A Proposal Read online

  A Proposal by Navsky Copyright 2022 Navsky All rights reserved. Smashwords Edition, License Notes

  Thank you for downloading this ebook. This book remains the copyrighted property of the author, and may not be redistributed to others for commercial or non-commercial purposes.

  This novel is entirely a work of fiction. The names, characters and incidents portrayed in it are the work of the author's imagination. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events or localities is entirely coincidental.

  Navsky asserts the moral right to be identified as the author of this work.

  Cover Design ©2022 Meadowspark Press

  Photo Graphics, Adobe

  Modern Fiction, Romance

  ISBN 9781005375348

  To My Teachers and Mentors

  “Humble my soul

  O Lord.

  And let me not despise the old nor weak

  Humble my soul

  And let me live in learnedness and grace.”

  A Proposal

  Navsky

  Contents

  --^--

  Chapter1 A Proposal, Pastrami, and More

  Chapter 2 Project Tosi

  Chapter 3 Debra

  Chapter 4 Weekend

  Chapter 5 Croissants

  Chapter 6 Party Planning

  Chapter 7 Michael

  Chapter 8 The Client

  Chapter 9 Sam

  Chapter 10 Robert

  Chapter 11 Off to Work

  Chapter 12 Numbers

  Chapter 13 Running Herschen

  Epilogue

  Chapter 1

  A Proposal, Pastrami, and More

  -^-

  Einstein connected the unity of the world and space. Edison held up the kite. Newton dropped the apple. ‘Who invented cake?’ Debra mused to herself. ‘Yes. Who invented cake?’

  Debra sat at her desk. Lunchtime. Another birthday. A colleague dropped off a piece of heavenly light lemon cake. The buttercream frosting was delicious. She forked in another mouthful and then resolved to finish the folder. Just then, the phone rang.

  “You never answer your phone! I am exasperated, Debra.” Her friend chastised.

  Debra hung up the phone with a clunk. Frankly, Debra had adored Kim. Their friendship growing year after year. But today, she thought her friend sounded critical. If there was one thing Debra hated, it was whining.

  A knock at her office door. “Yes. Who is it?”

  “Fellow brush man, Debbie.”

  “Debra.”

  “Ok. Debra. Boss says five minutes. Pow wow.

  Two day completion if we want the project. Bring the sketch of your timeline.”

  “I’ll be there, Bobbi.”

  “Listen, Debra…” Robert bowed and closed the door, noticing Debra rummaging for her Tosibrand notes.

  Grabbing her notepad, a new pen and notes, Debra heard her phone ringing as she swiftly made her way down the hall.

  “Debra, hey, hold up a minute.”

  “Max. Meeting.”

  She noticed Max still waving his arm as she continued walking.

  “Meeting is in room A.”

  “Call ahead.”

  “Already done.”

  Max was the perfect assistant. He had that way of knowing when she needed something. She had a ten minute walk across the courtyard. Max had called and confirmed her presence and her arrival time.

  She said ‘hi’ and smiled to the main receptionist in the lobby. If she ever wanted a sandwich delivery, extra politeness was necessary. Robert had never been congenial. His deliveries were misdirected twice.

  “Hello. Debra. Have a seat.” Her boss.

  “Good afternoon, Michael. Gentleman.”

  Around the table sat the elite of the company. Michael and his assistant, Frank. William, Michael's boss, was president of Hershen Foods. Debra’s colleagues, David and Sam were present. And a new project coordinator named Laren.

  “Robert is crunching the numbers as we speak. Do to the time sensitive nature of this project, I must ask you to make Tosibrand a priority. Two days from now, Tosibrand wants a complete picture of the product and a realistic date for completion. The price request must be accurate and tempting. We are its first choice. Let’s make this proposal look good folks, so the deal gets closed.”

  William interjected. “Thank you for your earnestness, Michael. I am sure you will not fail. Keep Laren in the loop. David, Sam, Debra and Robert meet. Lauren is there."

