by Iona Rose
Coming Soon...
Chapter One
Grady
“Where’s your secretary?” Allen, my Chief Financing Officer, and my best friend for as long as I can remember, asks from my door.
I lift my head from the training development report I’m reviewing and look at him as he nonchalantly takes his seat at my table, and with furrowed brows, I move my gaze to the door. “Has she not arrived yet?”
“Nope.”
Irritation begins to simmer in the pit of my stomach.
“Wow,” he says. “You look murderous. Have you ever given her this look before?”
I release a heavy sigh. My annoyance at my secretary’s absence is beginning to boil over into anger. I put the report aside. My concentration is already shot to hell anyhow. “I need a new secretary.”
“We’ll get to that, but what I need you to do right now is to express your excitement at the Inc 500 ranking. We’re at number twenty-three. Twenty fucking three! Can you believe it? Just a few years ago we were at zero and pitching our business to anyone who would listen.”
“The list’s not officially out yet,” I say. “How did you find out?”
“Got a call from Scott, Inc’s editor-in chief.” He seems mighty pleased with himself. “He told me he was going to give you a call too.”
My gaze darkens once again as it returns to the door to my office. “He probably tried to, but she wasn’t at her desk.”
“Yikes,” Allen replies. “You really do need a new secretary, but you can’t fire her. She was my dad’s secretary.”
“If that’s the only fucking reason she’s still here, I’m screwed.”
“All right fire her then,” he says. “There must be lots of more qualified candidates in the company. My dad will understand. We’ve just received our billion dollar evaluation. It’s almost laughable that one of your problems is finding a proper secretary.”
“She’s not completely horrendous,” I reply, thinking of the stern man who had been my greatest mentor. It felt wrong to criticize any of his decisions.
He flashes a blinding grin at me and holds his arms apart. “You’ll actually be doing her a favor.”
I frown. “How so?”
“The only thing that’ll make her happy is finally getting a good acting role somewhere. She’s dying to do it, but she doesn’t have the guts. Pushing her off the ledge would be a blessing.”
“Hmmm...”
Just then, there’s a knock at the door. It is pushed open without the courtesy of waiting for my permission come in, and that clearly indicates who it is.
Mariam Stean walks in, my actress-in-waiting secretary.
I have to do a double take at her appearance. On her cheeks are patches of red with bold whiskers painted over them.
“I apologize, Sir,” she says with a smile. “My acting class had a production last night, and the paint has refused to come off. Most of it will be gone by the end of the day. Also, I apologize for coming in late. That IT security lady just dropped this off for you. She says you are expecting it?”
“You’re having wild nights, Mariam,” Allen teases.
She flashes a coy smile at him.
I, on the other hand, have no words for her. Thank God, I have no business meetings or clients coming in today. I accept the folder she hands to me and immediately pull it open and start looking down the row of sales figures. “Have you scheduled the outing with the Bloom executives for tomorrow?” I ask.
“I’ll get right on it, Sir,” she replies.
My head shoots upwards.
Before I can chastise her once again, for dragging her feet on such an incredibly important task, she turns around and hurries away.
“She sure knows how to escape, I’ll give her that.” Allen says.
I rub the back of my neck. “How’s it going with the baby?”
“Don’t ask,” he laments. “My entire last week was spent literally hands deep in shit, changing Alexa’s diapers, and trying my best to survive with the stack of disgusting almond flour waffles my wife left for us before she went on her trip.”
I smile as I resume my perusal of the training development report.
“I mean I’m not complaining,” he continues quickly. “I love my wife and daughter very much, but good Lord that kid can shit for England—”
“What does England have to do with it?” I ask amused. “Well, her maternal grandmother is English.”
“You need to get out more, man.”
He looks dreamily out of the window. “Yeah, somewhere, where there’s alcohol.”
“Do you want to come along to the meeting with Baron?”"
“Nah,” he says mournfully. “Alexa’s still recovering from her illness stunt last week so I’m on toddler duty while Meredith goes to Tampa for another business trip over the weekend.”
“You can’t call her illness a stunt.”
“That was exactly what it was. She threw tantrums no less than a dozen times, and during one of those she fell to the floor in tears. I just left her there. I got a beer, and turned the volume up on the TV to catch up on my game.”
My mouth falls open. “You’re joking.’
“I swear it. I’m not bringing up an entitled snowflake.”
I grin. “Yeah, right. How long did your nonchalance last?”
“Three minutes. The wife called to find out how we were doing and I couldn't let her hear the wailing child over the phone. Plus, my conscience was beginning to eat at me. So I calmed her down and called her back. After lying to her that we were doing great, she asked for another kid.”
I drop my document and burst out laughing. “So more dirty diapers then?”
He laughs heartily too and ends our little detour with his domestic tales.
“Will you go on your own for the meeting?” he asks.
“Yup.”
“I see why my dad was never worried about the company for even a second. We’re already this big and you’re still in the trenches. You love that grind, don’t you? As the CEO you’re meant to manage and leave all the grunt work to the lower guys, but here you are, still recruiting clients on your own.”
“The chase is thrilling.”
