by Rosemary Rey
The design and business plans were adequate. The design plan for Pentagram made it a sophisticated, upscale ‘witches’ coven. The fabrics were rich and dark colors in crushed velvet and satin with touches of brass and wood in the accent pieces and furniture. The furniture designs for the hotel were more modern with traditional curves and lines. They were striking, but the designs verged on the gothic and played too severely off of the dark history of witches in Massachusetts. I wrote a plan to reduce the harshness of the entire design, which I would deliver to the team during the design meeting I requested for the end of the week.
Despite my heartache over Matt, I felt alive with the work and the plans I was making for Pentagram. Although I felt good about the plans, I expected there would be resistance to my ideas because I was an interloper in their group. They never had any intention for a woman to come in and start throwing her weight around in a company they’ve been building since they were teenagers. I didn’t ask to become part of their group. Matt thrust me into the situation, and Brady blackmailed me into acting this way. I wasn’t going to look a gift horse in the mouth. I was going to make the most of the offering and use it to my advantage.
Informing my father was difficult. I’d spent the last two years telling him very little about my problems. He knew I had major problems with my divorce from Ben; despite not being privy to the details of the breakup and settlement. He witnessed me pushing myself to get back on my feet without anyone’s help. I told him I had a new job opportunity. I didn’t discuss how I came about the new job. However, I told my father I was no longer dating Matt. He was sad for us, and expressed his concern about my being alone. Trying to alleviate his fears, I told him Matt was the first relationship after Ben and I needed to date around before settling down with a man. I was sure he thought I just wanted to fuck every man who came my way which couldn’t be further from the truth.
I didn’t want to deliver the news to my sisters. I begged my father not to tell them. My father was respectful of my wishes, but in his old age, there was a bit of uncertainty as to his ability to remember to withhold information. My sisters branded us ‘Hermanas Malditas’, the cursed sisters. We’ve been unlucky in love, and I didn’t want to join their little pity party. I was miserable, but I stood on a very lonely principle—I was not unlucky in love. My love was delayed by circumstances beyond my total control. The beauty of my sisters living in the south shore outside of Boston meant that without a car, I didn’t visit them often, so my secret would be safe for a long while; I hoped.
*****
At the end of the week, I arrived early to meet with Kent Brenner and Kevin Zipperer to discuss my role with Pentagon. I was ill at ease with being in a room with two of the five men who conspired against me for the last few years. Many times I wanted to turn around, leave and forget about them and everything dealing with Pentagon. When I arrived at the high rise building, I couldn’t believe Matt was part of a corporation that owned the entire structure.
I hadn’t heard from Matt in a week since rejecting his offer and accepting the shares. I thought about him often. I missed him, not just the profoundly physical aspect of our coupling, but the comfortable times when we sat on the couch, reading or talking. Just when those times were getting more frequent and meaningful, it was all ripped away. The wound left behind was slowly healing, but every stray thought of him would open the scab.
The receptionist led me to the conference room, knocked on the door, and ushered me in. The men rose from the big leather chairs around the long oval table.
“Perla, it’s nice to see you.” Zipper said. His eyes showed a genuine appreciation of my presence, but I still didn’t trust him. I smiled softly, and extended my hand in a shake.
“Thank you, Kevin.” I said, releasing my grip. I turned to Kent and extended my hand in greeting.
“Kent, thank you for meeting with me.”
“Well, we look forward to hearing your ideas about how you plan to contribute to Pentagon and the Pentagram project.” Zipper responded.
“I wrote up a report about how I see my role and experiences contributing to the new project.” I pulled out two report covered memorandum. “I’ll leave you with these which provide further details. To summarize, I believe my experience with budgeting and construction would assist tremendously with the construction. I’ve read all of the reports given to me, and all looks like the project and the timeline for completion is sound.” I began my examination.
“I see myself in oversight of the construction and design. The project is due to be complete in May of next year. I want to remain involved, overseeing the construction and design of real properties, which means I would deal with the contractors, architects, designers, and vendors, and every other party actively working on Pentagram.” I paused to gauge the attention of the two men. Satisfied they were interested in what I was saying, I continued.
“Presently, you have two executives, Michael Barton and Chase Peterson, in charge of various segments of the construction and design. I know each of you have upper level executive status in addition to your board membership. For example, Kevin, you’re Associate Vice President of Legal Affairs.” I looked at Zipper. “And Kent, you’re Associate Vice President for Appraisal and Acquisitions. Seeing as I’m a shareholder, I would like to be named Associate Vice President of Capital Projects, overseeing those two executives and the constructions and designs which fall under them.” I paused to see if they flinched with the title I gave myself. These men were shrewd and didn’t allow any emotion to flash on their faces.
“I didn’t get all the salary structures within the company, so I can’t draw on how much the Associate VPs are earning, but I suspect it’s in the range of a at least a million dollars base with incentives. The value is an average estimate based on research I undertook of similar corporations in the Boston, New York, Vegas, and Miami area. I know I was very conservative with the number.” I peered up to capture their response. I saw Kent fidget slightly in his chair. They let me continue with my analysis.
