“That’s great news.”
“Are you sure about this, Roger?”
“You know what? I actually am.”
I hang up and feel my entire body begin to buzz with electricity. Every cell in my body hums as I realize one important thing:This is all going to work!
It wasn’t until I lost Natalie that I realized what my life was missing. A gaping hole in my psyche, or my soul, or whatever kind of inner-human metaphor floats your boat. A hole that, of course, money, booze, drugs and women could never fill.
Now I’m strategizing to get it done. I’ve never felt so competent, soconfident, in my business or my personal life. Having money and notoriety smooth a lot of paths, make things easier.
This is different. I’m smoothing the paths myself. No, fuck that, I’mforgingnewpaths. Instead of scheming for the money play or the power play, I’m reaching for something higher.
It feels pretty fucking fantastic.
The fact that it’s invigorating my business as well as my personal life is just a plus. Or maybe more than that. Maybe it’s a sign that I’m doing exactly the right thing for once in my crazy life.
I step out of the conference room and discover Ellen has been waiting for me. She unfolds her body from the deep chair she’s been sitting on and stalks over to me.
“Interesting meeting,” she says. She lays a hand on my chest. “I’m curious to know just a wee bit more.”
“All in good time, Ellen,” I say, as graciously as I can. I remove her hand from my chest and give it a kiss. I can’t afford to have this woman feel jilted and turn on me. “All in good time.”
“Escort me back to my office,” she coos. Geez, this lady’s not going to take ‘no’ for an answer.
“Actually,” I counter, “I’m starving. I need to get lunch.”
“That’s terrific. I’ll call D’Argent and get us a table.”
“Actually,” I say, “I’m feeling a little less fancy.”
“Like what?”
“Like… diner food,” I tell her. Then I sidestep her and make for the elevators.
“’Dinerfood’?” Ellen calls after me, appalled. “What sort of ‘diner food’?”
The elevator arrives. I step in and look back at her.
“I’m thinking… Greek.”