Matt Davidson exited Adam Terrel's office, closed the heavy oak door behind him and awarded himself a mental high-five. Yes! He'd waited a long time for a chance like this, and he had full confidence in his creative ability to land the ARC account. Goodbye, cubicle-hellooo multi-windowed corner office. And hellooo promotion, raise, bonus and perks, too.

His mind already buzzing with ideas, he made his way toward the desk of Adam's secretary, Debra. Per Adam's instructions, Matt needed to get the number of Maxximum's travel agent from Debra, then book himself a room at Chateau Fontaine for this weekend. Adam had already arranged a suite for Jack Witherspoon at the Chateau-one of Long Island's most exclusive resorts, built on the property of the Fontaine Winery-the perfect place to schmooze wine aficionado Jack. Jack had even cleared his calendar for Monday, affording Matt an extra day to reel in his fish. Between the winery, the five-star restaurant, wine tastings, cigar bar, spa, indoor pool and luxurious rooms, Matt didn't doubt for a minute that ARC would sign with Maxximum.

When he arrived at her desk, Debra was on a call. She smiled, held up her index finger to indicate she'd only be a minute, then returned her attention to her computer screen. Matt nodded and leaned his back against the white marble pillar near Debra's desk. A cheerful holiday song lauding the joys of a winter wonderland filtered softly from the recessed stereo speakers. Casting his gaze around, Matt noted the blink of twinkling lights adorning the six-foot Christmas tree in the corner near the bank of windows, a colorful reminder that time was running short to complete his Christmas shopping. He still needed to pick up a DVD player for his sister and brother-in-law and a few stocking stuffers, but at least the Barbie Dream Mansion for his niece and the surprise he'd spent weeks planning for Mom and Dad were done deals.