by Jenna Payne
I walk into the room and take the seat next to his son. He looks at me up and down and shifts his chair slightly away from mine. Wow, I’m offended. I know I don’t stink.
“Allie, I want to properly introduce you to John.” Mr. Jones says without noticing what just transpired. I brush it aside. Perhaps I’m just reading into it too much.
“Hello Mr. Jones. I’ve heard so much about you,” I say to John while I extend my right hand out to shake his.
He reluctantly reaches over to shake mine. “Just call me Sir. Mr. Jones is my dad, obviously.”
“Yes Sir,” I reply.
“Allie, I know this is sudden and unusual, but I’m getting old and I want my son to take over this company. This was a last-minute decision on my part. I want to ensure you that your job is safe.” He looks over at John.
John crosses his leg and nods.
Looking back at me, Mr. Jones continues, “I want you to draft a memo to all the employees to inform them of the change. My retirement will be next month. John will officially take charge today.”
“Yes Sir,” I reply as I scribble everything down.
“I want the employees to be patient during this transition. Please let them know that Jones Corp is still going strong. And of course, add the normal mumble jumble to keep morale high.”
“Any questions?” Mr. Jones asks.
“No Sir,” I reply.
One thing about Mr. Jones is that he always ensures that everyone understands the tasks at hand before he leaves them to do their work. He always makes sure that no questions are left unanswered. I hope John is the same way.
After twelve years of working for Mr. Jones, I’m not sure if I’ll be able to work for anyone different. I’m so used to Mr. Jones’ work ethic that I’m afraid John and I will just crash.
“Great Allie.” That’s my cue to leave.
My desk is next door to Mr. Jones office, so sometimes I can hear the conversations that he has. I start with a few minor tasks.
From my desk, I hear John arguing with his dad. I can’t quite make out the conversation but I can tell John is not happy with whatever topic they’re talking about.
I start off with the memo. Suddenly John comes out the door and storms towards my desk.
He stands there without saying a word. I look up at him.
“How can I help you Sir?” I finally ask.
“Allie is it?” He asks. I nod. “Well Allie, I hope you don’t think that this is an easy job. I’m not like my father. You’ll have to work hard and I don’t take too kindly to mistakes.”
“I understand Mr. Jones.”
He shakes his head. “See, you’re already starting off wrong. It’s Sir. Not Mr. Jones and definitely not John. It’s Sir.”
“Yes Sir,” I immediately correct myself. I see my job might be in jeopardy now.
“Allie, if you can’t get one little simple thing right how can I depend on you on big projects? Honestly, I don’t know why my dad still keeps you around.” He storms off.
“I’m not looking forward to working with this guy,” I mutter under my breath. Mental note: tonight I’ll have to check the local audition listings. Hopefully this year will be my year to score it big. It’s been twelve years, but I’m not giving up just yet.
Plus, with the changes that I know are coming down the pipeline, I now have a new motivation to leave this position. I know John plans on replacing me. His whole aura just reeks of hate the moment he saw me.
I don’t know why. I don’t know what I’ve done to offend him. This is the first time I’ve ever met the guy. Mr. Jones talks about him all the time, but this is not how I imagined him to be.
As I start on the memo, Nancy comes by. Nancy has worked at Jones Corp for about five years. She and I became good friends when she discovered that I’m not what everyone made me out to be. Once she and I became friends, everyone else kept their distance from her.
“What’s going on Allie?” She asks.
“New boss. That’s John, Mr. Jones’ son.”
“That’s little John?! Wow, he is so cute Allie. Aren’t you lucky!”
“Actually, I’m not. He’s a total jerk, Nancy.”
“Oh those hotties are always trying to put up a tough exterior Allie. Relax. As soon as he gets to know you he’ll love you…like me!” Nancy playfully blows me a kiss.
“Be careful Nancy. You’ll start a rumor that we’re both lesbians,” I tell her.
