Then, in the final stretch, while I was away on a business trip, Cheryl made a unilateral decision. She handed full control to Douglas. Said it would be a good learning opportunity for the new guy.
The result? Critical details were altered. The client was furious. A rival firm swooped in and took the deal.
This was my childhood sweetheart. The girl I'd stood by for twenty years.
For the sake of an outsider, she could twist the truth this completely.
Douglas was clearly rattled, but he put on an earnest face and stepped closer to me.
"Mr. Dickerson, if I've done anything wrong, I sincerely apologize."
"We're all on the same team here. There's no need for things to get this ugly."
He was too close. I shoved him back on instinct.
I barely used any force, but Douglas stumbled backward several steps and crashed into the coffee table with a dull grunt.
"Drew! Have you lost your mind?"
Cheryl rushed to his side instantly, steadying him, her eyes blazing.
"You put your hands on him?" Her voice shook with fury. "Douglas has bent over backward to accommodate you, and this is what you do?"
"Is throwing tantrums the only thing you're good at?"