With a tap on my desk, he rises to his feet. “Maybe, but I can tell you of a much more thrilling pursuit.”
I don’t even bother asking. I return my attention to my document.
Of course, he speaks anyway, “A woman. That’s the greatest pursuit that man has been called to.”
“You’re an absurd human being,” I say, just as my phone begins to ring.
“I mean it,” he says.
“Hello,” I put the phone to my ear.
A few seconds go by as I listen to the man complain to me.
“I’ll call you back,” I say and end the call.
Allen is still watching me, especially at the deep frown on my face. “Mariam still hasn’t set it up, has she?”
“She really knows how to piss me off,” I hiss, and storm over to the door. I jerk the door open and walk out to the reception to find her on the phone.
She is cackling out loud with her feet on the table, and her forefinger twirling the curls in her hair. She immediately sits up when she sees us walk out. “Brenda, I’ll call you back,” she says, and clears her throat at my approach.
“You haven’t set the meeting up?” I ask quietly.
Her expression turns sheepish for a moment. “I’ll do it now. Sorry, I had to take a call.”
I lose my temper. “You’re fired. Pack your things and leave. Right now.”
The shock strikes her face like a hand slap. “W-what?”
Without answering her I turn around to leave.
“You can’t fire me,” she blurts out.
I stop for a moment to process her response, and then turn back to her. “Excuse me?”
“Mr. Canter owns a part of the company. He guaranteed that I’d always have a place here.”
I cock my head at her. “Which Mr. Canter
are you referring to? The one behind me right now, or the one who passed away some time ago?”
Her lips parts dramatically in distress. She really is a much better actress than she is a secretary.
“Mariam you can’t say that to him,” Allen states. “My father only passed fifteen percent on to me. He owns the rest.”
Her eyes fill with tears. “B-but, he promised I’d always have a place here.”
I walk back to her, the heat of my anger scorching the pit of my stomach. “Is that the reason why you’ve taken the liberty to be absolutely useless around here? We have a thousand employees to manage and you think this is a joke?”
“I gave this company ten years of my life. All I’m trying to do now is to—”
“Leave,” I growl. “Right now. Out of respect for Robert, I’ve given you more than enough chances and you’ve screwed up over and over again. I’m not going to take it anymore.”
Tears flow down her cheeks.
I turn away to return to my office.
After a few puffs of grief, she calls after me, “Fine, I’ll leave! I don’t need you. I don’t need this company. I have an audition tomorrow and I’ll make sure to ace it and everything else that comes my way. I’m going to be big, do you hear me? I’m going to be really big!”
“Good. Go do what you love and stop wasting your time here.” I slam the door to my office shut, and return to my desk.
A few seconds later, it reopens, and Allen stands at the entrance. “I guess now, you really need a new secretary, but don’t worry I’ll handle it personally,” he says. “Do you have anything in particular you need?”
“An ability to work hard. This is the last time I’ll ever keep a useless employee on out of sentiment.”
“Roger that.” He grins evilly. “I think I have the perfect candidate for you.” With that, he turns around, and takes his leave.
For a second. I wonder about that grin, then I lose myself in the report.
Chapter Two
Blair
“When are you going to find out?” I ask. “If the baby’s a boy or a girl?”
“In about two weeks,” Layne replies. “We have a visit scheduled for the 28th.”
“We? Matthew’s going to be around?”
“He will. He’ll be back from the oil field by then.”
“Nice,” I say and once again press my ear to her protruding belly. Suddenly, there’s is a slight movement against her skin and I scream.
“‘Blair!” Layne looks startled.
“‘They just moved. I mean he—or she.”
“Yeah,” my sister laughs. “They, or he or she moves from time to time.
“Oh, my God,” I squeal again.
She shakes her head and moves my hands away from her stomach. “I’m not having twins,” she says.
“I know.” I laugh. “I just lost it for a moment there. Oh, my God. I can’t wait to be an aunt.” My heart is racing in my chest.
“Well, I’m scared out of my mind,” she says as she heads over to the refrigerator to retrieve a carton of milk.
“Don’t be.” My voice softens at the worry in her tone. “You’re going be fine. Everything is going to be fine.”
She sighs as she opens the carton, her face away from me. “Yeah, but I’m scared of handling it alone.”
I return to my seat on one of the stools in the corner. “What do you mean alone? You have Matthew and you have me.”
“I have Mathew but Matthew’s not always here. And neither are you. You’re just in to visit for the weekend.”
My lips part to speak but I have nothing to say, so I give it all some thought. “Well, I could move. It’s not like I have anything holding me back in Texas. I just graduated, so all I’m doing now is looking for a job. And to be honest, I’d rather search for one here where I can be close to you than somewhere else random.”
She turns to me her, eyes sparkling at my words even though she tries not to show it. “Are you serious? Would you have any prospects here in Denver?”
“Layne, I have a degree in computer science. I think I’ll have a pretty good chance wherever I go.”
She thinks on the idea for a moment and then turns away. She pours herself some of the milk, and then downs it all at a go. “No,” she says as she wipes the corners of her mouth.
