Page 41 of Yes to The Holidays
“Odin, will you pass me that packet?” Eddie asked.
Odin slid a manilla folder to Eddie, and he handed it to me. My eyes darted between them. Shaky fingers pulled the folder open, and inside was a contract with my name and the words Chief Executive Office. My brain wasn’t processing all the words, so I closed the folder and put it on the table.
Picking up my bottle of water, I sipped several times and stared at the folder.
“Janie? What do you think?” Eddie asked as he lightly grabbed my shoulder.
I glanced at Odin. “You didn’t mention this at all. You want me torunyour company?”
He nodded. “Yes. I’ve spoken to all the directors several times, numerous employees, as well as Eddie and we agree you’re the right person for the job. And I think if you review the contract, you’ll be more than satisfied with the salary. But we can of course negotiate as needed.”
“I need some air, gentlemen.” I picked up the folder.
Eddie’s voice cracked a little. “Sure, have Tom look that over for you and get back to us. But Janie,” he said as I was opening the door to leave, “we hoped to make the announcement at the holiday party.”
I looked at them both before leaving without saying a word. Once in my office, I threw the folder down and walked to the floor-to-ceiling window, looking down over the city. My heart and mind raced a hundred miles a minute.
How could I accept this? How could I not? This would be even worse than before. Donald would have a field day. But I never thought I’d have the opportunity to become a CEO. I have a bachelor’s degree and not even fifteen years under my belt.
A knock on the door startled me. I took my seat before answering. “Come in.” I put my best calm face on. But it melted to a frown when Odin walked through the door.
“Janie, are you alright? I know this may seem like a big move, but really you already–”
“Why didn’t you say something?” I asked with a shrill voice.
Odin took a seat across from me. “I thought you’d be excited. You love this place and your staff. And everyone loves you. It just makes sense.”
“But you didn’t tell me you planned any of it and you didn’t even say you didn’t want to be involved.” I stood, throwing my hands up. “This will look terrible, Odin. Donald will lose his shit.”
“I don’t care about him. I care about you! I thought this would make you happy, Janie. I’d be out of the picture, you have a dream job, and we can be together. Why does this have to be a bad thing?”
“It just is! And now I feel like I’m being made to choose between this amazing opportunity and the man of my dreams and it’s not fucking fair! When will I catch a break! Why can’t this be easy?”
Tears finally burst from my eyes, and I turned, covering my face. Large hands covered my shoulders, but I pulled away.
“Janie, please. I will walk back into that room right now and tell Eddie I can’t buy this company, but I refuse to lose you.”
Wiping my cheeks, I said through shaky breaths, “No. You can’t do that to him. It’s practically done besides the arbitrary signing of papers. I just…I need time, Odin.”
He walked back to me, but he didn’t let me shake free this time. He leaned to my ear and the soft words vibrated through me. “You said yes to the holidays, and they’re not over, Janie. Please just breathe and let's go to my place to talk this over.”
I squeezed his hand, unsure if it would be the last time. “Odin, I’m sorry. But I need to be alone to think. Please keep your word to Eddie and sign the papers.” I let go of his hand, then grabbed my coat, bag, the folder, and ran out.
Chapter 22
Odin
Janie didn’t come to the office the last two days, and the holiday party was later that night. I tried to call and text her, but she was not responding. I even sent an interoffice email, and she had her out of office reply on.
I drove to the attorney’s office where we were completing our transaction Friday morning. Just like Janie said, it was merely the last bit of formality, but it was still necessary.
“Odin my boy, why so glum?” Eddie asked from the lobby as I entered. I put on a smile; it was a big day for him, and I didn’t want to sully it.
“Just not sleeping well, my friend. I’m ready to be home. Hotel living is not great for extended stays.”
We were escorted down a hall into a large conference room, much like the one at the company I was about to purchase. We all took our seats, and the lead attorney made introductions.
Eddie and I sat next to each other so we could pass the papers back and forth. The attorney explained each section, then he’d sign, then I’d sign. We did this for a fairly thick packet, then passed it back to the attorney, and he initialed each page, then signed the last few, and sealed the final. His assistant took it to make copies then came back and passed us each our packet.
