pay one bit of attention. He threw me on the bed and removed the rest of my clothes and he then showed me a thing or two about why I shouldn't smart off to him.
After my punishment was over, we lay wrapped in each other's arms. Carlos sporting that just loved look all over his face. I love seeing that look.
"Babe, why do you always seem to distract me when we have business to conduct?"
"Me? That was all you Kemosabe, all you." I told him laughing as I rolled out of bed walking to the bathroom. I pulled up my hair in a ponytail and put on a silk house dress from the Carlos hospital collection and walked into the kitchen to pour each of us a glass of wine since he seemed to have neglected his duty. I sat at the dining room table waiting for him.
Mr. Organized went to the office and brought out a legal pad and pens, apparently we were going to do this his way which was fine with me. He is much better at this than I am, he'll have everything listed step by step. My plan would be all over the place, he'll have it written down in two sheets at the most, I would need the entire note pad. One of the many ways we complement each other.
After almost three hours of planning, we had Martha Brantley and daughters moved and settled in their new home with Val as the care giver. Everything looked perfect and easy on paper, now all we need is for it to be this easy when we discuss it with Martha. I wanted Carlos to be the one to bring it up to her but he wouldn't agree to it.
"Carlos, why can't you talk to Martha about it, you're so much better at these kind of things."
"Babe, you are more than capable, you already have a connection with her where I don't and to be honest I don't even see the need to be with you." He explained.
"Oh no you don't, you're not leaving me to do this on my own, and I'll need your help." I quickly replied.
"Alright chicken little, I'll help you."
"Promise?"
"I promise Babe."
"Pinky swear?" I asked him holding out my finger and he gave me a reluctant look as we entwined our little fingers together.
"Earth, Water, Sea, Air! I declare a pinky-swear!" I recited and he gave me a skeptical look.
"What?"
"Where on earth did you come up with that?" he asked.
"Oh, that's from a cartoon, Marylou and I have been doing it since we were kids." I answered casually smiling at him.
"Babe, you're cute you know that? Quirky but cute."
"Yeah but you love me anyway." I said as I kissed his luscious lips.
He rewarded me with a sweet beautiful smile that was about to make me melt into a puddle.
"Indeed I do Ms. Plum." He said softly.
"Are we finished?" I asked.
"Yes ma'am we are and I promise it will all work out well." He assured me.
"I'm a little hungry, want to nibble on something?" I asked.
He gave me a raised eyebrow and a wolfish look, licking his lips.
"Ricardo Carlos Manoso, you are insatiable, you know that?"
"You make me that way Babe."
I went to the kitchen opening the refrigerator, pulled out a container of fresh fruit and cheese while he re-filled our wine glasses. We ate as he read over the list of items and made sure everything was in order.
"Can you think of anything else Babe?"
"Nope, we've covered everything, I can't think of anything else. Thank you for helping me with this."
"We're a team remember." He reminded me.
I didn't think we'd be able to knock it all out in a short amount of time but we did and everything was set, in the morning I'll call Martha and invite her and the girls to dinner for tomorrow night and we'll present the plan to her. I hope she is receptive, I think she will be.
"Honey, do you want any more fruit and cheese?" I asked as I was about the clear the table.
"No thanks Babe." He said as he walked to the sink, rinsed off the dishes and loaded the dishwasher while I put everything back in the refrigerator. I cleaned off the counters while my big bad ass man was talking to Rex.
"Here you go little guy." He said as he dropped a couple of grapes into the bowl. Rex stood on his back legs waving his paws as if to say thank you, stuffed the grapes into his mouth and ran into his little house. "Babe, the rat needs a new house."
"He's a hamster not a rat. Get that straight will you?" I couldn't help but laugh at Rex and the badass in front of me.
We sat on the couch watching a little TV and at some point I fell asleep with my head on his lap. I felt him carrying me into the bedroom, he gently put me in the bed and wrapped me in his arms.
"Goodnight sweet man, I love you." I whispered as I kissed him.
"I love you too Babe, sweet dreams." He said softly as he pulled me closer into his cocoon and I quickly fell into a deep sleep listening to his heart beat and relaxed breathing.
The next morning, I woke up to the smell of coffee and Carlos kissing me softly.
"Good morning sunshine."
"Umm, good morning Batman" I purred as I sat up and took the coffee from him. He sat next to me as we drank our coffee made from the stash that Henry sent home with me from Barbados, it's the best tasting coffee I've ever had. I finished my cup and Carlos refilled mine then his and we sat drinking and talking before getting started with our day.
