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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link="#0563C1" vlink="#954F72"><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal>This is a rework of a chapter you’ve already seen.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>About 2200 words<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Open House<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>I telephoned Claudia after reading the Thursday Messenger. “Nicely done. Your article about the Smythe’s murder-suicide is more tragic than Romeo and Juliet,” I said.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>“The story put me back in the good graces of Mr. K, but I’m bummed about the circumstances,” Claudia said. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>I insisted she attend Millwood’s open house that Saturday anyway. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>“Don’t you have to cover the story for the paper?” I prodded. “After all, Millwood Furniture is Doe Lake’s largest employer. It’s not like the company’s 75<sup>th</sup> anniversary celebration can be postponed. The factory’s open house has been publicized for month…”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>“Okay Ronnie, I’ll be there,” Claudia said without enthusiasm.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>“You’ll thank me tomorrow. I have some news that will lift your spirits,” I said to further entice her. “Sorry. No hints. See you in the morning at Millwood.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>I replaced the handset and thought, what bad luck Claudia had landing her first reporting job in a backwards town like Doe Lake. Although young and single like her, I had deliberately chosen to work in a dead-end town to hide from paparazzi and stalkers, no thanks to my infamous TV star mom, but I wasn’t stuck in Doe Lake forever. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>For once, I was glad I resembled my absent father more than my tabloid cover mom. No one in Doe Lake knew my true identity, not even Officer Braun, the town’s inquisitive cop. I understood Claudia’s attraction to Officer Braun. Fortunately, Robbie had backed off the second time I turned him down; resisting his charms hadn’t been easy.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Thankfully, my trust funds would be released on my 26<sup>th</sup> birthday that summer, then I could leave Doe Lake to pursue my own dreams. I intended to plant myself in a secluded cabin in New England and finish my novel. My departure would create a job opening at Millwood –a perfect opportunity for Claudia to advance her career - and perhaps her relationship with Robbie - once I was out of the way. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Saturday morning, I spotted Claudia’s purple Chevy alongside rusty cars and pickup trucks in the gravel lot at Millwood. She had arrived ahead of me, a good sign. I couldn’t wait to share my plans with Claudia - I knew she could be trusted with my secret. Rare sunshine thawed the recent snow. Splashing through the rutted lot, my Camaro was covered with mud. It was impossible to keep a car clean nine months out of 12 in rural Michigan, autumn being the exception.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Pete waved me on at the “Reserved” parking gate, saying, “Lookin’ good, Veronica.” Weekdays, he waited on tables at his mom’s restaurant, sweaty in a soiled apron. Nights and weekends, he doubled as a security guard at Millwood. Sporting a fresh uniform with an official “Security” patch on its pocket, Pete acted like he was God’s gift to women. despite my rebuffs, Pete hit on me at work, repeatedly like a moth battering a light bulb. I was forced to tolerate his clumsy advances for now, but not for long. I should warn Claudia in advance about Pete’s annoying overtures. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>After parking, I hunted for my friend. I expected Claudia would be photographing the crowd for the newspaper. I followed the aroma of juicy hot dogs and buttery popcorn to a tented outdoor pavilion. Children squealed in delight at the noisy blast from a helium tank. There she was, her 35mm camera focused on a group of youngsters clasping white balloons imprinted with a red “75.” <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>“Delightful,” Claudia said when she saw me. “This reminds me of my grade school carnival.” <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>“That’s cool,” I said. “I hope the fun will keep your mind off your worries. No bad news today.” <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Nodding to a group of hovering parents, I led Claudia away from the flock of children. Under my breath, I instructed her to “Smile for the brass,” as we walked to a set of tables up front reserved for the company’s big wigs.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>“First, let me introduce you to Mr. Reed, Millwood’s president.” Claudia stared up at Mr. Reed’s silver-haired head, oversized even in proportion to his prominent height. Mr. Reed offered his hand, but to my embarrassment Claudia appeared to ignore his gesture. I bumped her hip and she looked down. Too late, Millwood’s president had dropped his proffered palm. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>“Oops,” Claudia mumbled, realizing her slight. I suspected Claudia’s low vision was to blame for the oversight. She didn’t talk much about her limitation, but sometimes it was obvious.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>“Moving along…” I tugged on Claudia’s elbow and steered her to another table. “This is Keith Donaldson, Vice President of Sales, and Wil Roberts, vice president of Production.” I noticed Claudia raised her hand first this time to avoid further embarrassment. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Ahead, my nemesis approached, lean and mean in a tailored pencil skirt. Her hawk-like beak and predator’s glare might intimidate others at Millwood, but not me. I exaggerated my delight.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>“Oh, Claudia, please let me introduce you to Ms. Michelle Hamilton, Millwood’s Design Manager. She’s worked for the company longer than anyone.” <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Millwood’s bitch-in-residence turned her head and blew cigarette smoke over her shoulder, ignoring Claudia’s offer to shake. Michelle’s deliberate affront was nothing like my friend’s unintended slight earlier. Game on.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>“Michelle,” I drooled like a loyal puppy. “I was just telling Claudia how many different jobs you’ve held over the years at Millwood. Too bad you’ll have to compete against me for your next promotion. By the way, did I mention that Claudia is The Messenger’s new reporter?” <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Hamilton crushed her cigarette butt under the pointed toe of her high heel, and preened her feathered hair. I had known my friend’s press credentials would attract Michelle’s narcissistic need for attention. Narrowing her predator eyes at Claudia’s “Press” badge, she said, “Oh, y I see. Nice to meet Doe Lake’s new reporter.” Puckering wrinkled lips around a fresh cig, Michelle said, “Well Claudia, I <i>have</i> been with Millwood Furniture longer than Veronica, so I could better answer your questions about the company. Allow me to give you a personal tour.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>“No doing,” I pried Hamilton’s skeletal fingers off Claudia’s arm. “She’s my personal guest today. You’ll have to share your old stories with her another time.” <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>I whisked Claudia past the long line of visitors through a side door reserved for staff only. Inside the entry, Claudia stopped short. “Give me a minute to adjust to the dark,” she said. Dark? Elegant wall sconces illuminated the spacious lobby. Claudia removed her sunglasses and fished tissue from a pocket to clean her prescription lenses. I figured she was buying time for her pupils to enlarge. Glasses in place, she looked down, admiring the plush carpet under our feet. Impatient, I grabbed Claudia’s elbow and swept her through a double-door into a large office area. A sea of modular acoustic panels framed in oak and upholstered in hues of heather grey, maroon, and green, created a labyrinth of open plan workstations. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>“Meet “Wood-Flex, Millwood’s modular panel system,” I announced. “Each workstation can be configured and reconfigured easily over time to adapt as modern workspaces evolve.” <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>I demonstrated. “See? There are slide-out trays under the work surfaces for computer keyboards, and adjustable task lights mounted under the overhead cabinets eliminate the need for harsh ceiling fixtures. It’s easier on the eyes,” I added. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Speaking of eyes, the amazement in Claudia’s open-mouthed stare was obvious. “You should see the look on your face,” I teased.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>“This is unreal, Ronnie,” she said. “I've a feeling we're not in Kansas, I mean Michigan, anymore.” Spinning in a swivel chair, Claudia explained, “Six months ago, when I walked into the Messenger’s old office on Main Street, it was like I’d been transported back in time. Now, I feel like I’ve been propelled light years into the future.“ <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>“Into a galaxy far, far away,” I quipped a quote from the new Star Wars movie. “But wait. There’s more.” I pointed out a shared area housing a humming printer, copy machine, and facsimile machine. “Look. Conduits along the base of the panels conceal all the electrical cables. Nice and tidy.“ Next stop was the staff lounge. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Claudia oogled the cushy lounge chairs and occasional tables. “Look, Interior Design, a national trade publication for commercial designers and architects, recently photographed our offices for its cover.” I plucked a glossy magazine off a side table. “Common areas encourage casual conversation and collaboration,” I sat, knees crossed on a sofa, and quoted from the magazine article. “I worked with our PR firm in New York City for weeks to attract the eye of the magazine editors for this feature,” I said.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>You travel to New York City for business?”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>“Claudia, Millwood has showrooms in New York City, Chicago, and Los Angeles. I travel far and often, all on the company’s expense account. We stay at fancy hotels like the Waldorf Astoria and the Palmer House. I invite editors and public relation managers out to eat at the Four Seasons in Manhattan or Chez Panise in Berkeley, wherever they wants to dine. It’s marketing. A feature on one of our products in Architectural Digest is worth millions in sales for Millwood. In fact, I’ll be in New York City next week promoting the new seating line that Millwood will introduce at NEOCON in June.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>“NEO-who?”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>“NEOCON –the National Exposition of Contract Interior Furnishings. It’s a huge trade show held at the Merchandise Mart in Chicago each summer. Thousands of potential buyers flood the Mart. This year, Millwood is debuting a new line of ergonometric seating.