“The VPs are each earning a base of half a million with incentives approaching three-quarters of a million dollars. Last year, they reached over the million dollar salary mark after construction on the Vegas hotel and casino, Pentacles. You’ve really gotten into the number five thing, haven’t you?” I quipped. Zipper smiled softly, and Kent nodded. I proceeded to list my salary demands.
“As I’ve already noted, I realize I would not be considered to have enough experience or educational qualifications to demand a million dollars base. I’ll be reasonable. I do fully expect to have a base salary of seven hundred and fifty thousand dollars. I outlined a list of incentives found in the contracts of the VPs which I want included in my incentives package.”
“How long do you expect to work with Pentagon?” Kent asked.
“I want a two year contract to be renewable with appropriate increases. However, I want the ability to break the contract without penalty. Meaning, if I walk away, I don’t want to be left with a penalty or buyout clause, which is present in your VPs contracts.” I wanted to ensure I had a solid job for two years, even though I had a personal goal of remaining at Pentagon only for the duration of construction and opening of Pentagram.
“Perla, those clauses are important to protect us from losing valuable administrators. We also need to put clauses to deter any acts against the company. Penalties are essentially deterrents against corporate espionage and takeovers.” I smirked when he mentioned ‘takeovers’, which is what they did to me by taking Liberty.
“I’m quite sure no one on the board thinks I’m a valuable administrator. I’m not contesting having a penalty clause if I do something against the best interest of Pentagon. I’m discussing my ability to walk away without incident. I can certainly sign a non-disclosure clause, I’ve done it before when I was saddled with a six-figure debt I believe Pentagon had a hand in creating. When I’m ready to leave Pentagon, I want to walk away without expectation to pay or lo
se money because I feel all I’ve lost and all I’ve suffered because of Pentagon is penalty enough.
“I think we can work through everything with your attorney as we craft your contract.” Zipper agreed. I nodded.
“My report provides my job description and expectations for the role of Associate VP. I’ll let you peruse it on your own when crafting the contract. One of my concerns about Pentagram is the design has already been completed and approved. I’m coming in late to the project, but I would like a change on Pentagram’s design.” I said.
“That’s impossible.” Kent blurted. “Too much has been put in place, we can’t do it.”
“Before you blow a gasket, I think you should hear me out.”
“She’s right, Kent. We need two thirds of the Board to approve any changes anyway. I think we should listen to her while we’re still in the early stages of the construction.”
“Thank you, Kevin.” I looked him in the eye in appreciation. “I have a suggestion for the marketing and interior design of Pentagram’s hotel and conference setting. As it stands now, the facility is set as an offshoot of the Witches of Salem. Everything is rich and dark; gothic. It may work well in Vegas, where Pentacles is located because Vegas is ‘Sin City’.” Kent leaned back to critique, while Kevin leaned in to absorb.
“However, in Boston the concept should be a take on both dark magic and light magic. The structure is split into an East and West tower. Why not have one tower be the light magic, which is more ethereal, bright and good. And the dark magic be the rich, somber tones which have already been decided. Having these choices helps tourists make decisions based on their personality. Families would love the lighter side for their children. The restaurants on that side would cater to families and children. The Light tower’s pool can be expanded in design to make an indoor and outdoor water park. However, it would require a change to the structure and layout of that quadrant. We’d need a new design company to rework that segment with the current designers. Having a small water park could really increase revenue from the winter travelers. We’d slam them with a great marketing plan to get people from the upper and lower New England areas to stay at Pentagram for the family friendly experience.” I was prompted to continue when Kent leaned in and mumbled an ‘mmhhmm.’
“Young couples, singles, and groups of each gender would stay at the Dark tower. We can play up the restaurants, dance clubs, and bars as dark and exciting . . . a bit of Vegas in Boston. We can see if we can get a variance from the City to keep the club open later. If those families who stay at Light Tower branch off into couples traveling without their children, they’d return to stay in the Dark Tower. When children are older, they’d prefer the dark tower, or may interchange for a different experience. We can give people the option to reserve which tower they’d prefer. By keeping statistics and data on customer trends, we can do intensive marketing strategies to get customers to bring their friends and family. In the future, we may consider the time share trend.” Sensing I sold them on the concept, I continued to inform them of my plan.
“We have segments of consumers who we can tap into. The wedding consumer, can choose which side to marry in . . . those who are gothic at the Dark tower and those wanting to have a Cinderella wedding in the Light tower. We already have event planners, we’d have to expand the area of the services program. There’s a north and south tower for the convention center, to which we can create a similar light and dark concept.”
“This is a subject we need to decide on now so we can get the design teams to reconfigure design and scheduling for the building and purchase of furniture and decorative items while nothing has been built, sewn, or purchased. My report for design change is in the report, as well. It is my expectation we review as a Board, and decide for sign off.” Kevin nodded.
“We’ll certainly put it before Brady and Lark, and see what they think.” Kevin offered.
I nodded. “Fine. I have two extra copies for you to distribute to them.” I pulled out two more plastic covered reports and slid them over to Kevin.
