you’ll thank me later…

The new salesman has potential, given the right teacher. Goofy grins and rolled sleeves and nervous hands too close to his desk can be fixed - and he knows how to do it. He is determined that this will be his protégé (they’ll make an unstoppable team), because Michael is all well and good, but having the support of an inferior is all but crucial.

Jim is willing to learn, so he squares his shoulders and speaks clearly, hands gripping the paperwork. He lets the newbie stew in his own nervous energy until the parking lot is far behind them and they are finally standing in the cool lobby.

He allows one hand to brush his shoulder, “you’ll do fine, just follow my lead”, and their strategy works and it’s good to be in charge. He retrieves the tape from his pocket (“you can drive”), pushes it in firmly, and reveals a secret. “First sale, it’s unwise to start with something boosting - but maybe next time.”

A shrug means nothing, but everything worked out.