Page 31 of Perfect Night

“I’m not sure if I do yet.”

Not the response Sebastian expected, but he didn’t react, just asked Ford to elaborate.

“It’s a two-way thing for me. I mean, I’m interested enough to take this meeting, but it’s got to be right for both sides. I see this as us interviewing each other.”

Sebastian thought it was a sensible approach, but Ford wasn’t done.

“I mean, I have alotof options available to me. My record speaks for itself. Before I even answer that question, you need to answer one first. Why shouldIwant to work here and for you? Come on, Sebastian, you need to impress me.” He leaned back in his chair, opening his arms and smiling like an arrogant arsehole.

Sebastian didn’t have time to play games, but Ford was kind of asking for it.

“We’re looking for a strong leader, who can take the brand we’ve built into a billion-dollar company in the US, and replicate that across Europe.”

Ford nodded and took a sip of his drink.

“The person we hire for this role will inherit an excellent executive team, which is bought into our mission and role models our values. We’ve set up an employee benefit trust because we want our people to own shares and be invested in the company’s success.”

Ford looked more interested now. That nugget was something they weren’t advertising just yet, but it was worth the risk, and nobody could confirm anything.

“We expect this person to be here for the next five to ten years and leave an impressive legacy behind, whilst benefiting from what’s likely to be millions in profit share.”

Ford was nodding along now, fully invested.

“But that leader isn’t you, is it Ford?”

He looked momentarily stunned. Before he could open his mouth, Sebastian silenced him with his hand.

“We need a leader who peoplewantto follow.”

Sebastian stood up, and Ford looked flustered for a second, before recovering. He wasn’t about to lose face. It wasn’tsomething Sebastian enjoyed doing, but the guy needed a reality check.

“Thanks for coming in, but this isn’t going to work. I’m sure you can be very successful somewhere, but that isn’t here.”

He walked to the door and opened it, trying not to smile as Ford looked like he wanted to punch him. They walked to the reception in silence. Sebastian offered his hand, but Ford ignored it, jabbing his thumb on the button for the lift. A few seconds later, the doors opened and Ford stepped in, pressing the button for the lobby. He probably shouldn’t, but Sebastian had one more thing to say.

“You’ve had an impressive career, Ford, but look up beauty bias. It might explain a few things.”

He turned and walked away before Ford could respond, giving the girls on the desk a smile as they struggled not to laugh.

By the end of the day, he was no further along with the GM role. The last candidate had the personality of a dial tone, so was a no. The headhunter could whistle if they thought they were being paid for who they’d put forward so far. They had one more shot or Sebastian was going elsewhere.

He checked his phone, as he hadn’t heard from Charlie all day. Perhaps he’d been busy with his dick of a boss. Sebastian had sent a couple of messages, and he was usually responsive. Candice had let him know she’d made Charlie a job offer, but didn’t share the details. He was keeping out of it as long as she stayed in budget. Now he rethought that decision. Should he have spoken to Charlie first before she made an offer to check he’d be comfortable with it? Sebastian would not be here much once the GM was hired.

The day was over, and he was going to be late to meet Patrick for a drink. He wanted to sound his friend out about his plansfor the date at the weekend. Sebastian tended to go overboard when he liked someone, and Patrick had always been the voice of reason. They were meeting down by the river on the South Bank.

Thankfully, the bar wasn’t too busy, and Patrick already had a table and a beer waiting for Sebastian. A quick hug by way of greeting, and then Sebastian downed half his pint.

“Bad day?” asked Patrick.

“Just wasted most of the day interviewing people and none of them were any good.”

“Maybe you should take the job.”

“What?”

“Sorry, just being selfish. I just like the idea of my best friend being around more.”

Sebastian smiled. He couldn’t move back to the UK. He still had dual citizenship, so that wouldn’t be the issue, but his life was in New York. But in all honesty, he was just going through the motions there. The place ran itself in the US, and the European expansion excited him, but he couldn’t leave his sister and nieces.

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