Page 4 of Faking It With My New Boss

“There are certain expectations for you in this company, Bryan. Obviously, your grandfather and father have built it up to a level that is the envy of the hospitality industry. As the CEO and majority stakeholder, you will be the shepherd for that reputation. As such, there are some things you should know about how things actually work on the level of administration,” he said. “Including one very special tradition that you will need to get a move on rather fast.”

“What’s that?” I asked.

“The upcoming charity fundraiser,” he said. “Known as the Callahan Charity Gala. Your grandfather started it many years ago, and it is the primary networking event of the season for the DC elite.”

“So, what, do I need to go shake hands with people?” I asked, unclear at what he was getting at.

“Well, yes,” he said. “But it’s more than that. You need to host the event. There is a lot to get done, and the planning and execution is solely your job.”

“What? Why?” I asked. “What does throwing a party has to do with running the company? Shouldn’t we just hire people to do that?”

Billy sighed. “Again, there are things you don’t quite understand. It’s not your fault, you weren’t groomed for this yet. Your father’s death was a bit earlier than we anticipated.”

“I know,” I said. “I certainly wasn’t planning on doing any of this right now. Especially throwing some dumb party.”

“It’s not a dumb party,” Billy said, his voice suddenly developing an edge. “It’s a huge source of referral and prestige for the company. And it is tradition that a Callahan man hosts it, dating back to your grandfather fifty years ago. Doing well with this will demonstrate you are a competent head of the company. If you fail…”

“If I fail, what?”

Billy shifted uncomfortably in his seat. “It would seem to make the rumors of your ability to lead this organization seem founded in reality,” he said. “Your grandfather has been very clear about how he plans on using his power as majority shareholder and how he plans on transferring that power. It is contingent on many things. You need to prove yourself, Bryan. Lest he cut you off and cut you out.”

I tried to contain the anger bubbling up in my chest. As much as I really didn’t particularly want this position, I didn’t want to be cut off either. Not having my family’s power or money to fall back on was not something I was prepared for in any way, shape or form.

I swallowed hard and nodded. “Fine,” I said. “I’ll throw the party. No problem.”

“Excellent,” Billy said, standing. “And should you need anything, I will be at my offices in Orlando. You can always send me a message and I will get back to you in a short time.”

He stood and crossed the room to me. I stood and shook his hand again. His free hand moved to my shoulder, and he shook me as if he was imparting deep wisdom and encouragement.

“I believe in you, Bryan. I see great things in your future,” he said.

“Thanks,” I said, releasing his hand and walking away. I wanted to prove myself to these people if nothing other than to wipe the smug look off Billy’s face. He lied when he said he believed in me. He wanted me to fail as much as anyone.

“Oh,” he said from behind me, just as I reached the door. I turned to look at him as he sat back down at the desk, my father’s painting looming over him. “I just wanted to say again, I am so sorry for your loss.”

I forced a thin smile.

“Me too,” I said, and walked out the door.

Chapter Three

Courtney

Listening to rain and thunder had always been one of my favorite ways to go to sleep. It always helped me relax and calmed my mind, even when I had a thousand thoughts running through it. That was why it seemed like a good sign when a few days after I moved into my little house the sky opened up just as I was climbing into bed.

The next day it was my interview and I knew I needed a good night's sleep in order to be at my best and impress the hiring manager of the company. I tucked myself into bed, closed my eyes, and concentrated on the soothing sounds of the storm outside. It definitely did the trick. In fact, it lulled me into such deep sleep I didn't notice when the electricity went out in the middle of the night.

Fun fact: alarm clocks often require electricity to work. And a cell phone alarm set as a backup doesn't do any good at all if it was on its charger just about dead when the power went out.

That was how my morning started out, with me opening my eyes feeling refreshed and well-rested, like everything was good in the world. For approximately 10 seconds. That was how long it took me to realize I overslept.

It wasn't by long, but just knowing I no longer had that half an hour threw me off and got my morning going on the wrong foot. Glad the electricity had come back at some point during the night, I threw myself into the shower and underwent the world's fastest bathing. That done, I grabbed the interview clothes I set out for myself the night before.

Vanessa always made fun of me for liking to lay out my clothes before going to bed. She said it reminded her of the first day of elementary school and color-coordinated outfits her mother chose for her. Not that those outfits ever actually made it out the front door. Vanessa was infamous for what I would compassionately refer to as a bold and innovative fashion sense as a young girl.

Thankfully she had overcome her deep devotion to neon DayGlo and garment layering that tested the boundaries of just how much cloth you could wrap around a human being and have them still capable of breathing.

Despite her discouragement, I liked planning my clothes, setting them out along with my shoes and accessories so I could be ready in the morning. It was something I learned in a life skills class in high school. It was meant to increase productivity and reduce stress by eliminating morning-time decisions. I just figured it bought me a few extra minutes in bed.

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