Heart of Clay

by Shanna Hatfield

  “Thank you for making time to meet with us today,” Callan said to the convention center board a few days later. “Jill and I feel it is imperative we share this information with you.”

  “Please, Ms. Matthews, proceed with your report. We would very much like to hear what you have to share,” said the board president. The woman also happened to be a personal client of Callan’s.

  Callan and Jill spent the next forty-five minutes providing copies of memos, emails, and written communications from both staff and clients detailing the wake of destruction Arty had caused. It was clear the board had no idea what was happening right under their noses.

  Jill spoke up and mentioned the incident in Arty’s office the day they returned from the trade show and how Arty had threatened to fire Callan.

  “What you choose to do with the information we provided is entirely up to you and we will respect your decision,” Jill said, looking at each member of the board. “However, should you decide to act on this information, the staff is in agreement that we are sufficiently capable of managing while time is spent finding a replacement that is better suited to our facility.”

  “Thank you very much, Ms. Matthews, and Ms. Taylor, for bringing this to our attention. We will let you know when we make a decision.”

  Jill and Callan gave each other a quick hug on the way back to their offices. Callan decided if she wanted to make major changes in her life, she would start with trying to make some positive changes at work.

  The most positive change she could imagine was not having to deal with Arty Bierwagen and cleaning up the messes he made. That afternoon, the board fired Arty and gave him an hour to clear out his personal belongings. They also asked Jill and Callan to serve together as interim general managers, much to their delight.

  Callan was ecstatic when she arrived home. Running inside the house, she didn’t even stop to take off her coat. She charged into the family room where Clay kicked back in his recliner, watching a hunting show.

  “You’ll never guess what happened today,” she said, trying her best to stand still and not dance with joy.

  Clay rose from his chair and stood in front of Callan, pleased by the look of excitement on his wife’s face. “You’re right. I won’t be able to guess so you better tell me what happened before you burst.”

  “They fired Arty!” She grabbed Clay’s hands and did a little jig around the room. “They asked Jill and me to serve together as interim general managers until they find someone suitable for the position. Isn’t that great?”

  “That is fantastic, girl. I’m so proud of you!” Clay swept her into a huge hug and swung her around. “I think this is reason to celebrate. Where would you like to go for dinner?”

  “Can we get takeout and go to Aunt Julie’s? I’d love to tell her in person.”

  “You bet!” Clay said. He hurried to turn off the television and tug on his boots, then grabbed her hand. “Let’s go.”

  In the following days, Callan worked hard at making changes in her life. Aunt Julie checked in with her constantly to remind her to shut out the negative thoughts and focus on the positive. She even bought Callan a plaque for her office that said, “Friends – so much cheaper than a shrink!” to remind her to call on her friends to help her through her challenges and celebrate her successes.

  As a result, she’d been getting closer to both Laken and Jenna, and was learning to be more open with friends at work like Jill and Rachel.

  Some days were easier than others were, but Callan was determined to change. Clay’s words, “What have you got to be so miserable about?” frequently echoed in her head.

  Those words reminded her to focus on the good things in her life. She truly was blessed.

  Clay had been trying hard as well. Sometimes she still sensed his hurt, but he’d been making an effort for them to start over without dragging along the past.