His hand flies up, signaling for me to stop. “Wait... did you just say Diosa? As in Diosa Clothier?”
I nod like a bobblehead. “Yes. It’s our new client.”
His face sours, and my eyes narrow in response. “What’s wrong?”
He folds his hands on top of the table, a typical sign that Asher is trying to control his anger. Why would this make him angry?
“I hadn’t heard they’d chosen a marketing team. Bauer was in the running. I was supposed to manage the account.”
I swallow hard, feeling bad for gloating. It never crossed my mind that we could be in competition. I should’ve known since the companies are direct competitors, but this is the first time it’s truly settling in.
“I’m sorry, Ash. I didn’t realize.”
His hand raises again, and he shakes it off. “Not your fault. I guess we need to get used to this. It won’t be the first client we battle for.”
Something in his voice doesn’t sit well with me. Asher is super competitive but never with me. At least he never has been before this discussion.
We sit in silence for several moments, and I hate how thick the tension is. My eyes roam the cafeteria, looking anywhere but at him.
This place reminds me of a cute café. Small, red booths, black-and-white checkered floor. A waitress walking around, taking orders. It feels like I’ve left the building and am out to lunch. It’s a nice touch. It’s special. The employees feel valued, like management knows they deserve a break, and the best part is the coffee is delightful since I don’t have to make it myself.
“Summer Smith? That’s a horrible mix.” My head turns to Asher. He doesn’t look at me when he says it and continues to shift croutons around his salad bowl.
“Right?” I say a little too excitedly, just trying to get us back to normal. “It’s like they didn’t do their homework.”
“Clearly not. I mean, who doesn’t do their homework on their biggest client? It’s pretty ridiculous if you ask me. Not like it’s hard to do. She’s everywhere on social media.”
“That’s what I said to the executives. I couldn’t help myself. I just told them that they didnothave her demographic right at all. She’d work for one of their lines but not the company as a whole.”
“That probably didn’t go down well with Cavendish. I hear he’s a real asshole.”
“Not at all,” I snap, earning myself a raised brow. “I mean, he is, but he’s also fair.”
I try to tell myself I’m not defending Charles as much as I’m defending Cavendish Group. Asher continues to stare at me, so I continue. “I just mean, he isn’t horrible. He actually listened to what I had to say and is giving me a chance to pitch my idea.”
“What do you mean you’re pitching an idea?”
“Until an account manager is hired, I’m helping a lot. He wants me to put together some ideas so we can get started.”
“Wait, wait, wait. Are you telling me that Cavendish doesn’t have an account manager for Diosa?”
I shrug. “Not yet. Cavendish is overseeing, and I’m the main analyst in the meantime.”
“How the hell did Cavendish land that account?” He isn’t asking me; he’s talking to himself.
A nervous giggle escapes. “Craziest first day story ever.”
He grunts. “I’d say. Well, knock it out of the park, Bennett. Show them what you’ve got.”
I release a breath of relief at his encouragement. His earlier attitude is gone, and back is the friend I’ve grown to love like a brother.
“I shall do my very best. I guess luck is on my side.” I think about telling Asher about what happened at Silver, but I change my mind.
I don’t want him thinking that I got the promotion simply because I made out with Charles. The whole thing is so against my normal character that I don’t want him to know. My little secret that I only plan to share with Lily.
“You really do amaze me, Raven. I told you that you’d climb the ladder quickly, and here you are, already managing to do it.” He raises his cup of coffee. “Congratulations on your new job.”
I smile, clinking my own mug against his.