Ambition in High Heels
It is a truth universally acknowledged that a single girl in possession of a healthy ambition must be in want of perfect shoes.
Okay, maybe not, but they really help, you think as you turn your leg and admire your newest pair. Four inches, a dozen straps, and a gorgeous metallic sheen that sets off your fresh tan perfectly.
For a moment, you consider the flats Jimmy Choos as well, purchased a couple of months ago but decide against them. You really need that extra four inches to stand out against your much-taller male coworkers, and besides, they are much more comfortable than they have any right to be. Pair them with your black silk jacket and that beautiful new skirt you bought the other day you're ready for action.
And it will dress down great for later, too. . .
The meeting is downtown, in one of those great funky buildings with marble everywhere, and you draw stares at the brisk click of your heels against polished stone, then second glances as the starers realize that you look pretty darn good.
No time for that. You rehearse your presentation in your mind. Upstairs, you know the boss is already there, finishing out the first part of the meeting that you couldn't attend. Next year, though, you'll be there, or even leading the sales presentation yourself. You mentally run through all the steps as the elevator doors open, the flowcharts, the Powerpoint and the five main strategic points you need to emphasize check.
You're ready.
Upstairs, the carpeting swallows the sound of your Jimmy Choos, and you have to take a moment to balance on the plush. Just a half minute, though stiletto heels or not, the shoes are easy to walk in. Head up, shoulders back, you announce yourself with a smile and wait for the receptionist to buzz you in.
Greetings all around, introductions that you may remember half of (you have pictures of everyone back at the office, so you can review that later anyway), and with one click your Macbook is set up. You are in the zone today, partly because your shoes hold you at just the right height and partly because you are ready, ready, ready.
The presentation is perfect, timed exactly as rehearsed. They have questions a good thing, always leave them wanting more and you have just the right answer to each one. The client, a power-balding man, sat silently with his arms folded but no worries there, you know he'll be sold later by everyone else in his organization. You can read their faces. They are yours.
At last, you shake hands with everyone, and they file out as you put away your equipment. Your boss stops to shake your hand, and murmurs a word of congratulation in your ear as she bends close.
You nailed it, and you know it.
But the icing's not all. The cherry on top comes as you step out the door. Your boss is at the elevator, chatting with the client. I must say, she's impressive.
Your boss nods, and you can't tell what she says to him. But his response carries down the hall to you easily. Better hold on to her. We need someone like her in our company fresh, bright, good ideas and I may just steal her.
Your boss laughs, then turns to greet you as you reach them. Thankfully, you are at eye level today, a power position you need to be in. Mentally, you kiss those shoes.
The rest of the day is yours, and you have your plans made, but you walk out to the taxi with her and wave as she drives off. The whole time, the refrain plays in your head, your answer to the client if you'd had a chance to make it.
I might just let you.
