Page 93 of Until We Weren't
“We gave you a presentation you liked along with the costs,” Destiny said.
“We wouldn’t have bid on the project if we couldn’t deliver,” Faith said. “So the size of the company shouldn’t matter if you like the vision.”
“I’m not sure how this other company can do the fountain or the rock cairns that we laid out for you without our plans,” Destiny said. “It would be a substandard copy, if you ask me.”
“The fountain you showed us was like nothing I’ve seen,” David said.
Her patience wearing thin, Faith cleared her throat. “Why did you ask us here? Are you accusing us of something?” She felt Destiny’s hand gently rest on her thigh in an effort to calm her agitation.
“No,” David said. “It’s obvious that one of the larger, well-known companies couldn’t come up with anything near your creativity. They found out about your ideas for the property and are trying to, dare I say, steal them.”
Faith took a moment to look into the eyes of each committee member. She wondered what they saw. Did they see two hard-working landscapers who could be taken advantage of? Or did they see two creative women who loved to bring beauty to buildings?
“We’re in a business where size seems to matter,” the construction rep said. “Just look at this place. The entire layout is huge, but you made it look welcoming instead of like a giant building trying to impress God knows who.”
“The building is big because we have a lot of employees,” the project manager said defensively.
“I understand that, but you don’t need a huge landscaping company to swoop in with big ideas when they aren’t as good as theirs,” he said, gesturing towards Faith and Destiny.
“I agree,” David said. “That other company is trying to do something deceitful and convince you that’s how things are done. Well, I’m here to tell you, that’s not true.”
A woman who represented the HR department for the corporation stood up. “Would you mind waiting outside for just a moment so the committee can clear up a couple of things? It won’t take but a minute.”
The woman smiled at them both and Faith felt like she was about to explain to this group of men how things were going to be done.
Faith and Destiny got up and walked out of the room. It was obvious that Gloria had somehow found out about their ideas and offered to implement them at a lower cost.
When the door closed, Faith turned to Destiny and grabbed her hand. “She can’t hurt us, babe.”
“I know,” Destiny said between clenched teeth. “But that doesn’t mean I can’t hurt her.”
Faith grinned. “You are so hot when you’re…hot.”
Destiny’s eyes widened and the corners of her mouth quivered until a small smile crept onto her face. “Stop that!”
Faith chuckled. “Let them give the job to Gloria. I’d love to see her try to stack rocks.”
“Rock cairns?” Gloria said, walking up behind them. “Whose idea was that?”
“Have you ever had an original, creative thought in your life?” Destiny asked, dismissing Gloria’s question.
Gloria laughed. “When you’re the CEO you pay people to be creative.”
“I guess you didn’t pay them enough this time,” Faith said with a smirk.
“That’s when you flex your big company muscles and get the job done no matter what,” Gloria said brashly.
“No matter who you hurt in the process,” Faith said, staring at Gloria.
“When you’re playing with the big boys you have to get dirty just like they do,” Gloria stated.
“What about the women at the table?” Destiny said. “It would be unwise to overlook them.”
“Ha,” Gloria replied. “Women stick together.”
Faith put a protective arm around Destiny’s waist. “Be careful, Gloria. While you’re playing dirty with the boys some small company may come along and trip you up when you least expect it.”
Gloria scoffed. “You two were meant for each other.” She pointed at the closed conference room doors. “If you think a major corporation is going to choose a little company like you’ve put together with bosses who smell of sweat and dirt over a national leader in the industry, you’re both delusional. Why, you’re lucky they even entertained your bid. They wouldn’t if we weren’t in liberal Austin.”