Not wishing to pursue the subject further, I gathered up a handful of proposals.
“Right now, I’ve got to go through these proposals a couple more times until I’ve got them straight in my mind.”
“What’s the problem? Just pick the best one and go with it.”
I grimaced bitterly.
“It’s not that easy. With some of these proposals, it’s like comparing apples and oranges. One offers an ongoing percentage of profits . . . another is quoting a high purchase price, but wants to pay in installments . . . there are a handful that are offering stock in other businesses in addition to cash . . . it’s just not that easy to decide which is actually the best offer.”
“Maybe I can help,” Bunny said, reaching for the stack of proposals. “I’ve had a fair amount of experience assessing offers.”
I put my hand on the stack, intercepting her.
“Thanks for the offer. Bunny, but I’d rather do it myself. If I’m going to be president, I’ve got to learn to quit relying on others. The only way I’ll learn to be self-reliant is to not indulge in depending on my staff.”
She slowly withdrew her hand, her eyes searching mine as if she weren’t sure she recognized me. I realized she was upset, but, reviewing what I had said, couldn’t find anything wrong with my position. Too tired to sort it out just then, I decided to change the subject.
“While you’re here, though, could you give me a quick briefing of what’s on the dockets for tomorrow? I’d like to clear the decks to work on this stuff if l can.”
Whatever was bothering her vanished as she became the efficient secretary again.