The Amendment (The Contract 2)

I had to laugh. Graham and Laura joined in, all of us sharing a brief moment of humor.

“His mother will thank you, Richard. She’s been trying to get him to cut that hair for years.”

“I may have been a little harsh,” I admitted.

Graham shook his head. “Nope. He was rude walking in, and he did need a haircut. If I told him to get one, or if Laura did, he would shrug us off. But he listened to you. That bodes well for going forward.” He leaned back. “Leave him a little spirit. He is very talented—he needs a strong hand and some guidance.”

Laura leaned closer. “He’s a good boy, Richard. His father died when he was seventeen, and he went a bit wild and never has settled. My sister has never been able to say no to him. He needs that. I think you’ll help him find his place.”

I blew out a long breath. “That’s a huge responsibility, Laura. I don’t know if I’m up to it, to be honest. My earlier lifestyle wasn’t exactly exemplary. Wouldn’t Jenna or Adam be better? They’re family after all. They know him.”

“Which is why it would never work. They think of him as that annoying kid they’ve known all their lives, and he doesn’t see them as his superiors. You’re removed enough, he does have that respect. I think you’re the perfect mentor because of the fact that you weren’t always the Richard you are today. You changed and grew. I think if you took him under your wing, it would benefit him a great deal.” She hesitated, then spoke again. “Please, Richard. I’m asking this as a personal favor.”

I studied her earnest gaze. “He gets no preferential treatment.”

“None. Handle him just the way you did this morning.”

Graham interjected. “Be sure to praise him as well when he does something right. You know how I feel about positive reinforcement.”

“I can do that. I looked over some of his work you left me. It shows promise, but it’s scattered. Unfocused.”

He nodded in agreement. “You can give him that focus, Richard. I know you can.”

I scrubbed my face. “Fine.” I narrowed my eyes at Graham. “My office had better be spectacular.”

He threw back his head in amusement. “Done.”Katy’s delight was evident as she lifted Heather to her shoulder, rubbing her hand up and down her small back in a soothing motion.

“He’s going to give you a run for your money.”

I drained my wine and set down the glass with a groan. “I know.”

Brad had reappeared after lunch, his hair short on the sides, and the top brushed back, no longer flopping into his eyes. He appeared in my doorway, and knocked, waiting until I waved him in. He sat down, his phone flipping in his hands, always in motion, and I realized it was one of his nervous tells. He relaxed when I commented on his hair, then I opened his portfolio and we began to review the few campaigns he had been part of. I pointed out different aspects, and we discussed why they had or hadn’t worked. He had some great ideas, although his execution left a lot to be desired.

I studied him over my folded hands. “You need to stop trying to find shortcuts.” I tapped the picture on the top. “If you had extended your train of thought here—removed some of the overkill, this would have worked better.”

“I thought it was eye-catching.”

I shook my head. “No, it’s over the top and distracting.”

“I don’t see it.”

I sat back. “That is when you get the rest of your team around you, and they help. We help. We work together here.”

He shifted. “I’m not used to that.”

“Neither was I when I got here. This place, the people, are different.” I studied him. “Graham told me he offered you a job right out of school, but you refused. May I ask why?”

He was quiet. “I thought Uncle—I mean Graham—was boring. That his company was old-fashioned and dull, which is why I went to Calgary and got on with a different firm. I wanted to make a mark. My mark.”

“Graham is anything except dull. This company is one of the most respected marketing firms in the country—the world, in fact. Dull isn’t a word associated with The Gavin Group.” I indicated the walls and the awards sitting on my shelves. “Their track record speaks for itself.”

He stared, not saying anything.

“Never confuse integrity and class with being dull, Brad. Be proud to be part of this team. Use it and learn. This place will make you better.” I closed the files on my desk. “This is an opportunity to grow.”

He stood, contemplative and silent. He took the files I held out to him and headed to the doorway. He paused and looked over his shoulder.

“I hear you, Richard, and I get it.”