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As Christians in the marketplace we sometimes have to make fast decisions about where our loyalties lie. Fran is faced with having lunch alone with a powerful Vice President, presumably to talk about their strategy for landing a new large client.
Fran chooses a restaurant close to the office, with good food, but not heavy on atmosphere. She has this uncomfortable knot in her stomach about being alone with Jim in a non-business setting. As they are seated at their table, Fran says to Jesus, “Lord, stay close by. I may need some help before this luncheon is over.”
He whispers back, “Remember, your first allegiance is to me. Don’t be intimidated by his position, or allured by his charm.”
“Okay,” Fran replies with a questioning look. That sounded rather ominous.
After ordering, Jim turns to Fran. “I see from your personnel records that you are a single mom – a widow, I believe.”
“Yes, my husband was killed in an accident, Jim. But I have two wonderful children who make my life very full,” she answers, trying to steer the conversation in the right direction. She is aware that he hasn’t taken his eyes off of her, and again she feels very self-conscious.
“Well, you certainly have a promising future, Fran. Marilyn has told me of your excellent record and with your looks and personality – the sky’s the limit. I was very impressed with your knowledge of the Mitchell account.”
“Don’t be allured by his charm,” Jesus’ words ring in Fran’s ears. But it’s hard not to be, and Fran struggles to gain her composure.
“Thanks for the compliment on my work. I just hope we win,” she says as casually as possible.
“Oh, we will, Fran – we have to. The two of us together – how can Mitchell’s resist?” he says with another one of those smiles. “You and I will be working very closely together,” Jim says, with an emphasis on “very.”
Fran wiggles in her chair and looks toward Jesus, who is quietly taking it all in. “Change the subject,” he whispers to her.
“Well, how do you think we should structure the presentation? Do you want to take it all, or shall we divide it up?” she asks, again struggling to get control.
“Oh, I definitely want you to present most of this yourself, Fran. I’m sure the client would much rather look at you than me,” Jim replies, as he gives Fran another one of his disarming smiles. She can understand why he was good in sales; he oozes charm when he wants to.
Again Fran tries to change the tone of the conversation. “Well, Mitchell’s won’t be very impressed if I fall on my face. I’d like to get back to the office and get started on our presentation strategy, Jim.”
“Relax, Fran. We have time. We have all night if we need it – right?” Jim says to her, and the innuendo is not lost on Fran.
She turns to Jesus, “What have I gotten myself into?”
This business luncheon is turning into quite a problem for Fran.