“Nice to meet you as well. I apologize that Mr. Cole isn’t able to attend. He had an emergency, which is why we called in Ms. Carlson’s firm to assist us in deciding the best publicist to help us achieve our vision,” she replies.

“Of course. I understand.” I smile and place my bag on the table. I’m going to lose my mind before today is over. I glance up, looking at Neil and Piper, who are now standing in front of me.

“Catherine, you look lovely as ever.” Neil smiles, but I know him well enough to see the underlying sarcasm.

“Neil, good to see you again so soon.” I’m biting my tongue so hard I swear I’m going to taste blood. Right now I’m anything but good.

Neil turns his attention to Piper, and I have to choke down the bile climbing up my throat. I try not to look at her. Though I knew she was an independent marketing consultant, I had no idea either of them would be at this meeting. A few years back, Piper formed her own company. Basically, she acts as neutral third party who evaluates an agency’s ideas and then helps the client find the one best suited for their vision. So, of course she’s here. I can kiss this account good-bye.

I turn to Piper and try to refrain from wrapping my hands around her neck. “Piper, I’m surprised to see you here.” That’s all I’m able to manage in terms of niceties.

“I wasn’t aware you’d be presenting,” she retorts.

Sure she wasn’t. I’m sure Danielle filled her in on the details of the account and was told CJJ would be here. I guess lying comes second nature to her. Seems she and Neil have a few things in common.

Neil places his hand on her lower back and she smiles at him before walking over to stand by Danielle. Gathering my confidence and all strength I have left, I smile and mentally roll my eyes. They deserve each other. Assholes.

Danielle points to the chairs, instructing us to have a seat as she and Piper sit opposite us. “Let’s begin. Who would like to go first?”

I quickly yet politely jump in to gain the upper hand. “I’m happy to go second, Neil. Since this is a last-minute meeting for you, I’m sure you have other clients that need your attention,” I say in a saccharine voice, putting on my best fake smile.

“That’s very considerate of you.” He knows he can’t argue, or he would look like an ass**le. Well, more of an ass**le than he already is.

Let the games begin.

Danielle steps in. “Yes, Neil, we don’t want to keep you. Please begin. I’m sure Catherine and I can continue without you if you need be somewhere.”

Neil takes over forty minutes to present—in my opinion—a mediocre presentation. He obviously didn’t prepare as much as I have, but that’s typical of him. He and Piper keep sharing tender glances, making me want to gouge my eyes out. Judging from their body language, I’d guess their relationship has progressed. Clearly they’re still together. I don’t want to be here and now I’m having difficulty focusing, but this is my chance and I can’t blow it. He drones on and on and I’ve mostly tuned him out, until I notice the words he’s speaking sound extremely familiar.

“The number one market segment we need to reach are the young girls starting to wear makeup. My company will use several targeted social media campaigns as well as television spots to engage these consumers. Girls between the ages of fourteen and nineteen spend at least 78% of their time...” This is exactly my pitch. He goes on, meeting my eyes and silently confirming that he’s somehow gotten my presentation. I look over at Danielle and Piper to see how engaged they are—Piper is hanging on his every word, but Danielle doesn’t seem impressed. He’s cocky and condescending, talking to her as though he’s above her because she’s only an assistant.

My head is spinning. I can’t believe this. How did this jackass get my files? How did he get my social media stats and all my graphics? I did everything at home and then emailed my graph and presentation to myself. There’s no way he could have gotten them.

I’m trying to contain my rage and maintain my professionalism, but right now I could tear him limb from limb. I’ve never wanted to inflict bodily harm on someone as much as I do in this moment—hell, I could kill him with the rage coursing through me. Once again, Neil has stolen something from me and there’s not a damn thing I can do about it. Thankfully, I always have a backup plan. My hands are shaking with barely contained anger as Neil finishes and sits.

Danielle turns to me. “Ms. Pope, if you would like to begin, please.”

I smile, harnessing my indignation so that I can use it. “Thank you, Danielle.” I gather my now useless boards and set them aside.

My eyes are sharp as I look over at Neil, and my voice is strong and steady. “Well, Neil, it sounds like you and I are in agreement for once.” I stand up, moving over to the projection screen to set up the video I put together.

“Danielle, let me show you the mock-up on what CJJ would want to hit the sites with. I won’t bore you with statistics and numbers—we all know this market. Instead, I’ve prepared a video to showcase how we’ll approach the campaign.” I go on explaining how I’d work with Raven’s marketing people and the press to strengthen the brand and image of the company. While I talk, I try to hit on points Neil didn’t mention to differentiate my presentation from his.

I finish my initial pitch, press the start button, and watch, hoping the video is enough to sway the vote to my side. It’s short and raw, and it certainly isn’t flawless, but it’s powerful. Part of being a publicist is marketing and helping clients create a plan. Whether I secure this or not, I know that I’ve shown my dedication and ability to think outside the box.

As the video ends, I look at Neil with my eyebrow raised and a smile that clearly says, “Screw you, ass**le.”

I turn to Danielle and Piper, giving them my final pitch. “I assure you that my ability to work with the press along with my vast experience in marketing will help us skyrocket Raven to the top.” I’m completely composed because, like it or not, Piper is going to have a say on whether or not I get this project. It’s out of my hands now. I have faith that I did enough. If not, there’s nothing I could’ve done differently. Neil, on the other hand, better pray for mercy—I’m going to rip him to shreds.

When Danielle speaks again, I wonder if she’s more than an assistant. I can’t put my finger on it, but she seems assertive, not at all intimidated by handling a big meeting like this. Taylor is one of the best assistants I’ve ever known, but I’d still never send her into a meeting of this magnitude. “Thank you both for your presentations. I have a contingency that Mr. Cole needs to be in agreement before we make a final decision.” She looks at both of us for confirmation.

Neil cuts me off before I can speak. “Danielle, we’re prepared for whatever your company needs.”

“Both of your presentations were quite similar, but Piper and I will speak with Mr. Cole about our impressions. Typically, he isn’t involved in these projects, but this campaign is important to him. He’s aware that he needs to be the face of Raven now. We want the publicist to be available whenever necessary. That person will also need to travel on short notice at times.”