The negotiation

Joe arrived at work at 9:00AM exactly and rushed into Meeting Room A, where three stern middle-aged businessmen were already sat waiting for his arrival. There were supposed to have be two senior colleagues negotiating this deal alongside Joe but one was off sick and the other was running late so he would have to go it alone.

The oldest of the three businessmen, sat in the middle, immediately bellowed, "I can make this really quick by saying I don't see how we can reach an agreement here. Our valuations are too far apart. It's impossible!" He slammed a paper on the table.

This was a deal Joe's company was reliant on to stay in operation, but negotiations had started badly and there already didn't seem to be much room for compromise. He thought quickly and said, "I would encourage you to consider the value our company can offer not just from a financial perspective, but in terms of industry expertise too. We have experienced members of staff who have taken businesses like yours and doubles their turnover in less than 36 months."

This generic babble wasn't impressing the suits, who sat shaking their heads. Joe continued, "Not to mention some of the finest young interns and graduates who have their finger on the pulse and can bring new life and energy to your corporation."

The mention of youngsters in the company struck a momentary chord with the grumpy businessmen, but it wasn't enough. The main man in the middle stood up, "It's all hot air. I think we're wasting each other's time now. It's probably best we leave." His two sidekicks also rose from their chair. At that moment there was a faint knock at the door.

"Yes?", called out Joe.

It was Zoe. She leaned in the room looking startled, "Oh sorry! I didn't know you booked this room." She was wearing a buttoned blouse which cupped her modest chest, plus a fitted grey pencil skirt with black tights, nylon stockings and 4 inch heels. Nervous smile overcame her pretty face.

"I'll find another room." she said as she left, embarrassed to have interrupted such a high profile meeting.

As the door closed, Joe noticed the old men were huddled in conversation. After a few moments, the oldest one looked at Joe and spoke in a newly softened tone, "We've just talked it through and maybe we were too hasty earlier. Perhaps we can come to some kind of arrangement after all "

Joe looked in amazement, "That's wonderful! Just tell me what you want, and I can make it happen."

The old man gestured towards the door where Zoe had been standing. "We want her."