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>“Ergo-what?”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>I flung myself into a task chair to demonstrate its adjustable controls. “Office seating should provide proper support and comfort to improve posture, maximize productivity, and minimize fatigue at work.” I spouted off the copy I’d written for Millwood’s catalog. “Ergonometric seating is engineered to adjust to a wide range of positions because individuals come in a wide range of sizes.” <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Claudia had opened her reporter’s pad and was feverishly taking notes. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>“I thought Millwood only manufactured traditional office furniture,” she said.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>“They do that, too. Let me show you. Millwood’s private offices showcase the executive product lines.” <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>I urged Claudia into a corner office. Sunlight from windows on two sides reflected off Mr. Reed’s executive desk crafted from deep red mahogany. I called Claudia’s attention to the desk’s waterfall edges inlaid with ebony. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>“Impressive. Talk about prestige and power,” Claudia whispered, tracing a finger along the polished surface.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>“That’s what it’s about,” I agreed. We walked along the wall of ‘big wig’ offices, stopping at every office to admire each distinct line of casegoods in walnut, oak, cherry, or mahogany. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>”Every collection includes single or double pedestal desks, matching credenzas, lateral file cabinets, bookcases, and meeting tables, not to mention seating,” I said. “Millwood Furniture can be found at top universities, medical centers, government offices, and the headquarters of Fortune 500 companies like A T & T and EXXON. “It’s pretty big business for a small town like Doe Lake.” <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>We entered a large conference room in the corner opposite Mr. Reed’s office. Custom note pads, coffee mugs, and pens imprinted with the Millwood logo were arranged in front of each high-back guest chair surrounding a massive walnut conference table. I continued my corporate communications speel. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>“Millwood managers negotiate large contracts with important clients in here,” I said. “That’s why commercial furniture is called contract furniture. It’s not like residential furniture that can be bought at Sears,” I explained. “Only authorized dealers can sell Millwood furniture. Contract furniture showrooms aren’t open to the public, only to trade professionals. Millwood promotes its product lines to architects and interior designers because they’re the ones who specify furniture for end users like banks and insurance companies.” <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>I paused, giving Claudia time to scribble notes.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>“Veronica, how do you keep track of it all?” she asked.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>“That’s part of my job. We photograph and catalog each product for our dealers and sales managers. Customer service reps input orders into a computer, and every item is tracked at each station along the factory floor until it’s loaded onto a truck at the shipping dock out back. There’s over 700,000 square feet of manufacturing space that you haven’t seen yet.” <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>I stopped outside a windowless office and pointed to a round oak work table. “You saw the ‘big wigs’ offices along the wall with windows. This is the ‘wanna be wall,” I said. Offices for middle managers like me, also known as ‘wanna-be’s, ‘are furnished with Millwood’s moderately priced product lines. Impressed?”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Claudia nodded appreciatively. I bounced into a brown suede office chair behind the table and, with the flourish of a hand, I invited Claudia to sit in one of the upholstered guest chairs. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>“Surprise! This is my office. Make yourself comfortable.” <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>I reached under the table for a cooler and produced two box lunches, each containing a fresh garden salad, hard roll, and gourmet chocolate chunk cookie. “Dig in.” The bottle of seltzer water fizzed when I twisted off the top for Claudia.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>“Wow, I am impressed,” Claudia said. “Corporate communications managers eat way better than reporters downing donuts walking a news beat.” <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>I enjoyed watching Claudia savor the catered food and special treatment. “Oh, this isn’t bad for a factory open house,” I bragged, “but at trade shows, Millwood hosts receptions with caviar, raw oysters, and champagne. Our customers are big spenders. If they’re considering purchasing Millwood’s top shelf products to furnish 50 floors of a high rise, you bet we wine and dine them before, during, and after the sale.” I paused, allowing Claudia time to digest her lunch, and the opportunity Millwood Furniture might offer her.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>“Let me close my office door,” I said, standing. “It’s time to tell you my news.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'># # #<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p></div></body></html>