Nancy laughs out loud. “Who cares? I’ve got my eyes on the hot boss.”
I ignore her and continue typing away. She walks back to her desk and I get a text.
Don’t ignore me Allie! New boss is so cute! I know you’re thinking of him too.
Actually, I’m not. I couldn’t care less about the incredibly rude and hateful John Jones.
I watch as Mr. Jones packs away his things to get his office ready for John.
Sadness strikes me. It’s then that I realize that I’m losing my father figure. This isn’t the place to cry.
I’ll have to plan a retirement party for Mr. Jones as well. He’s done so much for me over the years.
Half the day passes as I get interruption after interruption. I finally finish the memo and send it off to Mr. Jones for review.
I know Mr. Jones so well, that I know how he writes, his tone, and his leadership style. It’s going to be a challenge trying to pick this up with John especially when it seems like he’s out to get me.
I hear a ping from the computer. I immediately open the email. It’s from Mr. Jones. He’s always very quick with his responses.
He just gave me the green light to paste his signature on the memo and send it out to everyone throughout the company. Easy peasy.
Why can’t John see that I am a hard worker? I can take on any challenge. Then again, how dare he judge me before he even knows me? Hasn’t his mother ever told him not to judge a book by its cover? I can already tell that from this day forward, I’ll dread coming to work. I’ll hate my job.
Mr. Jones stops by my desk. “Allie, why are you still here? Go home. It’s five o’clock.”
“I’m leaving right now Sir.”
“Good,” he says as he turns away to leave. He stops and turns back around. “I won’t be here tomorrow Allie. John will. I’ll be back often to check in on the progress however. Thank you for everything that you do Allie.”
“Thank you Sir,” I reply. I watch as the only father figure I have in my life walks out the door. Soon he won’t be a part of my life anymore. No more stories. No more advice. No more guidance. Suddenly I feel so alone.
***
I decide to call my mom on my way home. I go back to visit once or twice every year. A few years ago I tried to get Mom to move out here, but she insists on living in Iowa because she’s a country girl.
The phone rings a few times and Mom picks up.
“Hello?”
“Hi Mom!” I know it’s dangerous to drive and talk on the phone at the same time, but I know I’ll be in this L.A. traffic for a while; and I’m speaking via Bluetooth just to be safe. Talking to Mom on the phone will help pass time.
“How are you dear?”
“Great Mom. How about you? How’s everything going?”
“Just fine,” she replies. I hear a cough through the phone.
“Are you sure? I hear a cough. Are you sick Mom?” I grill her.
“No honey. It’s just a little cough. Stop worrying.”
“I can’t help it Mom. Have you thought any more about my proposal…for you to come out here? I’m much more comfortable if you’re here with me Mom. That way I’ll know for sure you’re ok.”
Mom didn’t have to tell me, but I know she’s sick. Her cough seems to get worse every time I call her. I just haven’t been able to get her to admit it to me.
If she agrees to move out here, I’ll have peace of mind. I know she’s close and I can help her with anything she needs.
“Honey, I’m not moving out to the b
ig city. I just can’t stand not having my horses and Daisy, you know that.” Mom is so stubborn!
“I know Mother,” I mumble.
“What’s new at work honey? How’s Mr. Jones?” Mom is quick to change the subject.
“He’s well Mom. He’s retiring next month. His son is taking over the company—officially—today,” I groan at that last sentence.
“You don’t sound happy about it,” she states.
“Of course not Mom. I love working for Mr. Jones. He’s been so good to me. He’s like the father I never had.”
Mom stays silent.
“Mom, I didn’t mean it like that,” I tell her through the phone.
“I know honey.” I can hear her voice creak a little.
Mom has been trying to put up a tough front all these years. I wish she could be here with me so I could take care of her for once.
“The point is, Mr. Jones talks about John all the time and today I finally met him. He’s nothing like I’ve imagined. He’s such a douche.”
“Well honey, you shouldn’t judge a book by…” Mom starts, but I cut her short.
