Page 2 of Mission: Merry Christmas
“The players have responded well,” Avery said. “They’ve been really committed to the plans I’ve put together for them. I’m proud of what we’ve been able to achieve in such a short time. The data shows a significant reduction in injuries already over last year.” She shifted the check to the other hand, its invisible strings tethering her excitement.
“I agree,” Tom said. “But I’m afraid I’m going to have to let you go.”
The check crinkled in her hand. “What? You can’t—”
“I can. That’s a generous severance.” His thick finger hung in the air, pointing at her.
“I built that wellness program from the ground up. Our clients are counting on me. You can’t just fire me.”
“Technically, I’m actually eliminating your position.”
She shrank back as each stinging word landed. “Eliminating?” She hadn’t expected this. Torn by conflicting emotions—confusion, anger, disbelief, and pity on him for thinking he could replace her so easily. Her mind spun, leaving her without a better response.
“I can. I just did, and technically, that wellness program and everything else you worked on under my employment belong to me. The legal team has confirmed that. You’re under contract to The Ware Agency, and that makes all of this intellectual property mine.” He pushed a document toward her. “It’s all here. You remember signing this non-compete, don’t you?”
She did. She’d have signed anything for the opportunity to build the wellness center. It had been her dream come true. “How can you do this? We’re friends.” In the polite way. Notrealfriends. “It’s almost Christmas.”
“So do a little shopping. Start celebrating early.”
Her mouth dropped open, but no words came out.
“You’ll land on your feet,” he said. “You’re that type. Just don’t mess with any of my clients. It’s in your contract. Of course, you know better.”
“I know better?” Her anger flared, but at this point, she wasn’t sure it even mattered.
“I’d hate to ruin our friendship with a lawsuit,” Tom said. “Take the check and turn your back on all the clients in my portfolio. I’ll make sure they get everything they need. No sloppy goodbyes. No contact at all. Understood?”
She couldn’t absorb anything he’d said after the point ofyour position was eliminated. Something more had to be driving this. He’d just handed her a huge amount of money. “This doesn’t make sense. I don’t understand where this is coming from.”
He stirred uneasily in his chair. “Violet and I are getting married on Christmas Eve in the Hamptons.”
“What does that have to do with me?”
“She’s not comfortable with our…past.”
She laughed. “We don’t have a past. What did you tell her?” Sure, they’d been to Paris for the Tour de France, the polo championships in Palermo, and the Super Bowl together. Even New Year’s in Times Square with clients, but none of that had been personal.
“Does it matter?” He shrugged, that smile turning more smug by the second. “The point is, removing you will make Violet happy, and frankly, I’ve already hired a replacement for about a third of what I’m paying you. Everything is running so smoothly; I doubt anyone will even notice you’re gone. We’ll just replicate the plans you’ve put in place for the new clients.”
“You can’t do that. Those programs are designed for the individual needs of the athletes. It’s not a one-size-fits-all.” She should let him just fumble the whole program, but her good intentions wouldn’t allow her to let it go.
“Not yours to worry about anymore.” He leaned back in his chair again.
She couldn’t help but wish, for one teensy second, he might topple over. “This is the thanks I get for helping you grow your business? When you hired me, you were just another sports agent struggling for the next big thing. Now, star athletes are coming tous.” She had to keep herself from wadding up that check and throwing it right at his smirking grin.
He checked his phone. Wishing she’d disappear, no doubt. “That check is thanks enough,” he said flatly.
She wondered how ironclad her contract was. Most non-competes weren’t worth much more than the paper they were printed on. She’d built a reputation in the sports world now. Surely, he couldn’t stop her from taking on clients if they contacted her directly. Or could he?
“Don’t cause a scene, Avery,” Tom said. “This is the way it has to be. Look at it this way. Now you have plenty of time and money to Christmas shop. Enjoy.”
The money was nice, but being out of work wasn’t how she’d planned to spend the holidays. She sighed. Tom was only in it for Tom. This shouldn’t surprise her.
“Merry Christmas.” She pasted a smile on her face, then turned and walked toward the door.Don’t be bitter. Just hold your chin up and walk out,she coached herself.
“Avery?”
She stopped but didn’t give him the satisfaction of turning back around.
