Fight to the Top

by S. L. Gape

  “Good day ma’am, can I ask what the problem was here? Why you remained stationary?” he said.

  Georgia genuinely felt like she was going to cry, so she took in a deep breath trying to contain herself. “I’m sorry officer, I don’t know what was wrong with those people, I was stationary because it was on red. Obviously, you couldn’t see that, but that’s why I wasn’t moving,” she sighed.

  The policeman removed his helmet and glasses, smiling to her. “You’re from England, right?” he said kindly.

  “Yes, unfortunately.”

  “Unfortunately, you’re from the UK? How so? I love it there.”

  “Oh gosh, not unfortunately that I’m from the UK. Unfortunately, I’m here instead of there now.”

  “Wow, and here’s me thinking we were one of the nicest states here in Texas. So, what’s got you so down on us here? Aside from not knowing the rules of the road?” he smirked.

  “The rules of the road? What do you mean?”

  “Well, I did see the light was on red, it wasn’t missed,” he said again. “However, over here you can go on red.”

  “What the hell? Sorry,” she sighed, massaging her temple. “Then what’s the point of having traffic lights, if you can go on red? Can you go on amber too?” she said confused.

  “No no, sorry, let me explain. So, you can’t go on every red, however, if you are ever in the right-hand lane, you can turn right on a red,” he said smiling.

  “Right, so basically, they were all pissed off with me because I was holding them up, as I was turning, right? So, I didn’t actually need to wait?”

  “Exactly.”

  “That’s pretty stupid,” she said, scratching her head.

  “Maybe so, but it’s a great deal simpler than those awful…oh, what do you guys call them again? Oh, a round-a-bout. Now that’s pretty darn stoopid,” he said with a long drawl.

  “Not really. They’re pretty easy, you give way to the right. So, am I going to get arrested or a penalty or something? Sorry to be rude, but I’m trying to find…” she stopped and looked at her sat nav again. “Walmart, to get some shopping before I have to drive to Houston to start work.”

  “Wow, you have moved over here.”

  “Well, yes, no. I don’t think so. I think I may just quit it all and go home,” she said sadly. “Sorry, I don’t know why I just told you all of that.”

  “So, things really aren’t so great for y’all? When did you arrive?”“Yesterday,” she sighed.

  “Sheesh, us Texans done a real number on you, huh? Listen, it’s a pretty cool place, amazing things to see and do. People are actually genuinely nice. Give it a while, don’t go just yet. And in answer to your question, you won’t be arrested nor will you get a ticket or penalty. However, I suggest you try this,” he said, handing her a card. “Give this here number a call, you can have a few drivers ed. classes, just to give you the confidence on our roads. They are far bigger and more intense than probably what you are used to. More so if you are going to be travelling into Houston in rush hour each day.”

  “Thank you. Seriously, you have no idea how much that means to me.” She smiled sadly.

  He looked at his watch. “Look it’s fairly quiet on shift, follow me. I’ll take you to the grocery store and leave you there. At least that way, you can see what I do on the roads. Call it a little bit of extra help, especially if you are going to be driving into Houston this morning.”

  “Do you help everybody this much or just us Brits?” she questioned.

  “Listen, you’ll be fine, come on follow me.”

  She threw the card onto the passenger seat and started the car again, doing as she was told, and followed the policeman the short distance to the supermarket.

  Chapter Thirty-One

  Georgia walked up to the receptionist of the building, telling them she was new to the company effective today. The smiley young woman gave her a temporary pass and advised her to get a parking and building pass from her employer. Thanking the girl, Georgia got in the elevator to her new office, with a small sigh.

  “Hi, um, good morning?” Georgia said to the company receptionist.

  “Hey, you must be Ms. Carson, pleased to meet you. Mike has been waiting for you. If you give me a second I’ll get someone to take you up,” she said happily.

  “Yes, um, that’s me; well actually, it’s Georgia, nice to meet you too. Great thanks.” She smiled, taking in the surroundings. A few minutes later a young guy was in reception, “Ms Carson, follow me,” he said abruptly.

  The guy didn’t say a single word as he marched her down the office, stomping along the way. Everyone was looking around and whispering, clearly they would have known the situation now. It still didn’t make it any easier, but what annoyed her the most was normally stuff like this wouldn’t matter to her in any way, shape or form; so why the hell was she bothered now?

  He walked her into an office with Erika and a gentleman, whom she could only assume was Mike.

  “Thanks, Tim,” Erika said.

  “No worries, boss,” he said, smiling and putting extra emphasis on the final word.

  Of course, that explains it all, she thought.

  “Hey, Georgia. How are you? Nice to meet you at last, I have heard great things about you,” he smiled warmly. “I hope you are very happy here. I know it’s not the position you wanted to be in, but I think you can do exceptional things over here, alongside Erika,” he said softly. “I must say, I’m surprised you are here so early. I figured you would have wanted to get some stuff sorted this morning,” he said confused, scratching his head.

