The Storm (Fairhope) Read Online Free PDF

Company’s infamous gossip girl, was joining us.
    Why couldn’t it have been anyone but Brooke?
    Brooke, an associate in a separate division of the company, was notorious for causing trouble, but unarguably had a malicious talent for wooing men. When she was a home health rep, her competitors nicknamed her “The Viper.” Paranoid and vicious, Brooke would stop at nothing to get what she wanted. She beat Grace for sophomore Homecoming maid in college after rumors about Grace having “mental problems” looped around school. Two weeks before elections, Grace literally ran smack into Brooke after leaving the campus pharmacy, her full bottle of Lexapro splattering all over Brooke’s designer shoes.
    Needless to say, Brooke and I were never the best of friends.
    When I walked in to our meeting, there was no mistaking the tension that hung thickly in the air. Jeff grinned and waved me over, but Collin and Brooke both stared at me, expressionless.
    “Good to see you, Jana.” Brooke finally rose from her chair. Her soft curls were swept back into a low ponytail, a few gentle sprigs framing her pretty face. Her lips were painted a cherry red, her fake smile highlighting her blinding teeth, likely veneers courtesy of her rich daddy. When she hugged me, her hands were cold on my back. I shivered at their iciness through my thin scrubs.
    I tried to force out the uneasiness dwelling in the pit of my stomach.
    Collin didn’t smile at me. “Jana. Glad you could join us.” He didn’t sound very glad and made no effort to shake my hand.
    Although surrounded with a formidable air, Collin was lacking in the looks department, with a large freckled nose and beady black eyes. His olive complexion was sprinkled with breakouts, stripping away the expected attractiveness of anyone lucky enough to have that skin tone. He looked like he lived at the gym, and his body belonged in a wrestling arena, assisted with steroids bummed from the local police department (according to Gavin) in exchange for samples of erectile dysfunction medications stolen from doctors’ offices.
    “I’m glad to be here.” I smiled brightly at all three of them as I took my seat.
    I had carefully researched my new accounts, focusing on the surgeons who would ultimately move business. It appeared as if I had my work cut out for me.
    After Jeff casually welcomed us, we got right to business.
    Collin cleared his throat loudly. “Jana, I hope you will catch on quickly. No offense, but this is a mature territory. These surgeons expect exceptional work from Covington Company.”
    A bit stunned at his abrasive opening, I stalled with a sip of sugar-drenched sweet tea. “I have been an associate for years, and Chris trained me well.”
    Collin shrugged. “The jury’s still out. We’ll see.”
    My mouth dropped a little. Did he just say that? Two President’s Club wins in my arsenal, and the jury was “still out”?
    I decided to ignore his negative attitude. “I’m looking forward to meeting my new customers.”
    Reluctantly, Collin tossed me a packet that contained information about them—their schedules, nurses’ names, and sparse information showcasing his knowledge about their decision-making processes.
    “I’m surprised you did not ask for a little direction. I thought you could use this to help you get a jump start.”
    What the…?
    I looked at him, confused. “I asked for information on our surgeons a few weeks ago, actually. You may not have received my email.”
    He shook his head. “Um, no, I didn’t get any email from you.”
    Was it my imagination, or was he trying to paint me as unprepared?
    I decided to give him the benefit of the doubt. Maybe it landed in his junk mail.
    “This is great.” I forced an enthusiastic smile, feeling for the crinkles on the sides of my eyes so I knew it would look real. “This will be helpful.”
    “I’m used to servicing my customers when they need something. Figuring out our schedules and case load will be