“I know, but…” Melanie shook her head back and forth. “I swear I checked it—and double checked it. I knew it was a big account when I saw how much they ordered, so I was extra careful.”
“This is a pretty big screw up…” I leaned forward and drummed my fingers against the desk, using it as a release valve to expel just enough anger to keep my thoughts balanced.
“I realize that.” She looked down and tensed up. “Are you going to fire me?”
“If you were sitting across from Damien right now, I’m sure he would be asking for your badge.” The drumming wasn’t working—I put two fingers against my temple and tried to rub away the headache that was trying to form. “Obviously, I can’t do that to you—I care about you too much.”
“I know we said no apologizing, but I feel like this is one of those times when I should.” Melanie grimaced. “Is this really something that would normally get someone fired?”
“Yeah.” I nodded. “It is…”
“I should just clear out my desk and go.” She shook her head back and forth. “I don’t want preferential treatment, even if I do need this job.”
“No, you’re not going anywhere,” I sighed, and the anger simmering beneath the surface finally faded enough for me to reign it back in. “I’ll smooth things over with Damien and add an extra permission level to your profile—anything you approve will go through Lisa so she can double check it. Hopefully that will make sure we avoid any future issues. You’ll get the hang of things here—I promise.”
“I thought I already had…” She winced and nodded. “Thank you for giving me another chance—even if I don’t feel like I deserve it.”
“Don’t feel bad about this.” I stood and walked around my desk. “I know you have a lot on your mind.”
I pulled Melanie into my arms and gave her a hug. I could tell she was remorseful—she obviously didn’t do it on purpose—and her pride was wounded more from the mistake than being fired for it. I was a little conflicted. If anyone else had made that mistake, it would have been their last day at Alcott Inc. I was letting my personal feelings get in the way of business, but I had to make peace with that. There was no way that I was going to fire the woman that I had fallen for. That meant I would have to extend the same courtesy to any of the other new hires that made a mistake—I just hoped that the next one wasn’t as expensive as the Martin Construction account.
I can’t afford to lose many accounts like that—otherwise, all of this growth we’ve had over the last year will be completely erased. I need that to continue if I’m going to buy the company back from Bryant…
* * *
Several days later
I walked into the gymnasium at Carson Cove University and looked for a place to sit where I wouldn’t be noticed. Melanie had hinted that I could come see her graduate if I wanted, but we never got a chance to really finish the discussion. It was one of the things we were originally going to discuss when she came to my office but losing the Martin Construction account pushed the conversation in a different direction.
She had been so preoccupied with finishing school and getting ready for graduation that we had only been able to see each other briefly, and it seemed like something we needed to talk about in person rather than over the phone or through text messages. As far as I knew, the after party at my place was still a go—but we hadn’t even had a chance to really discuss that either. I felt like she had been rather distant with me, but I brushed it off—she had a lot on her mind.
I’ve been there myself, so I understand…
Ultimately, I decided that I would just go to Carson Cove University—try to be inconspicuous—and if someone asked why I was there, I could say that I came to see Taylor graduate. She was marrying my best friend, so it was a good cover story. The only person who might not really buy it was Bryant—and unfortunately, he was the first person to spot me when I started looking for a seat. He called out my name, waved me down, and pointed to an empty seat next to him. I couldn’t really ignore him, so I started walking up the bleachers to where he was sitting. He wasn’t the only Benson there—all three of his kids had apparently decided to come and see his future bride graduate from college.
“Hey, I didn’t expect to see you here.” Bryant slid down to give me a little more room. “Taylor’s going to end up with a whole section cheering for her when she walks across the stage.”
“Yeah, you brought the whole tribe.” I waved to his kids—well, technically they weren’t kids anymore—but I had known them since they were.
“I don’t know if you got a chance to meet the rest of Taylor’s family at the engagement party.” Bryant leaned forward and pointed down the row. “You might not be able to tell which is which, but one of those lovely ladies is Taylor’s mother, and the other is her younger sister.”
“And that is why my daughter loves you.” The older of the two laughed and leaned forward. “I’m Sheila—this is my daughter, Anna—and that’s her boyfriend, Bolt.”
“Mom—we’re not using labels.” Anna glared at her mother.
“Hey, what’s up.” The guy who had been introduced as Bolt gave me a head nod. “You’re Jon Alcott, right?”
“Yeah.” I tilted my head inquisitively.
“Thought so.” He grinned. “I didn’t break your record this year, but next year—my name is going on that plaque in the trophy case at Carson Cove High.”
“Ah, you play football.” I nodded. “Good luck with that. Bryant and I set some high ones.”
“Oh no, I already broke his records—now I’m coming for yours,” he laughed and looked back towards the stage.
“Is he serious?” I looked at Bryant and raised an eyebrow.
“The kid is legit.” Bryant nodded. “They almost made it to the state championship this year.”