Adrian was wearing a suit. Liam had driven him to work. He had met his old colleagues who were happy to have him back, he wasn't happy to be back. He was mentally exhausted and hadn't slept well in days due to studying and exams. He was glad to see Elaine though. She was a nice woman.
Adrian made, Trent's coffee and took it to him. He knocked and got inside.
Morning handsome Trent said.
Your coffee Adrian said putting it on the table.
You didn't poison it did you Adrian asked looking at it.
Adrian groaned in annoyance.
You used too much cream, change it Trent said.
Adrian silently cursed. He took the tea and went back to the kitchen. He then made normal coffee, the way he liked it instead of how Trent like it. He gave the tear to Trent.
This isn't how I like my coffee it's too plain Trent said.
It's coffee, milk, sugar and water, exactly how coffee should be drank. If you hate it go make your own Adrian said.
So you aren't going to pretend to be obedient anymore, that's nice Trent said.
Just fire me,
Where's the fun in that.
Why is my chair so close to yours. Even now you won't let me use the assistant office...
I keep you next to me because I like looking at your face,
Okay sure Adrian said sitting on the couch. As soon as he closed his eyes he fell asleep. He was really exhausted. He thought he felt someone kiss him but he was slipping away. Adrian woke up with an hour later. He saw Trent busy working.
Why didn't you wake me up Adrian asked making his way to the table.
You seemed exhausted.
Don't act like you care, I would be home resting if it wasn't for you.So what are we working on...
Some dipshits want us to partner up with them on a project so I am looking at the companies. A lot of them seem reputable.. Trent said.
Adrian sat down and took the file from Trent. He looked at it. So you came down to two choices, the Sinclairs company and the Deserters company Adrian said looking at the file.
Yes and I phoned them, I'll listen to their presentations and choose a company based on that, Trent said.
They are both going to be in the same room presenting to you, you really are a heartless bastard Adrian said.
***"*"**""""""*****
In the sleek, modern meeting room on the fourth floor, Trent was seated at the head of a long, polished conference table. Adrian sat beside him, glancing through the file as they awaited the presentations. The room’s large windows provided a sweeping view of the city, but Trent’s attention was focused on the task at hand.
The door opened, and the Sinclairs’ team entered first. The CEO, a poised and articulate woman named Emily Sinclair, and her manager, a sharp-dressed man named James, took their seats. The CEO, Mark Deserter, and his manager, a disheveled man named Brian, shuffled in, looking visibly unprepared. Adrian and Trent greeted them warmly, and the presentation began.
Emily’s presentation was a masterclass in professionalism. With a sleek PowerPoint presentation and well-prepared materials, she spoke confidently about the Sinclairs’ company values, innovative projects, and the impressive track record of their recent successes. Her slides were clear, detailed, and visually engaging, showcasing their cutting-edge technology and client testimonials. Throughout the presentation, Adrian couldn’t help but admire the seamless delivery, occasionally exchanging amused glances and smiles with James. The camaraderie and easy conversation between Adrian and James were evident, their laughter punctuating the presentation.
The Deserters were next the contrast was stark. Mark fumbled with his notes and struggled to set up the projector, his presentation littered with inconsistencies and poorly designed slides. His delivery was hesitant, and the content was scattered, lacking the coherence and professionalism displayed by the Sinclairs. Brian’s disinterest was palpable as he occasionally glanced at his phone, adding to the overall disarray.
Throughout the Deserters’ presentation, Trent’s attention wavered. The room’s relaxed atmosphere, coupled with Adrian and James’s ongoing banter, made it difficult for him to focus. The laughter and smiles exchanged between Adrian and James only drew Trent’s attention further away from the content of Mark’s presentation. Despite the clear contrast in quality, Trent's gaze were on Adrian, he felt angry and jealous.
As the Deserters’ pitch concluded, Trent was brought back to reality and appeared on the brink of making a choice.
The Deserters presentation was... umm...
Adrian, noticed Trent’s distraction and the potential for a poor decision, subtly intervened. He leaned over and whispered, Trent, can we step outside for a moment?We need to talk.
Trent, slightly puzzled but trusting Adrian, nodded and followed him out into the corridor. Adrian led him to a quieter corner, away from the din of the meeting room.
Are you sick Adrian asked.
No Trent said.
Then what is your problem, you weren't focused the whole presentation except for the Sinclairs Adrian said.
You were watching me Trent asked smiling.
Dude not the point, the point is you were going to choose the Deserters and their presentation was hell, Adrian said.
Yes I was going to choose them Trent said.
Why, are you really so out of it you would jeopardize the company's future Adrian said.
I hate the Sinclairs...
Why, you didn't hate them when you choose them to come to this meeting... get your act right...
I hate them because of that manager. Do you two know each other. You were smiling and talking so comfortably....
Geez the guy was expanding more on his presentation as I had questions and I didn't bother with the Deserters because they weren't prepared. We don't know each other and you better swallow whatever the hell is wrong with you and choose the Sinclairs...
Can you not talk to their manager. I hate it ..
Oh my god you are behaving like a kid right now. I won't talk to him okay so pull yourself together and get your head in the meeting.
Trent took a deep breath, nodding in agreement. You’re right. Thanks for pointing that out. I needed that perspective. I'll be fine now.
Good... let's get back in there.
