Diamond in the Rough Author:Jane Bierce Image consultant Penny Birch is hired to coach Miles Jacobs so he can represent Jacobs Brothers Camping Supplies Company at a series of trade shows. First, she has to find him. Miles resents any interruption in his development of breakthrough camping equipment, made even worse by his brother and partner Hal's apparent lack of faith in him. Conse... more »quently he immediately sets out to provoke Penny into leaving him alone by showing his worst side. Miles' resistance thaws when he visits with some of the men who work for the company, and learns that the company is in trouble financially. He can not let it fail; it is clear that Penny will have to go to Oklahoma City with him. While there, he has lunch with a longtime trade show acquaintance who tells him of the pride Hal expresses when he brags about Miles' work. With revived energy, Miles presses forward with determination, even pressing Penny into service. But back in Atlanta, she is horrified that her own partner has promised a college pal, a young man with money and political connections, a place in her company in return for operating capital. Not only is he in the office, but also in her apartment. Penny objects strenuously, and thinks she's heard enough about camping equipment to last her a lifetime. So why is she going to a camping show with Miles in Atlanta? To escape her own business disaster, or for another reason?« less