"Your idea is a bold one, Mister Draper," Saffron said, looking over the proposal, "but I don't think it's something I can sign off on."
She offered him a sympathetic smile, but privately was all too happy to deny this man the chance to crow about helping the disadvantaged. She dealt with people like Mister Draper all the time. It never got easier and she never enjoyed any part of it. But this day she felt an oddly perverse thrill at saying "no" to him.
Saff steeled herself for the blowback, the argument certain to come. She looked forward to it, really. Taking Draper down a few pegs would be entertaining, if nothing else.
"Well, then," Draper said cheerfully, "Guess that's that."
He got up and, nodding politely to Saffy, said, "Miss Monsoon? Thank you for your time."
Stunned.
She was stunned.
"M-M-Mister Draper!" Saffron stammered, taken aback. "Just.. Just a minute…"
But Draper merely grinned at her, his dark brown eyes seeming to laugh at the situation.
"Good day, Miss Monsoon."
Saff stood behind her desk, gaping at him.
When Draper reached the door, he turned and flashed her a grand, bright smile.
"Saffron, is it?" he asked her.
"Yes," she replied, her voice strained and sounding nothing like her normal self.
"Precious, indeed," Draper said, his eyes dancing as he studied her shocked expression. "And difficult to acquire."
With that, he took his leave.
Saff watched him go, unable to move. Only one thought ran through her mind.
What just happened?