"I have another busy day today, honey. I hope today is as productive and profitable as yesterday." I said.
"You'll do great Babe; I know you will. Don't get upset or think less of your abilities if today isn't a repeat of yesterday, you'll have those days, just do exactly what you did yesterday and if you have any questions, Tank and I are only a phone call away." My boss said encouragingly.
"I know; today is a brand new day."
"More coffee Ms. Plum?"
"Are there donuts?" I asked laughing knowing full well what the answer would be. He poured me more coffee, and walked out of the bedroom.
"I'll be right back." He said.
I sat drinking my coffee and he returned with a tray of covered plates that he put on the bed and sat back down next to me with the tray in front of us. He lifted the lid to my plate which was filled with deliciousness.
"Oh Batman, did you arrange all this?" I asked as I looked at a plate full of donuts from DD, there were Boston crème, éclair and strawberry shortcake croissant donuts. "Are all these for me?" I asked surprised.
"Enjoy Babe, you deserve it." He answered taking an éclair and feeding it to me.
"Honey, this is heaven thank you."
"My job is to make you happy and donuts make you happy." He said as he kissed some of the filling from the éclair off my mouth.
"Yeah, donuts make me happy but you make me happier." I said kissing him back and worked my way to donut number two, my favorite of all time, Boston Crème. He was smiling as he watched me devour my sweet surprise.
"Do you want any?" I asked.
"Nope, all yours Babe."
I was licking my fingers then dove into the strawberry shortcake donut, it was yummy goodness inside my mouth. The beast was completely satisfied.
"What are you laughing at?" I asked
"You make something that will clog your arteries in a flash look absolutely delicious." He answered laughing at me.
"It takes talent my man, not everyone can master this skill." I replied laughing back at him. He took my fingers licking each one by one
"You're right this one is the best. Tasty indeed." He said in between fingers.
He put the cups on the tray and carried them into the kitchen, my bladder was dancing up a storm so I ran into the bathroom then turned on the shower. We enjoyed quite a bit fun in the shower, when we were finished we dried ourselves off.
I fixed my hair and chose a black sleeveless dress with a square neck line with a matching bolero jacket. The temperature today is going to be in the mid 30's. I decided on thigh high tights and a pair of pumps with a low heel. I duplicated the simple look from yesterday and I was ready to go. There was a brief staff meeting scheduled for this morning.
Carlos took my hand as I picked up my black Coach carry all that he bought for me to use in place of a brief case. My iPad, wallet and black leather binder fit into the bag perfectly and still had room for my gun, Taser and cuffs. I'm really not the brief case type of person.
"No coat Babe?"
"I don't need it, Hector drops me off at the door and I wait in the lobby until he joins me after parking the car." I explained. We arrived on the fifth floor as everyone was walking towards the conference room. We took our seats, with Ranger taking the head of the table and me sitting next to him. Tank sat on his other side.
Tank began the meeting discussing Manny's schedule and making sure the teams were all set to meet him at the airport. He discussed the new skips and passed out the folders.
"Congratulations to Steph, she secured three accounts yesterday with good size billing. It was a very successful day." Tank announced and there were positive remarks from everyone around the table. He asked me to discuss my schedule for the day, which I did, then Ranger had a few words to add and he called the meeting to an end.
"Angelita, twenty minutes and we leave." Hector informed me.
"Got it. I'll meet you down in the garage." I said as I walked my two bosses to their offices.
"I have a call to make Babe" Carlos said kissing me then walked into his office. I followed Tank into his office and sat in the chair opposite him.
"Little Girl, I'm really proud of the job you did yesterday, the three accounts provide substantial monthly revenue." He said with a smile.
"Thanks Tank, I appreciate it." I answered.
"Steph, you were a tough cookie yesterday showing the bimbo a thing or two, good job."
"Thanks big guy, she really pissed me off and I am done with people treating me like crap, I'm not putting up with it any longer. Stephanie Plum will no longer be the Burg punching bag and that includes my mother. Which by the way any updates from Bobby?"
"She's recovering a little slower than the doctors anticipated but she's getting there. Bobby says she certainly hasn't lost her hateful temperament throughout this ordeal. He said he about fell on the floor when she acknowledged him as Mr. Brown and asked him nicely to leave her room."
Tank and I laughed at the image. My phone alerted an incoming text from Hector saying he was making his way to the garage.
"Tank, my awesome partner is on his way to the garage so I'll head out. I'll see you later." I stood up to walk towards the door.
"Steph, you'll do great, keep confident and call if you need anything, okay?" Tank stood and walked me to the elevator.
