Chapter 15: A Little Flattery Gets You Far

“I’m just afraid he’s using you.”

“Listen, Keshy, I want revenge on Vicky as well. Besides, Gary can’t really be the one to convince her to look for another job. This would pose an ethical problem.”

Victoria who was walking faster than Mandy and Keshia stopped to let the girl catch up.

“Mind if I join the conversation? What were you guys discussing?”

“Not much, the movies that are coming out this weekend. If we can take a break, we’ll probably go see one.”

“Vicky, I heard something interesting about Leetson’s. His daughter was trying to impress the gallery this afternoon and was talking about how Graham was losing accounts to his dad’s company.

“Oh, well, I don’t care much. After all, it’s Graham’s company, not mine.”

“I think what Mandy is trying to say, is that with your potential, you shouldn’t be counting on Graham to get ahead. I’m sure Leetson’s would hire you in a heartbeat. After all, aren’t you the best at what you do?”

“I’m not quite sure. I would check it out but I do have a year of being paid doing nothing so there’s no advantage there, really.”

“This is where you’re wrong! You’d get double the salary. Well probably more than double since you’d probably make more at Leetson’s. Besides, if you really take a one year break, who knows what will have change when you’ll be back? It’s a long time to be out of it in the publicity field, from what I understand.”

“That’s sweet of you Mandy…maybe I’ll check it out.”



“So Mandy and Keshia think I should look for a job…at Leetson’s. Some of Graham’s big accounts are moving.”

“That is an idea. But Graham would lose a valuable employee. I have to say that Leetson’s from what I heard might make some employees partners in a near future. Graham doesn’t. So it does seem like a good opportunity. If they’re getting new clients, they’ll need extra help.”

“You know what, Gary? I like you. If it weren’t for Mandy…and Graham.”

“What about them? Nothing wrong with having a little fun. Mandy is ancient history; don’t tell me you care now?

“Not really, well maybe a little…”

“That’s just too bad. Because I enjoy this, having diner together, spending time with you. Haven’t we had more than three dates? What do you make of the three dates rule?”

Victoria laughed and looked at Gary. He was good looking and obviously interested but was it worth the risk of Mandy and Graham finding out they had a fling?

“I have to think about it. I’d say your chances are pretty good.”

“Hey, I hope, I’m starting to believe you are using me. I’m trying hard in here.”

“Not hard enough, maybe.”

“If this is a challenge, I’m definitely up for it, Victoria. I want you, I know I’ll get you.”

Victoria loved it. Gary was so confident. Now if she could just get Graham close enough to see, get jealous, she could stop this act. She was hoping he would finally fight for her even if it’d have to cost him his friendship with Gary.