He strode confidently into the library talking on his phone, and everyone looked up.

Unfazed by the group of stares, he continued to talk, browsing the first few aisles of books. Finally, a librarian hurriedly walked over to him and in unheard whispers told him that phone calls were prohibited in the library.

He rolled his eyes and said into the phone “I guess I should probably call you back.”

I was annoyed. I hate arrogant, entitled people who think they can do whatever they’d like whenever they’d like. But, I needed to push those thoughts out of my mind as I really needed to work on finishing my article.

“Focus,” I whispered under my breath.

I sat in the middle of the library in which a number of tables were available for people to work. I occupied a large table at the back, as I usually did. I didn’t like to be distracted by the opening and closing of the front door, people coming and going, checking out books at the front of the store making small talk with the librarians.

I couldn’t help but lose focus with Mr. Arrogant walking through the aisles. Everything about him seemed noisy and imposing. His large strides and heavy footfall, and the occasional “hmmm” or chuckle as he read the summaries on the back of each book he picked up.

As he slowly walked around the store, his arms filled with a number of books that interested him. He turned towards the tables and met my gaze before walking over to where I was sitting.

“Do you mind if I join you?” He said, a little smirk forming at the corner of his mouth.

“Sure,” I replied flatly.

Of course, this was just what I needed, the day before I’m supposed to submit my article.

“What are you working on?” he asked in his booming voice.

“If you use your inside voice, I’ll tell you.”

He paused, looking at me incredulously, as if I were the one breaking the rules in a library.

“Very well,” he said sarcastically, but quietly. In an even quieter whisper, barely audible, he asked again “what are you working on?”

“I’m writing an article that I’m trying to submit to a psychology journal. It’s a student competition for a small prize, and it’s due tomorrow.”

“Oh, very interesting,” he said, his voice beginning to return to its original volume. “Psychology, huh? So you can tell me all about why my childhood was messed up and help me be a better person and all that?”

“Shhh,” I reminded him. “Sure, I guess that’s part of what I do, but—“

“So tell me,” he interrupted, “if you know human behavior and stuff, what is the best way for me to close a business deal with a big company? I’ve got a big meeting next week, and I need to persuade this guy to come on as our client. How do I make a good impression—both in my presentation and non-verbally?”

What am I, his personal psychologist? I thought.

Frustrated by his interruption and the fact that he didn’t seem to care I had a pressing deadline, I took a deep breath and responded, “Well, take up space, which you seem to have no problem doing” I jabbed sarcastically.

His eyebrow cocked.

I continued, “Give him a firm handshake when he walks in, make lots of eye contact, and keep your presentation short and concise. Try to avoid filler words like “um” as they make you seem insecure or unprepared. And genuinely listen to questions he has. Rephrase them back to him so he knows you understand his concerns and then do your best to address exactly what they are rather than dancing around them.”

His eyes shifted down to the table and he nodded thoughtfully. “Hmmm, yeah that’s helpful. I’ve got a few books here about body language and business presentations that I’m planning to read this week, too. I might just be able to pull this off. . .” He trailed off.

“Are we done?” I asked. “I really need to get back to this.”

He looked back up at me, surprised that our conversation had ended so soon. “Only if I can have your number.” He smiled. “You are clearly intelligent, and beautiful I might add. Let me take you out to dinner.”

I don’t know why I was surprised by his directness at this point, but I was. He’s definitely not my type, but he is handsome. I ran through a few scenarios in my head and finally responded, “if you close the business deal next week, then yes. I’m here almost every day working, so you can come find me when you do. And if you don’t manage the deal, don’t bother.” A tiny smile broke out across my face.

Without skipping a beat, he said confidently “easy, challenge accepted. See you next week,” he smiled at me, turned on his heels, and confidently strode out the door.