The Comeback Read Online Free PDF Page A

her staff was that she got tough equally fast, and she didn’t necessarily wait for a private moment. “I appointed you to manage Zack because you assured me you could keep him in line.”
    And because no one else wanted the job. Gaby knew better than to try to deflect the criticism. Aware of Kylie’s and Anita’s sympathetic glances, she said, “Zack’s not an easy client, Sandra—you’ve lost two account managers thanks to his acting out, and two others only stayed at the company on the basis they wouldn’t have to work with him. Did you expect me to have a handle on him after only a few days?”
    Sandra looked surprised to be challenged. “Perhaps not,” she conceded. “But I’d expect to see some of your influence in this article. Instead, I see a driver with a chip on his shoulder and no self-restraint.” She leaned back and rubbed her abdomen, as if the baby was kicking in protest at the bad job Gaby had done. “Rob Hudson at Getaway phoned me to express his disappointment.”
    If Gaby hadn’t known how serious it was to have a sponsor complain about her, Kylie’s indrawn breath would have filled her in.
    The plane lurched, buffeted by a sudden gust of wind, and nausea churned in Gaby’s stomach. “You know I did a good job for Trey Sanford.” Her previous client had been a dream to work with. Complications in his personal life had kept her on her toes, but Trey’s sound media instincts had made them an effective team.
    “You did, which gives me some hope. But I’d like to hear your plans for doing things differently with Zack,” Sandra said. “So would Rob.”
    “As a driver, Zack has moments of sheer genius, but they’re outweighed by moments of impulsiveness,” Gaby began.Watching the footage of the past few races, she’d been mystified by Zack’s habit of suddenly blowing a strong position. It didn’t fit with the coolly controlled man she knew. “If he could cut back the impulses and play up the genius…” She trailed off. The best PR plan in the world wouldn’t help him do that. “I believe he’s the same off the track,” she continued. “We need to harness the genius, get rid of the impulse, in his media appearances.”
    “No easy task.” Sandra didn’t sound quite as mad as she had a few minutes earlier. Gaby breathed a little easier.
    “Have you thought about putting him in the Bachelor of the Year contest?” Sandra asked. “Bart’s getting a lot of publicity out of that.”
    “I suggested the contest, but he won’t do it.” Gaby realized her error as her boss frowned. “Even if he would, I couldn’t trust him not to do more harm than good to his reputation.” Great, why didn’t she just shoot herself in both feet?
    “What I’m hearing,” Sandra said, “is you’re not strong enough to convince Zack of what’s in his best interest.”
    Kylie and Anita traded knowing glances, glances that said, She won’t get the top job.
    Everyone in the company knew Gaby had turned down a promotion last year under pressure from her fiancé at the time. This time around, she’d been running from behind from the start.
    “Ladies,” Sandra said, addressing Gaby’s colleagues, “why don’t you join Taney for a while?”
    There was a flurry of activity while the other women gathered up their bags and drinks and headed to the TV nook. Taney looked surprised to see them; then he directed an understanding look at his wife.
    Gaby, alone now with her boss, tugged her seat belt tighter.
    “Gaby…” Sandra’s hesitation was uncharacteristic. “Are you seeing anyone at the moment?”
    “Seeing…you mean dating? ” Gaby stared at her.
    “It’s just, you told me you would do what it took to get thispromotion,” Sandra said. “You’re not delivering, which isn’t like you. I wondered if maybe you’re…distracted.”
    “Even if I was seeing someone, which I’m not, I wouldn’t let that happen again,” Gaby said. “My job is my number one priority, and I’ve