Battle of the Sexes

Chapter 17

Amity

"Expanding the restaurants under Jones + Gallum, going countrywide with our fresh take on family dining, is the answer to increasing profitability and ushering us into the new world of food service." Carver motions towards the booklet he passed out earlier to the board. "With an expansive marketing campaign like the one I've presented to you today, combined with a leadership that's not only experienced in the industry but also a CEO at the helm that has proven his dedication to seeing this company prosper, we will see a substantial rebound in our numbers. You saw the projections, gentlemen."

He glances at me, a soberness in his eyes that I haven't seen from him before. It stills my heart. If this were a sporting event, I would root for him. If it were anything else, I'd be shaking my pom-poms and screaming at the television to pick him.

My hand shakes as I lift a mug of Hanley's coffee. The taste brings me home, comforts me in a way that very few things can.

"I'd just like to say one more thing," Carver says, swallowing hard. "This company has been the pride and joy of my family for most of my life. The day I was brought on as President was the best day of my life. I've poured more blood, sweat, and tears into this business than I ever knew I had."

He fiddles with a piece of paper in his hand before looking at me. We exchange a glance, a moment of understanding between two people that aren't quite the rivals they should be. There's something buried in his eyes, a drive not-so-hidden in the depths of his dark brown irises. As I look into them, something swirls inside me. Something fierce.

I felt this way when I arrived on campus at USC. This is the feeling I have when I help Mrs. Hanley on Sunday mornings and see the faces of the men and women coming to us for a good meal. It's the exact same sentiment that courses through me when I know unequivocally that I must take action.

Carver sits his paper down. "Thank you for the opportunity to present to you today." He takes the seat next to me, running his hands down his thighs and heaving a sigh of relief.

"Ms. Gallum," Salvo says. "We would love to hear your side."

"Thank you, sir." Before rising, I take another look at Carver. He's watching me, a kind, soft smile on his face that partially masks the trepidation in his features. It's obvious he's nervous about what I'm going to say and the facts I'm going to show the board.

"Gentlemen of the Board, thank you for this opportunity." I cue the presentation on the screen behind me. It flickers to life, the opening slide bright against the wall. I start to give my opening line but stop.

There's a level of fear on Carver's face that he tries to hide from me. I try to put myself in his shoes, to identify what specifically he's fearful of, and fail. He knows that even if they choose my presentation over his, he'll likely be offered the President's seat. They've made that clear.

He leans back in his chair with an uneasiness that I can't force myself to feel.

We both want this position, but maybe we want it for difference reasons. I want to make my parents proud, to fulfill some kind of destiny. I was born to do something. Carver wants this because Jones + Gallum ishis something. It's his destiny.

Taking a deep breath, I face the board.

"I may not have worked for this company before, but I have been deep in the trenches of others. I've interned at Fortune 500 companies, had seats in executive offices of businesses of various sizes, shapes, and orientations. Through all of it, there is one common denomination of the ones most successful. That's passion."