Just months before, she’d known exactly what there was to find. Her credentials and her reputation had been finely-crafted with great deliberation. But most of that had been through Helios. She hadn’t had the courage to see what was left since they fired her.
“The coalition website, that’s your work?”
“With the exception of some of the content that came from other members, yes. The design and set up are mine.”
“It’s been up less than two months, but it’s already well-ranked with steady traffic flow.”
Norah shrugged. “It’s my business to know how to launch things quickly and well.” Not that it had mattered in the end.
“But web work isn’t your real forte, is it?”
Where was he going with this? “I enjoy it, but no, that’s not what I’m known for.”
“Skyhawk Industries. New Zinta International. Terraquest. Infinitim Technologies. All fledgling or failing companies until you took the reins of their marketing campaigns.”
“You did do your homework.” Impressed, she enjoyed the tingle of pleasure at the professional approbation. No one here knew the true specifics of what she’d done for Helios. “While I was the senior marketing executive on those accounts, it isn’t fair to take all the credit when I didn’t do the work alone. I had a team of talented people.”
“You haven’t had that here.”
She frowned. “I wouldn’t say that. What I’ve been doing here is very different from the sort of work I usually do. The people I’ve worked with have different skill sets and strengths. That’s taken some adaptation.”
“The coalition wouldn’t have had the results it’s had without your leadership.”
“My leadership would’ve meant nothing without the buy-in of the locals. What exactly are you getting at, Mr. Peyton?”
“I wanted to make it clear that I know what you’re coming from. I recognize your professional acumen, and I respect the hell out of your capability. And for all those reasons, I want to offer you a job.”
Norah stopped walking. “What?”
“Let me back up a bit. I’m the CEO of Peyton Consolidated.” He paused, clearly waiting for some reaction. “I can see by the look on your face you aren’t familiar with the company. I won’t be offended by that. It’s part of why I need you.”
“What sort of company is it?”
“Historically, we were in the business of business.” Gerald gave a wry smile. “My daughter likened it to Richard Gere in Pretty Woman before Vivian worked her magic.”
“A chop shop. And now?”
“Now we build.”
“Build what exactly?”
“A little bit of everything. Hotels. Conference centers. And the last few years, we’ve branched into urban renewal and revitalization.”
“And you want…what exactly? A campaign for an upcoming project? A new concept for the overarching company?”
“I want you to come run my marketing department.”
Norah could only blink at him.
“There’s currently a staff of thirty, with the option to expand as the need arises.”
Run an entire marketing department for what had to be a multi-million dollar corporation. Was she dreaming?
“I realize this is coming completely out of left field and you’d need some time to consider it. To research my company. But I think we’d be a great fit for your talents.”
“Mr. Peyton—”
“Gerald, please.”