"Thanks Tank, I really appreciate your help." I answered standing on the tip of my toes to kiss his cheek, he was smiling as I got inside the elevator heading to the garage to meet my partner for the day. It was gloomy, the weather report on the radio said chance of rain later in the evening.
I decided to call Martha during the drive to our first call.
"Hi Martha, this is Stephanie, how are you?"
"I'm doing okay, thanks for asking. I take it you're back from your trip." She said.
"Yes we're back, it's kind of good being back but I sure miss Barbados."
"I'll bet, it's a place I've always wanted to visit. I search the internet regularly about Barbados just to get a feel for the island." She said sadly which gave me a great idea. I'm so full of ideas lately.
"Martha, Carlos and I want to take you and the girls out to dinner tonight, there is something we'd like to discuss with you. Are you available?" I asked her anxiously.
"Yes, I am actually, what time did you have in mind?
"Oh around 6:00pm, we'll pick you up, I'll call you when we're on our way. We're going to a restaurant that is owned by Carlos's sister and brother-in-law, you'll love it. It's called Arcangel and they have food the girls will be able to eat." I said.
"Is everything alright Stephanie?" Martha asked with panic in her voice.
"Oh, no need to panic, it's all good I promise." I said reassuringly. I had already told Hector what the plan was for Martha and the girls, so he figured from my conversation that we were springing the news on her tonight.
"Angelita, you are a sweet and thoughtful lady, you will make Miss Martha very happy. What's cooking in that mind of yours my beautiful angel?"
"Well Hec, when I mentioned Barbados to Martha she said that's a place she's always wanted to visit and she sounded so sad. So of course my mind being the way it is I'm thinking about asking Ranger if we could send Martha and her girls to Barbados to spend Christmas and New Year there. We'd have to send my sister and her family since Val will be her care giver."
Hector looked at me in a loving brotherly way.
"Estefania, you indeed think of others always, I think boss will be happy to say yes." Hector reached over and squeezed my hand. I thanked him for his kind words and we drove the next few minutes in comfortable silence until we reached our first stop.
He dropped me off at the door and I walked into the lobby, I introduced myself to the receptionist and waited for Hector to join me. When he arrived, the receptionist escorted us to the Director of Security's office and asked if we would like anything to drink, we declined thanking her and got down to business.
Our first appointment was pretty tough in the fact that Mr. Miller the Director of Security was a sleazeball and a penny pincher. Actually, I think he just may be the editor of the Tightwad Gazette. I was thankful that my filter was wide awake and on the job because if my thoughts came out of my mouth we'd have been kicked out.
"Mr. Miller, I'll send this request for pricing off to my two bosses and have them go over the details, it will take a few minutes."
"Fine that gives us time to chat and get to know one another a little better." Mr. Miller said as he got up and sat in the chair next to me.
"Ms. Plum, you are indeed one of the most attractive women I've set my eyes on outside of a magazine." He said in what was supposed to be a sexy voice as he took my hand in his.
"Mr. Miller, we have business to conduct." I said quickly pulling my hand away.
"Stephanie, my dear what's wrong with mixing business with a little pleasure. We're both consenting adults."
Is this guy for real? Please give me a flipping break. I thought to myself.
"Mr. Miller, I don't mix business with any pleasure what so ever and I'm happily engaged." I informed the creep in a business suit.
"Stephanie, Stephanie, come on let's have a little fun, what do you say?" He put his hand on my shoulder rubbing it.
"Mr. Miller, I, nor my company conduct business in this matter, we're done here." I said harshly as I shrugged my shoulder away from him. Just then Hector and another man walked into the office and Miller turned white as a ghost.
"MILLER!" Shouted the man.
Miller quickly stood up and walked to his chair behind the desk.
"Miller, outside now, I will finish this meeting and deal with you later." Miller walked out with his tail in between his legs and sat outside his office.
"Ms. Plum, please accept my sincere apologies. I'm Peter Godwin, Executive Vice President of Operations. Please let's continue this meeting." Mr. Godwin shook my hand and sat behind the desk.
"Now, where did you and Miller leave off?"
I took an instant liking to this man, he was probably in his 60's with a little gray in the temples. He was tall and very well built for his age, one that takes care of himself that's for sure. He had a professional but very nice disposition about him and seemed much easier to work with.
"Mr. Miller wasn't happy with the pricing I originally provided him, so I sent the proposal off to our CEO and President for review and approval, which I have just received."
I opened the attachment and read the details to Mr. Godwin. He didn't like the changes Miller made so he wanted the items added back in and asked me to send it off for approval. Tank came back pretty quickly with the pricing for the original quotation. I moved the tablet closer and began reading the details and pricing.