  “Right. Something could occur. We want to stay on track for the next forty-eight hours. The proposal, completed. Sam and Robert, you are at the pitch. Lauren, make sure they are prepared.”

  The accounting manager entered the room in swift stride. Robert always looked well-dressed even today in dress shirt and jeans. He worked by himself most of the day and only wore more formal attire when meeting clients. Debra was unsure of her boss’s reaction if she followed the same dress code. He had that ‘fresh from the gym’ look. Athletic, tall and intense blue eyes, Debra focused on her notes.

  “Got the numbers.” Robert sat next to William in the only empty seat. “Per item, $.89. Includes our cost. Best price…..”

  Michael stretched his hand to stop Robert’s exciting news mid-sentence. “This is confidential. A private meeting conducted at Hershen Foods.” Michael pointed at Frank. “WW. Date and time. List attendees. Continue Robert.”

  Robert stood up. Looked around the table. “If we ask, $1.06 per item. We got the sale. The low end is .92.”

  Applause erupted around the room. William stood up and shook Robert’s hand. Good start everyone. Next Wednesday. We meet again for good or bad.

  Frank approached Debra on the side. “Michael wants you to be his eyes. Update tomorrow at eleven a.m., informal, ok?”

  “Day after, ok. I’ll have Max call you for tomorrow.” Debra stepped towards William, still holding her timeline notes.

  “You think the approval at Tosi has a favorite date for rollout?” Debra asked.

  “Impressive, Debra. Your already ahead.”

  “Laren would you mind?” William gestured for Laren to bring pen and paper.

  “I met with Mr. Ratzburgeon, the owner and his son Joe Ratzburgeon. The son has fresh ideas. My impression. Time was unimportant to the product launch. Price will get it. Which reminds me. Thanks Debra." Debra stepped back.

  William waved over Michael. As Debra left the meeting room she overheard Michael whispering to Lauren. “Send me the bill for the proposal preparedness costs. I want those guys looking good. New suits. Four star catering. Whatever."

  William looked pleased. “I almost forgot. Michael. Call me Friday morning. I might drop by to shake hands if all goes well Monday.”

  Robert interrupted her attention. “Where you going now?”

  “Get something for lunch.”

  “How about…we get sandwiches and mix up our ideas for Tosi’s production.”

  “Ok. I got to drop off my notes to Max. I’ll meet you at Maggie’s Bakery. Order me a pastrami on rye with mustard.”

  Robert laughed. “I was expecting you to say, ‘A veggie. No mayo.’”

  “Why?”

  “Yes. Why?” Robert countered.

  After their working lunch, Debra headed over to the nearby park. Robert headed back to the office to meet with Sam and David. Robert had put the final touches on his cost outline for the proposal between mouthfuls of pastrami. She had been working since seven this morning and needed a break.

  As she watched the swans on the small lake, she thought of her sister’s death only two weeks in the past. Debra was beyond herself as the news arrived. On the front page. Denise Gunder, actress and animal
rights activist, involved in car accident. Debra was still reeling from the incident.

  “Hey, Debra! Is that you?”

  “Oh, hello, Tiffany. How are you?”

  “Fine. I was on my way to Sprouts and noticed you. How are you?”

  “Fine. Really. You heard about Denise?”

  “Yah. Really unexpected, no? How is George?”

  “George is incredible. The kids are lucky to have him as their father.”

  Debra made her way back to the office in the afternoon. A pile of mail and reports she had requested sat on her desk. She’d given Max the rest of the day off. He left a half page update. Messages he had taken, appointments and updates from other departments. After checking the schedules for a nearly complete product, she penciled a memo for Max to type. She grabbed her belongings, left a pile of ‘to dos’ on Max’s desk and headed for production. She walked the line with Ferino, the manager. Everything is on track.

  "Your report is better than the previous month, Ferino."

  The two new employees seemed to be making things run smoother. If the new proposal is a success, it meant a bonus for sure. An hour later, Debra was reassured, her timeline sketch was accurate for Tosi’s project. Ferino had things under control and Herschen Foods could handle a new line.

