The Pitch

She entered the meeting room.

Her boss and the important client were already waiting for her.

Her boss looked at his watch, then at her.

“Good. You're here.”

“Yes. Sorry I'm late.”

He nodded and picked up his notepad.

“Do you have everything with you?”

“Yes. The presentation is right here in my bag.”

He made a small checkmark.

“And your pants?”

She hesitated.

“The escalator ate them.”

Her boss stopped writing for a moment and adjusted his glasses.

“I see.”

He made another note.

The client, who had been watching the exchange with growing interest, leaned back in his chair.

“Allow me to say something before we begin.”

“Yes?”

“I like the way you present yourself.”

She felt the heat rising into her cheeks.

“Thank you.”

The client smiled.

“It conveys confidence.”

She wasn't entirely sure about that.

Her boss glanced down at his notes.

“Confidence,” he repeated, writing it down.

She looked at him.

“Are you actually taking notes on this?”

“Of course.”

He turned to the client.

“Now, shall we begin the project pitch?”

/