“I know that saying Mom, but he’s judging me already. He hates me. I know it. I think if it weren’t for Mr. Jones, he would’ve already fired me on the spot. He thinks I’m incompetent. I don’t know why he hates me so much!”
Mom tries to console me. “Give it time dear. He’ll come around and discover that you’re a gem.”
“Thanks Mom. I know you’re saying that because you’re my mother. It’s your job to say things like that!”
“Seriously honey. You’ll be fine. You’ve done so well for yourself, just keep your head up. I’m proud of you,” Mom says.
Our conversation goes on for a bit. We talk about her horses and about Daisy, her dog. I ask about Old Man Hank, the neighbor across the street.
There was time when I thought Old Man Hank and Mom had a thing, but turns out, Hank was just very kind to Mom.
After my dad left, Mom never dated. She never gave me her reasoning and I never asked, but I knew she didn’t want to risk bringing another lowlife man into our lives.
Finally home. I tell Mom I love her and hang up the phone. I’ll try again to convince her to move out her. If there’s a way for me to bring her horses and Daisy then she might just agree with me.
I go about making dinner and eat it by myself in silence. This is a normal night for me. Sometimes I go out with Nancy, but I enjoy having the evening by myself. It’s my chance to unwind.
Everyone is always on the go go go that no ever stops to just listen to the silence now and again. You never know what you might hear if you listen carefully. Despite the fact that I live in the city, sometimes I hear crickets. Reminds me of Iowa.
As I get ready for bed, I find Ray’s toothbrush. Stupid jerk! Ray and I broke up a few months ago; we’d dated for almost two years.
I loved Ray, until I found him in our bed with another woman. In our bed!
“But, you don’t pay any attention to me anymore,” was his excuse.
I should just be like Mom. I don’t need a man in my life to make it complete. They just make life difficult….just like John will make mine.
Oh god, I’m already dreading work tomorrow. This time Mr. Jones will not be there, and that means John can say and do whatever he wants.
I toss Ray’s toothbrush in the trash and go to bed. Tomorrow’s the start of a new adventure I suppose.
***
“Good morning Sir,” I smile at John sitting in his office. He looks at his watch.
“It’s 7:50,” he says. I stand there for what seems like an hour not knowing what he’s trying to get me to understand.
“Yes, Sir…?” I half reply and half ask.
“Is that the only phrase you know?”
“Well, I’m just not sure what you’re trying to teach me here,” I reply.
“It’s 7:50. You should’ve been here at 7:30 or so to make the coffee. You should’ve walked in here with my cup of coffee in your hand.”
“Excuse me Sir,” I tell him. I pick up the empty mug sitting on his desk. I walk out of the office and down the hall, pour the coffee, pick up handful of creamer and sugar and walk back to John’s office.
“Good morning Sir,” I start again. “Here’s your delightful cup of joe to start off your delightful morning,” I say to him sarcastically. It’s 7:51.
“I hate black coffee,” he mutters. I hand him the handful of sugar and creamer and calmly step out of the office.
“Two creamers and two sugar next time. 7:50 pronto. Close my door.”
Wow, no please or thank you. Mr. Jones never asked me to get his coffee, even though I always brought it to him. Mr. Jones likes his coffee black. I’m glad I thought of picking up creamer and sugar. I see it’s going to be a challenge working for John.
I go back to my desk. My phone beeps. It’s a text message from Nancy.
You and lover boy getting it on this morning?
I hate that bastard so much!!! I reply back.
LOL. If you think the rumors about you and Mr. Jones were bad, wait until you hear what everyone’s already saying about you and cutie pie over there.
Oh no. I can only imagine the strain of rumors going on about John and me. It’s not bad enough that I work for someone like John, but now I have to deal with the gossip too.
I tolerated the rumors about Mr. Jones and me because Mr. Jones treats me with respect. I don’t know if I can stand working for a horrible boss and horrible co-workers at the same time.