I’m not surprised at her response. I know exactly why she’s refusing my idea, and it warms my heart.
“This is the best time of your life,” she says. “I’m not going to let you squander it on me. Go out into the world and apply to wherever you want. You’ve always said that you wanted to try New York or somewhere in Europe? Do that.”
I sigh. “Layne, I’m not squandering anything on you. There are great opportunities here in Denver and rather than reside in some strange place where I won’t known anyone or have anyone, I’d rather be here with you. I’d be happier. That’s what you want, isn’t it? For me to be happy?”
She spins around to face me. “Of course it is.”
“Exactly. So, I’m going to increase my focus in applying to positions here in Denver. An exciting offer can come from anywhere but I’ll prioritize here.”
“No, prioritize your interest. I’ll be fine.”
My phone begins to ring so I roll my eyes at her and head over to where my purse was abandoned on her sofa. “We’ll be fine Layne, and I’ll be here for you. Stop overthinking everything.” I glance down at my phone, and am slightly taken aback that there is no caller ID.
I consider ignoring it, but then it occurs to me that it might be regarding one of the countless positions I have applied to. So I lift the phone to my ear. “Hello?”
“Hello,” a man’s voice comes through the receiver, smooth and strong. “‘Is this Blair Tatum?”
“Yes, this is Blair. Who am I speaking to?”
“Allen Canter. We met a couple of weeks ago at the job fair in the University of Texas,”
My heart fell into my stomach. “Allen Canter? The CFO of FireEye?”
“Yes, that is me. How are you doing?”
My airway constricts. “Um, I’m doing great ... Sir.” I’m not sure but I think I can feel his smile through the phone. When I met him a few weeks ago at the event, he had been open and friendly, so it is probably the same countenance that I’m projecting onto him now.
“I’m calling regarding a position that might be a fit for you. I remember the last time we met you spoke about your interest in cyber security and your experience during your internship at Zimperium.”
“Yes sir,” I reply, and turn around to glance at Layne.
She has her attention on me, surprised at my sudden formal tone.
Even I’m rattled, not exactly sure if this is some sort of courtesy call, or if I am now in an interview for a potential position. It’s 7pm on a Friday night, and if the latter is the case, I’m not at all prepared for this.
“I have an opening that I think you might be able to fill considerably well,” he continues. “Would you like to come in, so we can talk about it further?”
I become too nervous to remain still, so I begin to pace the living room, one hand underneath my elbow to support the weakened hand holding my phone. Most definitely sir.”
“Alright,” he says. “How soon can you make it to Denver?”
I clear my throat. “I’m already here, Sir. I’m visiting family.”
“That’s fantastic,” he replies. “How about we set up a meeting for Monday then? Sound good?
“Sounds great... sir.”
“Alright. You’ll be able to find your way to FireEye right? It’s downtown.”
“Most definitely sir.”
“Okay. I’ll slot you in for an appointment at 9am. Have a great weekend.”
“Sure. Thank you ... sir,” I respond. The call comes to an end and I pull the phone away from my ear as though in a trance.
“Who was that?” Layne asks.
I turn to her. “I just got an interview. Here in Denver.
”
“Oh, my God!” Her hand covers her mouth. “We were just talking about this. Where? I mean what company.”
“FireEye.”
“FireEye? I’ve never heard of it what do they do?”
“It’s a cyber security awareness company. It’s massive.”
“Wow, that’s great. You applied for it? What position are they interviewing you for?”
I head back to the stool to take my seat. “That’s the thing. I didn’t apply. I just met the CFO about two months ago at a job fair in school. I was still interning at Zimperium then, so I gave him my card.”
“And he kept it? You must have made quite the impression.”
“Absolutely not,” I replied. “I was a babbling idiot. I kept asking stupid questions and making the most awkward jokes, which now that I think about it, he did actually find quite funny. What is going on?”
Her smile is angelic. “The stars are aligning in our favor.” She rubs her stomach.
I couldn’t hold back my delight either. “Oh my God if I get a position there, I’m going to collapse. That’s a freaking unicorn company!”
“A what? Unicorn? I thought you said they’re in cybersecurity.”
I laughed at her naivety. “I don’t mean an actual unicorn. I mean they’re really successful-fairly new and privately owned and valued at a billion dollars. Companies like that are called unicorns because it’s so rare to be that successful within a short frame of time.”
Her eyes nearly bulge out of her sockets. “A billion dollars? Wow, that does sound massive.”
“Exactly. Wow... I’m shaking. It would be such a privilege to work there.”
“It does sounds like a great opportunity,” she agrees. “What position is he calling you in for?
“He didn’t say. All he did was set up a meeting for Monday. And oh my God, he’s the CFO... and he called me himself. His father founded the company along with the current CEO, and he called me himself. Not through personnel but directly.”
“Okay, calm down.” Layne laughs. “You’re hyperventilating.”
“I know but this is unreal,” I say, close to jumping out of my skin. Overwhelmed with emotion, I do realize I need to calm myself down, so I take deep breaths, and focus on reducing my excitement and subsequent nervousness.
