Page 64 of Stick to the Plan
She looks surprised, but not mad. “Don’t worry about it, darlin’. It would have been nice to have you here more often, but I knew it was only temporary. You’re still on the hook for speed dating, though!”
A hiss followed by a loud pop makes me jump. I look back to the bar, where Asher holds an open bottle of pink champagne. “This calls for a celebration.”
We smile and laugh as Asher fills flutes and hands them out. Excitedly, we talk about the future ahead. Nic wants to overhaul my entire closet with a newbadass boss bitchwardrobe. Her words. Anna is more concerned about finalizing plans for speed dating this week. All three of us end up sharing a late night of champagne and chatting. It’s perfect. The next phase of my life is falling into place.
Ilook around the small conference table in my new office. Six faces look back at me. The large screen on the wall shows a similar table surrounded by people and a few individual faces on the web meeting. They’re all waiting for me to speak.
No pressure.
The rest of the week has been a marathon of interviews and discussions with HR. Today is our first team meeting. This is the moment. Time to show everyone the boss I plan to be.
“Good morning and good afternoon. I’m thrilled to have you all here. As I’ve told each of you one to one, I personally selected this team. You are the best CAE has to offer, and together we’re going to develop products that change the world.”
Looking around the room, I pause on each face. Stan, Gabe, and Johnson’s familiar faces are all smiling at me encouragingly. With them sit two women - Tina Williams, who is a top-notch electrical engineer, and Laura Davis, who is a genius marketing lead. Rounding out the team of Dublin engineers on screen are Joe Fuentesfrom legal, and Jasmine Singh from data analytics. To my right sits my new assistant, Jay Smith, taking notes.
“We’ll start each week with a quick call to set priorities. At the end of the Dublin day, we’ll convene for a quick status check to review any issues. I expect full transparency. I can’t help if I don’t know where the problems are. You can expect the same from me. We will function as a separate organization from the rest of C.A.E. I care more about getting quality product out the door than dress codes and formalities. Recognizinghard work is important to me, so I created a bonus program based on the success of our products. Think of it like commissions or profit sharing. Any questions?”
Smiles and shaking heads meet my question. I take a deep breath to calm my pounding heart. So far, so good. “Excellent. Johnson, run us through the product proposals. Let’s pick our next winner.”
The next hour flies by as we review the ideas submitted by the Dublin team. We narrow it down to two potential products, and I break the group into two teams to create a more detailed pitch on each idea. “Thanks, team. Enjoy your weekend.”
The screen goes blank and everyone at the table packs up their things. I stand and bring my tablet back to my desk. Jay offers to get me a coffee and scoots out the door. I can easily get used to having an assistant. Gabe gives me a smile and a nod as he leaves, already discussing ideas with Tina. Johnson gives a little wave as he exits with Laura.
When Stan is the last one remaining, he steps closer. “Terrific meeting, boss lady. You made it where you belong.”
I perch on the edge of my desk with a heavy exhale. My bravado evaporates in an instant. “Thanks for taking this journey with me, Stan. You sure it doesn’t feel like a demotion?”
“Hell no. I’m making more money, get a flexible schedule so I can catch more of the kids’ school stuff, and less whiny staff. Wins all around. Plus, when we get the new location, I get to build my dream production line from scratch. Bree, this is my dream job.” With one more affectionate smile, he pats my arm and heads out the door.
I survey my new office in the executive wing. The operations staff worked fast, decorating to my tastes. A large modern painting of aquas and gold centers one wall over a large white credenza. Two aqua upholsteredchairs create a conversation zone on the opposite side of the mini conference area. I take in the entire effect and smile.
After the initial shock of the offer wore off, I worried I’d made the wrong decision. Walking into C.A.E. Tuesday morning had been shockingly easy. I received a warm welcome and congratulations from everyone I passed. My work friends, because let’s be honest, they become more than just coworkers, had jumped at the chance to join me. When word of my new team got out, the resume pile had exploded, and I had to turn away candidates. Everyone wants to be a part of the innovation department, but I have a vision.
There’s been no sign of Colin. That particular complication hadn’t occurred to me in the heat of the moment. I don’t mention him, and neither does anyone else. He’s apparently gone back to Ireland now that his mistress is behind bars. With a sigh, I close my eyes as my heart aches.
I miss him. The house feels colder, lonelier. Even Riley has been mopey lately. I’m still pissed as hell and hurt that he chose Rachel. It’s almost like he exists as two people in my mind. Colin the cheating asshole, and Colin the thoughtful live-in boyfriend.
I still have no idea how we got here. Maybe my no explanation policy wasn’t my best idea - it leaves no room for closure.
Jay comes bustling back into my office, a steaming ceramic tumbler in one hand. “Ms. Chance, you have a meeting with the board in ten minutes. The agenda is in your inbox.”
I smile at the man. He is extremely organized and comes highly recommended, but we are still breaking each other in a bit. “Thanks, Jay. Please call me Brianna, though. Can you please set up meetings with both pitch groups on Monday and Tuesday, and a call with the whole team on Wednesday? Hour each should besufficient.”
“Of course. I’ll get the notes from today out and set everything up while you’re in your meeting.”
Thanking him, I grab my tablet and coffee and head down the hall to the executive boardroom. Soon, the rest of the board gathers around the table, with Stefan at the head. “First, I’m happy to welcome Brianna Chance to her first board meeting. I’m looking forward to hearing how our new team is getting on. Second item, Terry plans to retire, and we are searching for a new Chief Technology Officer from within IS’s organization as we move forward with this merger. Now, let’s begin.”
Chapter forty-three
Speed Dating
Brianna
Ilook around Pop to make sure everything is perfect for Anna’s speed dating event. I’ve closed the back section and arranged ten mini tables in two lines of five, each with two seats. Each table has a laminated card of ice breaker questions, a votive candle, and a small bell. A long table for the snacks, drink tickets, registration list, and feedback forms sits to one side as you enter the space. Just one more inspection to make sure everything is perfect.
An arm drapes around my shoulders, and I turn to find Nic. “Looks awesome, Bree. This is going to be fabulous.” Nic’s voice is full of pride and excitement.
“Yea, Anna had a great idea.”