"Ms. Plum, let's all move to my office and finish this up shall we?" He stood and waited for me to get up and followed Hector and I out then escorted us to his office a few doors down.
"Please, Ms. Plum, Hector, sit down." The three of us sat down at a small conference table in his office.
"Ms. Plum, again, please accept my apologies for the inappropriate actions of Miller. Our company has high standards and we do not tolerate the type of behavior shown to you. He will be dealt with accordingly, trust me." Mr. Godwin was very sincere in his apology.
"Thank you sir, there's always that one bad apple right?" I replied smiling.
"Now, let's get this contract signed and schedule our follow up and installation appointment."
Hector had perfected the proposal application that Les and I implemented by including the ability for electronic signatures on my iPad. This eliminates having to email and print the contract also ensuring security of Rangeman proprietary information should our customer's technology be compromised.
"Ms. Plum, Rangeman has quite a positive reputation and I must admit you far exceeded my expectations. Hector is quite impressive and he certainly knows his stuff. Your bosses have done a good job teaming you two together." Mr. Godwin added.
"Thank you sir, please call me Stephanie. Hector is a smart man, intimidating but smart and can troubleshoot N.A.S.A. technology if needed." I replied with a smile.
"Will you be our primary contact Stephanie?" Mr. Godwin asked.
"Yes, myself and a team that will service your business, Hector will assign the team. Our installation techs are the best in the field."
Hector remained quiet as always unless he was asked a direct question about a gadget or something like that.
"Well then Stephanie, we have a deal and I look forward to getting this started." He said as he signed the electronic contract.
"Mr. Godwin, welcome to the Rangeman group, we look forward to a positive working relationship with you." I stood up and shook hands giving him my business card and Hector and I walked out of the office. We were escorted to the lobby, I thanked Lydia the receptionist and we heard Mr. Godwin shout.
"MILLER, MY OFFICE NOW!"
Lydia laughed, "Oh he's really done it this time." Hector and I smiled at her and he went out to bring the car around. "Miller just nailed his coffin shut, can't wait to see him escorted out of this building."
"Oh my" was all I could say.
Hector pulled up to the curb and got out to open the door for me and away we went on to our next appointment. I hope it goes better than this one did.
"Do you believe that guy?" I asked Hector.
"Que el hombre era un puto idiota" (that man is a fucking fool) Hector growled.
"Thank goodness you and Mr. Godwin came in when you did."
"Yes, but if Godwin was not with me, I would have thrown the fool right through the window." Hector said with anger.
"Hec, please don't say anything to Ranger, let me tell him and Tank okay?" I asked my friend.
"As you wish Estefania, but I will assign a tough guy to this account. I will research the fool and put a tail on him, I don't trust him."
"Oh that's not necessary, he won't bother me." As soon as those words came out of my mouth, I realized my crappy luck.
"Estefania." Hector is getting like Ranger with his one word sentences.
"Yeah, I know, I know I attract the turds of New Jersey." I replied shamefully.
"It's okay Angelita, we protect you always." My sweet friend with tear drop tattoos said.
Our next two appointments were positive and stress free, all this seems too good to be true and I'm waiting for the other shoe to drop. I hope and pray that I'm just imagining it and everything will remain positive. Hector and I secured three additional accounts today and that made me extremely happy.
Of course Ranger and Tank can see the signed contracts immediately so I can't surprise them or try and pull one over on the boss. My phone rang, Hector programmed a new ring tone. It was the batman theme and he added Batman is calling, Batman is calling, it's pretty funny but I love it.
"Yo Batman you're on speaker" I answered.
"Yo Babe, how's it going?"
"Have you checked your email?" I asked
"No not yet, trouble that I should be concerned about?" he asked with a skeptical tone.
"Open your email, you'll see three signed contracts we can discuss the trouble later."
"Very nice Ms. Plum, very very nice." Ranger said and I heard Tank come into his office.
"Ranger, Little Girl came through again, did you…" I interrupted Tank
"Hi Tank, I was just telling Ranger about the contracts, at least the President checks his email much faster than the CEO." I remarked giggling
"Stephanie" Ranger barked, yikes Stephanie oops, I put my foot into it now.
"Yes boss" I replied seriously.
"Hector, what trouble did she get into now?"
"Trouble, what trouble, is she okay?" Tank interjected.
"Guys, I'm fine, really." I said assuring them both.
"Hector explain" Ranger ordered.
"Boss, first appointment the guy was a sleazeball, making the move on Estefania, he was taken care of and the Executive VP of Operations took over the meeting. All is okay boss."
