The Edge

"Do you know why Shirley will never be a Senior Account Manager?"

"No, why?"

"Because she's weak. She doesn't have that killer instinct like you and I do."

"I have a killer instinct?"

"You're not a pushover. I mean, come on. Have you ever seen her go for the big things? No. She is terrified of them. She'd rather do the smaller accounts because they're easier. That's her speed."

"Different strokes for different folks."

"...is exactly what weak people believe in."

"Excuse me? Are you saying I'm weak?"

"You're not listening to me. I said Shirley is weak. That's why you got the Senior position and she didn't. And she's been here longer than you have."

"Tenure was not a requirement."

"Yeah, but it should've counted for something. But it didn't. Not for her because she's not a go-getter."

"She looked really dejected this morning."

"Well, that's an improvement. At least that means it's bothering her somewhat. That she'll maybe do something differently next time."

"I kind of feel bad. She works hard, and she's extremely loyal to the company."

"Loyalty means jack. Smith made his decision based on what we all know you would bring to the position. I mean, I can't even imagine if Shirley had gotten the position. Christ! I don't want to imagine it."

"You know what? I have an idea."

"What?"

"I should take her under my wings. Teach her some techniques. Maybe ease her into handling big accounts in the future."

"Oh, like you're Obi-Wan all of a sudden? Forget it. I've tried. But when I had to give her some tough love, she cried."

"I've worked on a couple of accounts with her. I really think she has talent but just needs an extra push."

"You have got to be joking. She'll take you down with her."

"Success isn't without risks."

"Are you seriously telling me that you're willing to risk your reputation on her? You're out of your mind."

"What I'm saying is that we can't ignore her talents. I mean, she's brought a steady income stream to the company for the past ten years. That's gotta count for something."

"It didn't count when the time came for a promotion."

"I don't know if that's true. Look, I may have been the new guy in the firm but you know I've had years of experience with huge accounts. I had an edge. It doesn't make Shirley as grossly unqualified as you make her out to be."

"Whatever. I mean, I'm there for you, man. I've worked with her for two years and I know what's going to happen. But don't expect me to come running to rescue you from that ledge."

"Oh, that's nice of you."

"I'm just trying to be a friend here."

"Yeah, yeah."

"Come on, I'm hungry. Let's go to Chan's. I'm dying for some kung pao chicken."

"Chinese sounds great about now."

"Oh, and you're buying."

"Why am I not surprised?"



Co-Winner for 2/2 thru 2/6 Dialogue 500 Challenge
Prompt: In this week's prompt I'd like to see you define your characters through dialogue. What I'm looking for are entries that will show me what the characters are made up of simply by what they say. Not so much what they look like, but more of what they believe and why they believe it. It's kind of like we all have a moral code we live by, whether we're good people or bad. Show me your character's beliefs through what they say.
Word Count: 496