  Debra exited to her car. A Toyota hybrid. She had saved $5,000 in gasoline costs switching to alternative fuels. She flipped on the radio. Her hair flew in the wind. Zipping. She noticed the other cars passing. The streetlights starting to glimmer in the hazy fading light. A bit of drizzle commencing. An hour more and she would be on her street. She pulled off the road, stopping at a Quick Stop. A half-gallon of juice, fuel and on her way.

  Suddenly, she remembered ‘the park’. Large tears started rolling down her face. “Oh, God.” She said to herself. “My sister is really dead!” She realized. She cried more.

  They had been so close. The distance between their homes like Hawaii and California. Debra would miss her forever. She started her engine. The radio on. Four-fifteen p.m.

  The telephone rang. “Br-i-i-ng”.

  “Yes. Debra here.”

  “Debra. Laren here. Tosibrand called. Extra day. Monday meeting canceled.”

  “Terrific”.

  “Bye, Debra. Happy to be on the project with you.”

  “Thanks, Bye.” Debra put on her light jacket and restarted her car.

  Debra was home. A lite dinner cooking on the stove top. The soup was black. Dark. Ground bean paste as a base. Seaweed. And devilish earthy roots.

  Chapter 2

  Project Tosi

  -^-

  “Debra. This is Sam.”

  “Hello, Sam.”

  “Did you get the e-mail? Will you be able to attend?”

  “Absolutely. My report is complete. I need your feedback. Would you send me a note - anything that needs corrections.”

  “Sure. Croissants and coffee sound ok?”

  “Pineapple juice too and ham.”

  “See you tomorrow, nine-thirty. You’ll have my notes by end of today or at the meeting.”

  “Bye, Sam.” Debra said as she looked up at Michael standing in the hallway, outside her open door. She waved him in as she hung up.

  “That was Sam. Tomorrow is the wrap-up on the project. I’m glad we got an extra day.”

  “Me too. Had a meeting with an insider over at Tosi.”

  “And?”

  “The son wants to look good. The last roll-out our competitor dropped the ball. He apparently lost favor and now is hoping to gain it back."

  “What was lacking?”

  “The pricing.”

  “Hmmm. We already have a good pricing strategy.”

  “Yes. I wonder how David is doing on product looks?”

  “Michael, I will find out. Tomorrow, Sam and I meet. I have almost wrapped up my part of the proposal.” Michael started for the door and stopped in the doorway.

  “Debra, I like croissants also.”

  “Expect a call Monday midday with an update.”

  Debra headed for the door, her portfolio in hand.

  “Max, would you reach Laren. Meeting Monday nine-thirty, the Open conference room off the lounge. I would like you there until I finish with my update. Take brief notes and send me a copy before you leave for the day. Make sure an extra dozen croissants are ordered and sent to Michael’s office. That and a final copy of my report completed and on my desk. In case anything last minute arrives make sure your available until six p.m. Take Tuesday and Wednesday off.”

  Max nodded confidently and scribbled in pencil on a notepad.

  “Send a note to Robert, after the meeting I need a five minute wrap-up. And make sure… Sam needs a draft of my report as soon as possible.”

  “Going to lunch, I will call later to check on things. Anything comes up…any schedule changes, please call me. After five, text me.”

  Debra headed for her car making a detour by David’s desk.

  David worked in the design office. The group in this office dressed more casual. Sam’s desk was the farthest from the entrance. They had a few desks scattered around. A giant projector and illustrator board were in one corner surrounded by plants. An oversized calender was just above a wood table used for mock-ups. A few upholstered oversized chairs and bean bags were strewn by a view window.

  This time of day, the design office was like a ghost town. Sam waved and then returned to his reading of a journal.

  “Hi David. Got a second.”

  “Sure. Can’t wait until Monday?” David said more ironically than peeved.

  “You don’t have the design yet?” Debra leaned slightly on his desk.

