1. Create new marketing scorecard
2. Get familiar with global campaign cookbook for Portals 8
3. Meet and greet with all regional digital marketing leads (Kyle being one of them)
4. Update new scorecard with latest region status
“Well, I could help you with the scorecard if you like,” he offered eagerly. “I could also show you the Portals 8 US cookbook.”
I knew this was totally within his scope of work, but his eagerness suggested that he was offering for more than just professional reasons. Mia was standing behind Kyle, overheard his offer of assistance and could barely contain her excitement. Her visual reaction made it clear to me that she thought Kyle’s offer was more than just a kind gesture. I was so relieved Kyle couldn’t see her face right now. She looked at me with encouragement, urging me with her eyes to agree. I ignored her, much to her disappointment.
Instead, I replied, “Oh that’s really sweet of you, Kyle, to offer, but I’m going to take a stab at it first on my own.”
I could see the subtle disappointment in his eyes, though he kept his smile intact. Mia’s eyes bugged out, while throwing her hands up in the air. Matt took it all in stride. I figured he was used to this. I pretended not to notice by focusing on Kyle and my need to explain further. “I need to get a draft done by Monday, and I can’t ask you to give up a day on your weekend.”
“Well, I’m happy to help. Just let me know,” he insisted.
“Thanks, I will.” I gave him a small smile to show him my gratitude for offering, but not so much that he might get the wrong impression.
The hostess near the entrance of the bar called Matt’s name; our table was ready. It was a beautiful summer evening, so we were seated outside on the back deck. Even though the sun was still partially out, the breeze was picking up and a light chill was in the air. It was comforting to have the heat lamps next to the table warm me up. As we situated ourselves in our seats and looked at the menu, I couldn’t help feeling like we were on a double date. The view was stunning and the sunset was all different colors of orange, red, and yellow. The Olympic Mountains in the distance were pristine and breathtaking behind the glistening Puget Sound.
“So what do you think of Catherine?” Kyle asked.
“She seems cool.” I paused to think through my first week assessment of Catherine. “She’s pretty intense, too. She seems to be all business most of the time.”
“Yeah, I agree,” Kyle added. “She’s pretty hardcore. I mean, I know people are different outside of work and all, but I have a hard time visualizing her going out and having fun.” He grimaced. “The truth is, she sort of intimidates me,” he admitted.
“Really?” Mia asked, surprised. “I think she’s actually quite personable. Maybe you just have to get to know her; get past the professional facade.”
Kyle looked unconvinced. “Yeah, maybe.”
“Well, I didn’t join her team to become her best friend,” I added. “She seems really good at what she does. She’s well-respected and I think I can learn a lot from her.”
“Fair enough,” said Kyle.
Matt pounded his beer bottle down on the table, startling me. “Enough!” he decreed. “No more Megasoft talk. It is officially the weekend.” Matt worked for a startup company in Pioneer Square. I’m sure he frequently got sick of all the MS talk.
“Here, here!” Kyle nodded and Mia and I repeated the chorus, clinking our drinks together in agreement.
Over the next hour, I learned that Kyle was a music buff. He went to Coachella this past spring with Matt and some of their other buddies. I always wanted to go, so I asked more questions, curious about their trip. I listened attentively as he told stories about the great music, the sweltering heat that week, and some of the crazy people that always seemed to attend those sorts of large events. I watched his boyish smile and admired his obvious passion for the music. Kyle played both the guitar and piano, but never took it farther than performing at parties in college.
I almost wished I had gotten to know Kyle first, before I met Ryan; he was that really cool guy that a lot of girls could totally fall in love with. He was tall with a lean, athletic body. His hair was light brown, almost auburn, and fell slightly over his warm, soulful green eyes. He was attractive, intelligent, funny, and charismatic. I don’t think Kyle had any idea, though, and that just made him more adorable. He was humble and a little shy, too. I knew he was from Indiana and moved out here for school; anyone could tell he never lost his wholesome Midwestern values. At work, I’d seen him carry his laptop in a messenger bag over his head and one shoulder. He was a jeans, Converse, and vintage rock band t-shirt sort of guy, and his t-shirts always had cool themes on them or showed his love of music. Today his shirt featured The Pixies.