Page 75 of Corporate Escapades

Chase opened the door and marched into the living room, taking a seat on the chair. “I like the music,” he praised. “It’s relaxing.”

“Yeah,” replied Vic. “I figured death metal wasn’t the way to go tonight.”

“From what I recall, you don’t even like death metal,” smirked Chase. “Here,” he said, handing him a travel cup. “It’s a Chai Latté. I thought you could use something with a little caffeine, but not quite as strong as a beer during our chat.”

“Thanks, I think?” He wasn't much into tea, but he’d give it a whirl since Chase had done something nice.

Chase shook his head like a disappointed parent. “All I’m saying is we need to get serious about your situation. It’s time to stick the landing, as they say in gymnastics. You’re running out of time.”

Vic nodded in agreement. “Oh, believe me, I get that.”

“Do you, Vic? There was a point when I thought you did, but here we are again.”

“I understand. I realize how serious things have gotten. This feels like rock-bottom, and I’m ready to move forward. I’m continuing to see my shrink. I’m committing to the company, and I realized something else.”

Cocking his head, Chase asked, “What’s that?”

“You, Paris, and Mya have become my closest friends. You don’t deserve to be treated with such disrespect.”

Chase beamed at him. “Man, you know, I’ve been waiting for you to recognize that for some time now.”

“I’ve let the pain of losing Brody impede my life for much too long. He was family and my closest friend. I’ve told Paris several times we need to move forward and that they’d want us to, but I haven’t done so myself.”

“Sometimes, out of the ashes, new and beautiful things can be born. You need only be open to them,” added Chase.

“Dude,” said Vic. “This is sounding pretty sappy.”

“Brother, get used to it. There’s a new B.F.F. in town,” laughed Chase.

Vic rolled his eyes. “Come on, I’m starved. Let’s get some food and figure out what needs to happen in order for me to reach, and maintain, my proper place within the company.”

It was six o’clock when Molly dropped off the papers Dom requested she deliver to Tom’s office. When she had arrived, thedoor was closed, so she knocked, but no one answered. Bending down, she shoved the file under the door. As she went to smooth her skirt and blouse, she heard a loud, high-pitched laugh come from within the office.

Moving over, she stood to the side and waited. The common area had emptied, aside from a couple of janitors running around sweeping and collecting trash bins. Her pause had been brief, but the wait began to payout.

“Thank God I’m done with her,” she heard Tom’s voice say. “She’s a train wreck.”

“What about him? Just pathetic,” replied the female voice. “He’s had so many chances.”

“I don’t think there’s any way they can meet their deadline, do you?” asked Tom.

“I doubt it.”

Molly scooted over to hear better, but as she did, her purse swung around and hit the wall.

“Did you hear that?” asked Tom.

Molly didn’t wait to find out if they came looking for her. She darted for the elevators.

Tom opened the door to his office and stuck his head out. There was no one in sight. Bending down, he picked up the file folder lying on the floor. It was from Dom’s office. “Dom’s secretary,” commented Tom. He didn’t know Molly was friendly with Mya and Paris.

“Anyway, I think if we keep working at it, we could be running this company in a few years’ time,” said Angela.

“I hope you’re right, and we aren’t going through all this bullshit for a damn rumor.”

“I’m telling you; I heard Mikel talking to Dom about retirement and naming their successors. We’ve got this in the bag.”

Once Molly was safely out of sight, she pulled her cellphone from her purse and dialed Mya’s number. Mya picked up after the first ring.

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