  “Don’t have the mock-up? Your guessing.” David smirked.

  David pushed his chair away from his desk. He rifled in a nearby cabinet. Opening up a bright fuchsia folder. He sorted pages of scribbles. He looked around the almost empty room. In a whisper, he placed a page size plastic envelope. “This is it. Just between us. Robert gave me the percentage yesterday. Done the same day, that I saw you at the park. In an even quieter tone, he confined. “You were my inspiration.”

  Debra held up the plastic. Blue glass jar with a white and green label. It was eye catching, original and appetizing. “Perfect, David, you are a genius." David smirked again over towards Sam.

  “The wording….” Debra noticed a phrase. “A taste for the old country.” Debra read out loud. "I think the style is more modern.”

  Sam was straining to listen now. “Get Laren here, Sam.” David hollered in dismay and excitement.

  Two hours later, Debra sat at the big design table. Laren and David eating sandwiches from Maggie’s. “That’s about it to me ‘A taste for the exquisite.’ Threw mouthfuls, they both nodded.

  Laren put aside her sandwich and typed up a few lines on her portable.

  “Laren, send an informal copy of your notes to Max. I will see you Monday early.” Debra said before waving goodbye to Sam and Max. They appeared eager to have the emptiness return to their creative space and contented for the significant positive change on the package mock-up for Tosi.

  The weekend, yah…Debra mused while walking across the lot.

  “Debra, wait a sec.”

  It was Max. “You have ten phone messages.” He took big breaths while hanging on to his sides before continuing. “I compiled a list of what terrain you have covered so far for Tosi including the product label update. Michael called twice. He sounded nervous. Didn’t say more than that. Robert wanted to meet up. Heard the gossip about the creative design session. And here is another paper copy of your report for Monday.”

  “Send a message to Robert. I’ll see him Monday at nine in the morning.”

  “Ok. That’s all. Get some rest.”

  “Bye, Max.”

  Chapter 3

  Debra

  -^-

  'Message to Ro
bert: Debra wants to see you Monday at nine a.m. She left work later than scheduled.’

  Max typed away on his oversized keyboard and flat screen. He would be leaving later than scheduled too. He frowned.

  Laren appeared out of nowhere. “Hi Max. Working hard I see. Good job! I wanted to drop off a copy of my notes from today. Your boss helped update the label for Tosi. Even fickle David was pleased with the result.”

  “Yup. That’s my boss!” Max replied cheerily.

  “Good to know. She must think highly of you Max….if you’re attending Monday’s meeting.”

  Max leaned towards Laren secretly. He looked around and then whispered, “Word is….U.M. is looking at you as potential for a challenging position. But, don’t say I mentioned it.” Laren leaned towards Max.

  “Don’t worry, Max. You never said a thing.”

  “See you Monday!” Laren added and swiftly made her way out.

  No doubt, her work day was finished. “I better hurry up. The weekend has begun.” Max mumbled to himself.

  Two years prior, Debra came up with an idea called ‘The Page’. Her promotion to upper management was primarily due to this clever idea. If a problem was encountered in the production line from start to finish, a single sheet of colored paper is pulled and the problem is then briefly identified.

  The paper goes straight to Michael’s office. At year end, the pages are compiled. A plan is set for the new year, with a goal of correcting written problem. Incentives are attached for the new year. Then a brief memo to the production department with a goal and bonus outlined when problem solved.

  All Herschen employees can participate and if a problem is remedied, the employee receives an award plus a certificate or they can choose anonymity. ‘The Page’ is still popular in the company and Debra could rest easy about Herschen Foods delivering a product on schedule. Michael looked good and William had been asked to share the company’s secret by several competitors for a price.

  Michael trusted Debra and was considering a bigger promotion, if the company continued their success in the future. Debra herself was not in a hurry to be promoted. Her schedule seemed to be past the edge of how she wanted to spend her workdays. Since the Tosibrand came into picture, Debra hadn’t had a chance to mourn the passing of her sister. She needed to send a note to George.