I start organizing my desk to start my day. My desk phone rings.
“Jones Corp. This is Allie. How can I help you?”
“I need you to call a meeting with all the executives starting in 15 minutes, pronto,” the jerk orders over the phone and hangs up.
“Yes Sir,” I reply to an empty receiver.
I send out a meeting invite and follow up with an email. I call every executive on the list to ensure that they received the calendar invitation as well as the email.
10 minutes go by and I go into the conference room to take roll call. Only two executives are present. John walks in.
“What are you doing?” he asks.
“I’m taking roll call,” I tell him. He shakes his head.
“That’s how my father does business, that’s not how I do business. I don’t need you in here in all my meetings. These things are discussed with my executives and a secretary has no business being in here.”
I’m in total shock. I can’t believe he’s talking to me like this AND with other people around.
“And it’s 5 minutes till, you should’ve had everyone in here already. None of this coming in right on the dot. If you’re not here 10 minutes prior you’re late. I expect everyone to arrive 10 minutes early to work, to meetings, everything. That goes for you two also. Understood?” John turns to look at the two executives. They nod their head.
I’m almost in tears as I walk out of the room. Today is already turning out to be a horrible day and I’m only 15 minutes into the workday.
The rest of the day didn’t go smoothly either. There’s always a phone call or an email that John needs me to get on pronto. He needs me to inform the staff of such and such—pronto.
He’s already made changes to the late policy and to the schedule. He’s already exiled me from all meetings with the expectation that I be able to keep track of deadlines and projects. How does he expect me to do that without first knowing what he’s assigned?
Years of schooling and experience with overseas businesses and he doesn’t even know how to lead. He doesn’t know how to inspire or motivate. He clearly needs work. I don’t know why Mr. Jones decided to have him run his business. John is sure to run the business to the ground.
5 o’clock rolls around and I start to pack up. Everyone leaves at around this time. Mr. Jones never wanted anyone to stay late so he always forces all his staff out the door. The office is pretty empty as John happens to w
alk by with a stack of paperwork and drops it on my desk.
“Where are you going?” he asks.
“It’s 5 o’clock. I’m heading home,” I tell him.
“You’re not done unless I tell you you’re done,” John snaps at me.
I have had it with him. It’s only day two with him and he’s already driving me insane!
“Sir, can I have a word,” I tell him rather than ask as I walk into his office. I hold the door open and shut it as he walks in.
Standing by the door I decide to give him a piece of my mind. No one wants to stand up to him, but I will.
“Sir, I have had it with you belittling me. This morning you could’ve informed me nicely that you like your coffee in the morning. You could’ve pulled me aside and told me you don’t want me in meetings instead of embarrassing me in front of others.”
I’m getting teary-eyed as my anger stirs inside me. I’ve held it in all day and now the flood of emotions will not stop. “Sir, there are more tactful ways of going about giving me orders rather than talking down to me and—”
John cuts me off short. “I’m not my father so don’t expect me to treat you like a superstar. I’m the boss, not your friend!”
“I’m just saying there’s a better way of going about telling me to do something rather than—”
He cuts me off again. Looks like he will not let me get a word in. “Look, if you don’t like the way I do business then get out. You don’t have to work here!”
“Fine! I will not work here. I will not work for a horrible boss like you with no respect for others. I quit!” I yell at him and turn to leave.
I creak the door open only to have John slam it shut. He’s standing behind me now, just inches away. His arm stretches past me to keep the door shut. I can smell is Armani cologne: fresh, musky, and sweet at the same time.
He takes in a long deep breath.
“I’m not apologizing,” he starts off telling me, “but I can’t let you quit. Dad won’t let me.”
My hand is still on the doorknob. I try to pull the door open but he pushes it shut again.
Silence. I can feel him breathing down my neck. My heart skips a beat and pumps faster. Thump Thump Thump. The room is so quiet I’m sure he can hear my heart beating.