Promising? I felt sick at the thought of Maurice characterized as anything beyond a lowlife. “No, but even a firm like LBS can get it wrong. You and I both know this industry can be savage. People do anything to get to the top. Ari was just an example of the many people who’ve been used and hurt in this industry because of someone else’s ambitions.”
Riddle folded his arms across his chest. “You don’t get it, son.”
Robinson nodded in agreement. “Yes. While we certainly think Ari has elevated your work and that she’s a talented architect, we can see now that your friendship has clouded your judgment. And if you want to make partner, you don’t need that distraction.”
Distraction? The words swirled around my head until it registered: They were going to fire her. They had used her to get the stadium project and now, they were going to let her go.
I leaned across the table, anger flaring my nostrils. “Ari isn’t distracting me, sirs.”
“Do you want to make partner or not, Porter? That’s the real question,” countered Robinson.
I looked between the two men, bewildered. “Of course, I do. I also don’t want the firm to lose a good architect like Ari either. I mean, why did you hire her in the first place? Do you want her to sue you all?” I was hoping the threat of a lawsuit would take some of the wind out of their sails. My mind raced; I could call Todd. Even if he couldn’t take this case, Todd knew plenty of high-powered attorneys that would be biting at the chance to get a large settlement due to wrongful termination. Ari could beat this.
Riddle shifted uncomfortably in his seat, his glasses sliding down the bridge of his pointy nose. “Son, let’s not talk lawsuits. Besides, Porter, it’s no secret that your work lately had been, how shall I put this, uninspired. I thought someone as talented as Ms. James could bring something out of you design wise. And look! She did. Be thankful she’s elevated you to the top of your game. You’re a genuine contender for partner. This stadium on your résumé is the crown jewel.”
Then along comes Ari, to prop you up and make you save face. Shine you up…
My mouth went dry as I thought about Ari’s words. The vein in my neck throbbed as my fingers dug into the boardroom table. Basically, they hired Ari to be my “work fluffer” so they could seal this deal with the Serranos. They didn’t believe in my talent. They didn’t think I was good enough to do this on my own.
Robinson shifted in his seat, interrupting my thoughts. “Porter? Are you with us?”
I nodded, still in a haze of thoughts. “Is that all?”
Robinson scratched his receding hairline. “Porter, we think it’s best that you and Ms. James discontinue working together. It’ll give the appearance of impartiality if you become a partner. We’ll put her on other projects until we figure things out.”
Shit. They were going to ice her out. This was Riddle and Robinson’s tried-and-true tactic if they wanted to fire someone. They put those deemed unworthy on bullshit projects or gave them very little to do until the person quit or made the slightest mistake, which resulted in their termination. I didn’t want that for Ari.
I rose from my chair, having heard enough. “Sirs, Ari is a damn good architect. It would be a shame for this firm to lose her.”
“One that you’re willing to bet your career on?” asked Robinson.
I stood erect, buttoning my suit jacket, and smoothing out my tie. “I would.”
“Very well,” said Robinson. “We’ll be announcing the partnership decision at the groundbreaking. In the meantime, evaluate what’s important to you, Mr. Harrison. Women come and go, trust me. I’m working on wife number four.” He and Riddle let out dry chuckles. I felt my stomach working itself into knots. Ari was right all along. Men in our industry were colder, more callous than I could ever imagine they were. I was na?ve to think Riddle and Robinson would be any different.
I made my way toward the boardroom door, slamming it closed behind me. I walked the halls in a stupor, not sure of what I’d just heard or experienced back there. First Ari, and now this from the partners. It felt like the world as I knew it was fracturing. As I went to open my office door, Greer’s face appeared out of nowhere.
“Shit, man! What the fuck!” I yelled, startled at the hazy figure in a deep purple suit. Greer looked like a ridiculously tall walking eggplant.
Greer threw up his hands. “Sorry. I just came by to congratulate you.”