  “Well, when I was issued my car keys and post code last night, I was told I start work at 9am and to leave at approximately 8am to get here on time. However, on the contrary, the time difference is playing havoc with me. So, I’ve been up since stupid o’clock, had a swim, learnt to drive, badly, I shall say, given that I was pulled over by a policeman. However, I did also manage to go and do a large shop, so that when I return to the house this evening, I can open a very large bottle of wine, without having to worry about getting a…sorry, Erika, what was it called again? A DUI?” she said snappily, noticing the concern on Mikes face.

  “You got pulled over by a cop?”

  “Yes, I didn’t quite have a chance to mention it yesterday, but I live and work in a major city in the UK, so I’ve not actually had a car for the last 3 years. Additionally, nobody forewarned me that when you are turning right at traffic lights you can go on a red light. Seemingly, the citizens of Texas aren’t so happy when they are waiting to turn right and some dumb blond is stationary at the red light,” she said pointedly.

  “Look, Georgia, I’m so incredibly sorry. I should have…” he rubbed his temples. He reminded her of Derek, and she recalled the conversation with him, about the reason that this all came about. “Sorry, I should have come and collected you myself. I can only apologise, that you have suffered such an unwelcome arrival. I want to go through a few bits and pieces with the two of you together; however, I have now changed my mind from my initial thoughts, given the information I have just been issued. As such, I suggest we have a short meeting with the three of us now to discuss expectations and moving forward, any questions either of you may have, will be addressed this morning and in this forum. Once we are done, I will take you back Georgia and we will have our meeting in a restaurant close to your house and go through everything there; that way it will give you an opportunity to have an earlier finish and a chance to relax with that large bottle of wine. Believe it or not, there are a large number of people that are excited by your arrival,” he said sincerely.

  “Doubtful, but thank you that is very kind. However, I am happy to continue with your initial thoughts, I don’t need special treatment.”

  “Believe me, this isn’t special treatment. Come on, I’ll give you a tour of the office, Erika, would you mind asking Tim to make some tea and coffee, and bring it into the room; w
e’ll be back in around thirty minutes,” he said, directing Georgia out of the room.

  ***

  Georgia pulled onto her drive and quickly threw the laptop she had been issued into the house, locked the door and ran back down to Mike’s waiting car.

  “Thanks for this,” she said as she got in, putting the folder on the floor whilst she put her seatbelt on.

  “Listen to me, I’m not going to insult your intelligence by saying it’s not normally like this, or it will get better. Honestly, she’s pissed and I don’t know it will. But equally, you are a senior director and paid a lot of money to deal with the crap; and by all accounts are a bigger ball buster than Derek. So, try not to worry, and if anyone gives you shit, you call me. Erika is a wonderful person, believe it or not, and like you she is a credit to the business. I am confident when you guys get past this, you will make a fabulous team,” he said.

  “You remind me of Derek. But actually, what makes you think that we are going to get through this? Because honestly, Mike, I’m truthfully thinking it was a complete waste of my time.”

  “Okay, hold that thought,” he said, paying attention to the road, and pulling into a lone restaurant, bar and grill. He parked the car and pointed to the restaurant, “come on, this calls for some decent food and a scotch or two.” He smiled.

  Georgia genuinely liked Mike. He was very much like Derek, which she’d established already. But in a matter of hours only, he had taken her under his wing. The problem was, it was completely apparent that he had been the same with Erika, which could only spell disaster if she started to notice this. Arggghhhh, why am I in this shitty situation? she thought, as she walked through the door that Mike was opening for her.

  “Hey, Mike. You’re usual?” the waitress said to him.

  “Normal seat. Could you give us five and then come check in? I’ll have my normal, but I have a new friend today, from England no less, so let’s give her a chance to look?”

  “No problem, Mike. Hi, nice to meet you, I’m Amy and I’ll be your server.” She smiled widely.

  “Wow, you’re in the know ehy?”

  He laughed heavily, “Yeah you could say that. I own the place,” he said softly.

  “Wow, bloody hell and you’re CEO too?”

  “Well kinda, I’m kinda semi-retired, hence why we have the likes of you ‘whipper snappers’ managing things pretty darn well. Anyway, enough about that. Frstly, check out the drinks and food. The wings are awesome here, if I do say so myself. Same with the burnt ends, oh and the brisket sandwich, the jus that comes with it, seriously, you won’t find better around.” He smiled. “So…”

  “Sorry, can I just stop you a moment?”

  “Yes of course, what’s up?”

  “What’s a burnt end?”

  “What’s a burnt end? Honey, when you try this stuff, you aint ever gonna leave. Amy, come here,” he shouted over to the waitress.

  Amy arrived and placed a drink down in front of him. “One scotch on the rocks. So, what would you like?”

  “Well, before we get to that, this here lady has not only never tried burnt ends, but has never heard of them,” he said.

  “For reeeaaal…oh boy, she sure is in for a treat.”

