The Tricky Customer
Second entry for Star Twisters 56 – prompt was “deal” – max 350 words.
The Tricky Customer belongs to the following groups:
Short stories - Spherical Scriptings, Twisted Tales and WMGA trickle of sweat formed in the middle of my back, and my heart pounded as if attached to a jack hammer. Friday afternoons. They were always the same. Being Chief Negotiator at the nation’s top finance firm meant I should be able to handle this. For some reason my chief aide was never available when I needed her advice and support.
‘No. Absolutely not. That’s not going to happen. Ever. No.’ I’d crossed this particular wily customer before, and knew I had to remain firm.
The assault was as deadly as I’d ever known. Past performance, previous failures and the final button – all out guilt – came flying like darts. I staggered under the onslaught. I’d mentally rehearsed of course. But it was to no avail. In mounting desperation I dredged my memory banks for tips from the many training courses I’d been on. Hell. I’d even trained them.
Be assertive. Watch your body language. Maintain eye contact. Don’t sweat. Don’t be afraid of silences. Be prepared to walk way. Don’t give anything away..
Man. Fifteen years. I’d closed some of the world’s largest deals, and dealt with the CIA, Mafia, secret service.. I’d held clandestine meetings in the back of private jets whilst parked on distant run ways. Each time, I’d been praised for my coolness under pressure, my unflinching ability to close the deal.
Yet here I was. Breaking all the rules. I could handle almost anything and anyone, but this one tricky customer always smashed through my defences. I broke eye contact and looked out of the window. Yes. I know. Mistake number one. Then I uhmed. Mistake number two. Innocent in it’s own way. Most people don’t pick up on it. But it’s there. The first crack. And I’d lost. Again. She’d got her own way.
My oh so cute five year old got more Ben & Jerry’s ice cream than an ice cream factory and three friends for a sleep over. As demanded. And what’s worse than failing so spectacularly? My chief aide would mock me, Chief Negotiator, for the rest of the week..
(C) 2009 Mark Bateman
KMorral
lol- great tension, love how the sweet little girls manage what tough business folk can’t!
Mark Bateman replied
Indeed. I run my own business with lots of staff.. and yet it’s my daughters who get the best of me..!
Lensman2008
You certainly got yourself between a rock and a hard place there.
Result: Daughter 1 Dad Nil. Back to training!!
Mark Bateman replied
Yep! Indeed. Thanks Lensman.
Solar Zorra
Great story and twist,, Mark. This is no joke, I sold real estate for 16 years, own my own business now….......and damn if my youngest daughter can’t break me every time. She has the negotiating skills of a seasoned professional on Wall Street. I send my husband in….....phssst…....he’s folds faster than I do. :) Solar
Mark Bateman replied
I know what you mean. I too run my own business and have closed those deals (though not quite on runways with the secret service!). But my daughters (13 & 16) present far more of a challenge!
Teacup
Good one Mark. Kids have the ability to just keep going and going… my son just carrys on regardless of what I have said. I sometimes just sit back and laugh, with the realisation that he is going to go far in life!
Mark Bateman replied
That’s a good perspective! Sometimes I think we get so caught up in thinking we must be harder that we lose sight of the bigger picture!
John Braxton ...
Very cute characters Mark, and the story builds nicely. nice job.
Mark Bateman replied
Thanks a lot John.
Zolton
Hee hee hee. Did not see this coming til the end. I love the last line. : )
Mark Bateman replied
Glad you caught that last line.. :) And it’s oh so true!
ArcadiaTempest
ahhhh loved this one….could so relate to this on a personal level. The twist popped itself in there as cute as you please it sure got me smiling… a twister to make you smile ,now there are not that many twister’s that do that…well done me thinks :))
Mark Bateman replied
:D :D Thanks again.
Alison Pearce
Wonderful twist!! Such a great story Mark
Mark Bateman replied
Thanks ever so much Alison!!
Jim Hall
Women in general and especially young girls are born with more natural negotiating skills than anyone, in my view. I feel that the Great Spirit meant it that way in order for the human race to perpetuate itself! Excellent one. JH
Mark Bateman replied
And again Jim – thanks!