“For future reference, Perla. We do everything electronically. We would prefer to have password protected emails and attachments.” Kent retorted. I felt embarrassed, but chimed in.
“Duly noted. Had I the money to buy a laptop, I would’ve done so. Thanks for the heads up, Kent.” I feigned a smile, which didn’t reach my eyes. In the report, I requested an advance for technology, clothing, and relocation expenses.
“Matt offered you everything, so you would’ve had the money.” Kent countered. Zipper raised a hand for him to stop talking.
“What’s your problem, Kent?”
“You broke my friend’s heart.”
“We broke each other’s hearts. We’re grownups. This isn’t high school anymore. Each of us can fight our own battles. I respect you’re protecting your friend, but I ask you to respect me as a person, and find some shred of empathy for what I’ve suffered too. Or can’t you?” I looked at him incredulously. Kent retreated, looking away and shaking his head. His jaw flexed as he ground his teeth to refrain from responding, I supposed. I was trying to be a professional, and not discuss me and Matt’s personal life, however it was inevitable. The situation between Matt and I was the pink elephant in the room. I hadn’t heard from him. I had settled into the idea it was over between me and him, and Kent had to bring him back up.
“Perla, I’ll make sure they’re aware of your recommendations and we’ll schedule a meeting to decide.” Kevin diffused the intensity in the air created by me and Kent.
“When do you want to start?” I looked at him quizzically.
“I’ve already told you in a previous conversation I’d like to start in a week.” I needed to start as soon as possible to maintain an income stream because I’d already quit Duration.
“I think given your expectations we need at least a month to create the position, and allocate the funding of your salary into Pentagram’s revenue stream. It’s also necessary to create a job posting, advertise, and select for interviewing candidates to demonstrate we comply with equal opportunity policies. This is standard . . .”
“Is that what every single one of you had to do to acquire your positions? Because while I understand the concept of equal hiring practices, I’m quite certain corporations which go out of their way to use a woman for inside information can easily figure out how to do all of that while a new board member has already started working for the company.” I stood up, tired of speaking to them.
“I will start in a week, Monday. I expect an office. It will be a nice office so I can be taken seriously by all the other execs in this corporation. My attorney will be in touch with you this afternoon Kevin to ensure my requests are completed by no later than next Friday.” I picked up my leather bag and clutched the handle tightly.
“I look forward to working with you all. Have a great day.” I lied, and walked toward the door, exiting the conference room.
A big weight lifted from my shoulders when I walked out of the door. If I felt that way as I walked out of there after a short meeting, I couldn’t imagine spending the next year working with these men.
*****
My last day at Duration was an amalgamation of feelings. I was sad, happy, nervous, excited, and relieved I was moving forward with my career. I really wanted to move on, but I was fearful I wouldn’t be stable career wise because I didn’t trust my new colleagues.
Chelsea and Keta threw me a party at an Irish Pub. They rented the upstairs room and many of the administrators, support staff, and trainers showed to celebrate my departure from the gym. Carson showed up. Turner was busy working on yet another issue for me. The contract was due to be signed before midnight tonight on Pentagon’s end. Each member of the board was supposed to sign it. Getting everyone’s signature, agreeing to my demands was proving difficult, as we expected. Despite the stress of completing my employment contract, I wasn’t going to let it impact my night with my friends and colleagues.
> I had a lot of fun dancing, and I indulged in many drinks. Paul, a trainer who recommended Matt’s practice, pulled me to dance. He pulled me close to his body. I could feel every inch of his muscular body on my own. I knew it was wrong for our bodies to touch and caress, but I needed someone else to make me forget about Matt. In my drunk-mind’s eye, who better to fill the void than the man who introduced me to Matt? Paul turned me around and pulled my hip, grinding me into his cock. For a moment I was revolted, but the angry and hurt side wanted to numb the pain and get back at Matt; even if he wasn’t here to witness it. Brady’s assessment of my being a whore was in the forefront of my mind.
Carson started dancing close to me and Paul, and pulled my hand, thereby pulling me away from Paul. He took the drink out of my other hand, and held me with his free hand. Paul didn’t protest when Carson gave him a look and motioned for him to go away. I was surprised Paul, being more muscular than Carson, didn’t protest. Carson pulled me to a corner of the room. I looked at him quizzically.
“Are you okay?” He asked.
“Yep. Why?” I responded, surprised by his question.
“Because you’ve been drinking a lot and you’re grinding up against the meathead trainer who isn’t even your type.”
I looked over at Paul who started dancing with one of the fitness instructors. “Oh, he isn’t? I don’t know what my type is anymore.” I said, trying to retrieve my drink from his hand. He pulled it over his head, and grumbled.
“Have you talked to Matt lately?” The mention of Matt’s name was like ice water splashed in my face.
“No.” I spat. “Why would you bring him up?”
“Because you’re drinking in excess, which you don’t do. And you’re dancing like a hoe bag with a guy you’ve told me, you have no interest in. He’s pawing you like a piece of meat. And if you keep drinking and giving into him, you’ll probably go home with him, wouldn’t you?”