  “Yup, so while she is deciding on a drink to have, can you bring us a mixture of some of our favourites and some of the most American and/or Texan we got? We gotta show this girl how we do things in the south. Once you’ve placed the order, come back, and Georgia will be ready to order a drink,” he said enthusiastically.

  ***

  “I mean, I’m not even being funny. I couldn’t stay just for the simple fact I’d never fit through a door again, because that was the best food ever. Albeit, I can’t wait to get out for a run tonight. Bloody hell, that was amazing.”

  Mike laughed, leaning back in his chair. “I do love the way you Brits say, ‘bloody hell’, so posh,” he chuckled. “Anyways, I’m glad you have enjoyed the best joint in Texas,” he said, extending his arms. “Right, back to business. As I was saying earlier. Erika isn’t this person you are seeing now, but equally, like you, this isn’t what she was ever told was a possibility, or was ever in the cards,” he sighed. “Listen, Georgia, I can’t tell you not to go home, although I wish I could. I’m also not going to lie and say Derek and I didn’t purposely go all out with the nice house and swimming pool, despite my learning of you not being maybe, so materialistic. But honestly, please give it a chance. For us? I won’t have anyone making you feel bad, so if you are made to feel that way you let me know, and I’ll be hauling their asses in quicker than you can say UK. But equally, please have some faith in us over here,” he said sincerely.

  “I’m not promising anything. You’re right, I don’t mess about, because life’s too short. But I’m not about to get taken for a fool and made to feel like shit. I don’t wanna be here anymore than she wants me to be here, but I don’t think we’re any closer to being the awesome duo that you two seemed to think we would be. If that guy was anything to go by today, they are all very much allegiant to her, so in terms of making it work? I don’t really think it’s me you need to be having this conversation with,” she said dryly.

  “I know, I know. And I will, I can assure you. I see some amazing things, so I’m not going to leave it. I’m not making excuses, and this is in the strictest confidence, but Erika is having some problems at home. She and Dan are having some issues, potentially divorcing, which will mean that Erika will be a single mom and have a career that hasn’t quite worked out as planned and a five-year-old in tow,” he said seriously.

  “Right okay. Well, I’ll keep that in mind the next time she’s being awful to me,” she said, sounding like a teenager. “I will ensure that it remains confidential.”

  Chapter Thirty-Two

  Georgia got home and showered, happy that she’d managed to avoid the rush hour traffic. It was actually not too bad this morning, but the policeman was right, she could really do with a few lessons first. Which was pretty great as Mike had arranged for someone who lived close by to give her a lift this week, so she could arrange some driving lessons hopefully this weekend.

  It was quite a good afternoon actually, she had had a real heart to heart with Mike and he genuinely made her feel better. Now all she needed to do was stop overthinking about the whole Erika situation. That would be a lot easier said than done.

  Georgia looked around at all the goodies she had bought that morning, and unfortunately wasn’t able to unpack them, so she began with the stuff in the fridge and started compartmentalising it all. Everything was so big, there’s no way she would need to shop for a good month. The portions were horrendously big, even for just one person, which meant she was able to separate and freeze them all. She would invite Emily over one night for a barbecue, or a pizza to test out her toys in the back garden too she thought.

  Georgia finished sorting the food, and decided to go see Emily. She found a home for her nutribullet and fresh juicer, and looked around her huge kitchen. She was all set, she thought to herself, feeling somewhat pleased. The lunch that Mike had served was incredible, but she definitely couldn’t keep eating like that. Especially as when she returned she was still too full to go for a run. She made the most of the quiet time before she was going full steam ahead again. She checked the time, realizing she still hadn’t called Julia. She’d text her and if she was still up, then she’d give her a quick call.

  ***

  Georgia got off the phone to Jules almost an hour later, having filled her in on the day’s events. She was positive, and between her and Mike she was finding a little bit more of her fighting spirit lighting her up again. She could do this, if it killed her, she would not let this woman get the better of her.

  Packing away the leftover chicken pie from last night, she grabbed the dishes and wine and locked up, making her way across to Emily’s. As she got closer, she saw a guy playing basketball on the drive, then noticed that pretty much all
the houses had basketball nets and American flags on the properties. She kind of liked the idea of getting one too. It would be another form of activity and a great stress release playing basketball after work. Not one she could necessarily play alone, but she could throw them into the basket by herself. As she walked down the drive of Emily’s house, John missed the shot and it bounced off the backboard heading in her direction. Georgia reacted quickly and caught the ball with her one free hand; she had always been an avid sportsperson, thriving on the opportunity of playing any sport. She wasn’t a keen onlooker, and would always opt for going out and playing tennis as opposed to watching it.

  “Hey, nice catch,” he said. “Go on, shoot.”

  “Erm, I’m not so sure that’s such a good Idea, I don’t think I can afford to pay for the broken windows.” She smiled.

  “Come on, Georgia, I have high expectations for you. I saw you run last night. Give it a shot, and I promise, if you crack a window, I will not make you pay.”