"You know what you need to do right?" Ranger asked.
"Yes boss I will take care of it as soon as I return, no worries boss all is good." Hector assured our boss.
"Ranger, why did you call?" I asked trying to change the subject.
"Wanted to see if you got in touch with Martha."
"Yes, and dinner is on. I said we'd pick her and the girls up at 6:00pm."
"Okay, then I guess you're both heading back this way?" Ranger asked.
"Yes sir, we're about twenty minutes out." Hector answered.
"See you in 20" Ranger said and poof he was gone. Damn his telephone etiquette or lack thereof. I am so going to teach a class about telephone protocol, I've had enough of it.
"Oh Hector, I think I'm in a little bit of trouble with Ranger when I get back, maybe we should stop off at the mall and pick up a sexy outfit or maybe I should take off my clothes and walk in wearing just my coat."
"Umm, Estefania."
"Yeah, Hec."
"You don't have a coat." Hector replied smirking.
"Oh crap, so I don't, maybe I should just walk in naked."
"Then be prepared for boss to kill you."
We laughed and continued our drive while I checked my calendar for our appointments the next day.
"Oh good, we have an easy day tomorrow Hec, 10:45am and 2:00pm. I hope they go smoothly."
"We'll be fine Estefania, no worries."
We drove the rest of the way with small talk, nothing of importance until we arrived at the Rangeman garage. Hector dropped me off at the door and I walked inside to an awaiting Ramon.
"Hey Bomber, boss wants to see you a.s.a.p." Ramon informed me.
"Shit, what the hell did I do now?" I asked no one in particular.
We walked into the elevator and made our way to the fifth floor, as soon as the doors opened I saw Ranger waiting arms crossed at his chest, leaning against the wall, he had a blank look on his face. He took my hand and led me to his office at a fast pace that I had to practically run after him. He slammed his office door shut.
"What happened on your first call and don't leave out a single detail" Ranger barked.
"Oh honey, it's all okay and taken care of." I answered.
"Stephanie."
I proceeded to tell him what took place with Miller and how Hector and Mr. Godwin walked in just at the right time and that it was taken care of pretty quickly. Told him what Lydia the receptionist mentioned and reassured him I was fine. He asked me how I dealt with it, I repeated the conversation with Miller.
"I'm not happy at all Babe."
"It's all over, Hector will research Miller and put a detail on him to ensure he doesn't retaliate." I explained.
"I know Hector will take care of the situation, I have faith in him. Are you okay?"
"Yes honey, I am fine, I promise. Mr. Godwin was very nice and couldn't apologize enough."
"Good to know." He said and he kissed me.
"You did a great job again today Babe, I am so proud of you."
"Thanks boss, I appreciate it, I really do."
He kissed me again.
"I have to go to my office and send out confirmation emails for my appointments tomorrow then I'll go upstairs and change for tonight. How long will you be?"
"Give me about one hour and I'll be up to change and we can head out. Where are we going anyway?"
"Oh I forgot to tell you, Arcangel. Sorry about that."
"No worries Babe, I'll call my sister and give her a heads up."
"Okay," I stood up and kissed him, then walked out of the office directly into Tanks chest.
"Oh hi big guy."
"Little girl, I'm so proud of you, great job today." Tank said to me and he walked with me to my office and congratulated me again then walked to his own office.
I sat at my desk checked email and saw one from MDMill1955
"Don't think for one second you'll get away with what you did. You cost me my job. BITCH!"
Oh crap, just what I don't need. "RANGER, TANK, come here please." I shouted and within seconds they were at my door.
"What's going on?" they asked at the same time.
"Come and read this email I received."
They both walked behind me to read the email and I felt the air suddenly become ice cold caused by the angry bodies behind me. Tank picked up my phone to page Hector telling him to come to my office immediately. Hector arrived a few minutes later worried and read the email.
"On it boss." Hector said and walked out of the office. I know full well he was going to take care of the matter pretty quickly.
I sent my confirmation emails and shut down my computer and locked my office door. I popped my head in Rangers' office telling him I was heading upstairs and walked to the elevator to our apartment.
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo
A/N: Thank you all for the awesome reviews and messages, they mean a lot to me. This is my first baby so your reviews and comments are greatly appreciated.
As always, JE owns the characters, the mistakes, and story line are all mine.
Susan Peters, thank you for all that you put into this story, I appreciate it.
Susan set up a Pinterest board, she's kind enough to post pictures for me. My board name is jacob1391. Pictures are not in any sort of order.
Thanks again Babes