“The three of us, Nathan Murphy, Warren, plus he’s bringing along three of his advisors. I’ve also asked Norma to sit in. Then there’s Edward Fasbender and whoever he’s bringing.”
“Just Hagan,” Genevieve pipes in. “My brother.”
I mentally total the attendants. Ten people, not counting myself. I can do this. I can do this.
“I’ll go back to my office and escort our guests down here when they arrive,” Hudson says. “Patricia will be bringing up coffee and refreshments any minute now. The doughnuts are not for you.”
Great, now I want a doughnut. “I don’t like to eat before a presentation anyway,” I lie.
“Do you need anything?”
I stumble on an answer. I’m pretty sure he’s really asking for some words to assure him I’m capable of pulling this whole thing off. What am I supposed to say when I don’t know myself?
Genny comes to my rescue. “We’re good, Hudson.” And, again, because she believes it, so do I.
Hudson leaves as Trish arrives with the refreshment cart. A few minutes after that, Norma shows up with her part-time assistant/husband, Boyd.
There will be eleven people now. I can do this.
“I checked those numbers one more time this morning,” Norma says. “They’re solid. Feel free to call on me if you want any further explanation.”
“I’m sure she never has to tell Hudson to call on her,” I mutter to Genny.
“And Hudson’s run a million meetings. I bet the first time he gave a big presentation, Norma, or someone, was there saying the same to him.”
“Hey, this isn’t my first rodeo.” I’ve run a boardroom several times before. Five times, at least. Okay, twice. Once for my graduate project and once when Hudson was on paternity leave.
“Well, it’s my first rodeo. Which is why you’re doing most of the talking.” We’d agreed beforehand that I’d run the show since it was my company hosting.
A bustle is heard down the hallway. Boyd peeks out around the doorframe. “They’re on their way.” He claps a hand on my shoulder and whispers, “If you’re nervous, picture them naked. Just don’t picture Norma naked or I’ll kick your ass.”
“Got it.” It’s the perfect thing for him to say because it makes me laugh, and I’m still smiling when Warren and the other guests walk in shortly after.
The next few minutes are spent on introductions and getting settled. “Thank you for taking this meeting, Mr. Werner,” I say when it’s my turn to greet him. “Especially on short notice.” Warren and his wife used to be good friends with my mother. It’s strange to see him now in a formal setting when I remember him best in a Santa costume at our family Christmas party.
“I’ve known you your whole life, Chandler,” he says, shaking my hand. “It’s time you started calling me Warren.”
“Thank you, sir. Warren, sir.” Doesn’t feel any less odd.
“My daughter was quite enthusiastic about your proposal. Celia is very invested in the continued success of Werner Media, so when she came to me about meeting with you, I have to say, I was intrigued.”
Hudson comes up behind me. “I hope we can keep your interest, Warren. Let’s get started, shall we?”
The room quiets. My hands are sweaty, my throat is dry. All eyes are on me.
Showtime.
From the back of the room, Genny gives me a thumbs-up and a smile.
Then I’m ready. “Warren, let me begin by saying kudos. You have built a solid corporation with a business model that many of your competitors long to replicate. The whole of the media industry has their eyes on you as you pick a successor to take the helm.”
The room nods in silent agreement. There’s no one here who will disagree that Warren has done his job fantastically well.
“Naturally, you’d look to Accelecom, a giant in its own right.”
Edward smiles at the praise, and Hagan sits up straighter in his seat.
I continue. “A merger between the two companies would strengthen your presence on two continents. The family connection has also got to be appealing.
“I’d strongly caution a merger, however. The time and resources that would be expended during the process would weaken both companies. Instead, I’d like you to consider a three-point alliance.”
I go on to explain in detail an alliance between Accelecom and Werner Media, with Nathan Murphy taking over the board upon Warren’s retirement. “With both companies performing at the top of their game, the overall benefit to each entity is illustrated in these projection reports I’ve handed out.”
I’m careful not to look directly at Edward or Hagan for fear of finding disapproval in their gazes. I’d suggested bringing Edward in on our ideas earlier, but Genny had worried his opposition would be detrimental. So, instead, he’s hearing for the first time that his daughter and I don’t think he’d be the right person to take over for Warren Werner.
So I’m wary when he interrupts to ask, “You mentioned a three-point alliance? Where’s the third company?”
And here’s the pièce de résistance. The component that gives this idea any credence. Hudson will either flip his shit or want to give me an executive bonus.
He’s the one I look to when I answer. “Pierce Industries.”
Everyone buzzes. Pierce Industries has been primarily focused on finance, real estate, and computer technology. We haven’t ever even hinted about moving into media, so this news is a surprise and everyone has a reaction.