The Amendment (The Contract 2)

“Thank you.”

“You also know, aside from Terence, all the VPs in the company are family.”

Terence Gifford came onboard with Graham at the creation of The Gavin Group. He was Graham’s oldest friend and his most trusted ally outside of his family.

“I’m aware, Graham. I knew that coming in, and frankly, it would have upset the old Richard. But now, I’ve figured out there are more important things. I meant what I said to David. I’m proud of the work I do here. Proud to know that one day my kids can see a campaign I put together and be proud of me. I never had that satisfaction at Anderson Inc. It was simply a game of survival.”

He nodded in understanding and spoke again. “Terence is leaving.”

“What? Is he okay?”

“He’s fine. More than fine. His son and wife are expecting twins. They live in Edmonton, and Terence and his wife Jill have decided to move there and be close for their grandkids.”

“So, he’s retiring?”

“Yes.”

“Good for him.”

There was a pause. Graham leaned back, now relaxed and confident. “We had a family meeting yesterday afternoon. We discussed Terence and the void that will be left with his departure. We’re going to change things up. Spread out his duties and make some adjustments. And we’re going to hire a new associate.”

I was confused. Hiring a new associate wouldn’t really fill Terence’s spot. “Okay?”

“We’d like it if you took him under your wing.”

I was even more confused. “Sure, Graham, whatever you need.”

“He’s a bit of a handful. Brad is Laura’s nephew—not long out of school. He interned with a place in Calgary but has decided to come back to BC. I know Laura and her sister have hoped he would end up here. Her sister lives an hour away, which means he’ll be close to her again. Frankly, I was never sure why he insisted on going elsewhere to work when he had the chance to be here, but he was always adamant on forging his own way.” He paused, rubbing his chin in amusement. “Lots of talent—a great instinct for the job. Although at times, he gets ahead of himself. And he thinks he knows it all. Bit of an attitude, to be honest. Sound familiar?”

I chuckled. “Vaguely. I’m sure I can bring him down a peg or two.”

Graham grinned. “Don’t crush him. I am rather fond of the boy. However, I think he’d do well to work under you for the first while. See how to put together award-winning campaigns.”

“I’ll do my best.”

He leaned back, crossing his legs. “I’m going to give him your office.”

I sat up straighter, now feeling annoyed. I liked my office. “What? Can’t you give him a different office? Where the hell am I going to work?” I sputtered.

His eyes danced at my reaction.

“In the corner office beside mine. Congratulations, Richard. You’re the new VP of The Gavin Group and in charge of all Eastern Canada accounts.” He snickered. “Bentley would have a meltdown if I pulled you from that territory. You do such an amazing job, I’m giving you all those clients to oversee. It’s a growing market for us, thanks to you.”

Shock was an understatement at his words, and for a moment, I was speechless. My mouth hung open, and I stared at Graham.

“Excuse me?” I finally asked.

He looked amused at my confusion.

“You heard me correctly, Richard. You are the new VP of The Gavin Group. You’re moving offices, pay grades, positions, and you’ll now own a small piece of stock in the company. Brad will work with you, and you can groom him and let him work on the smaller accounts to get some experience. I don’t think he could have a better mentor.”

“But-but you never…” I stuttered. “It’s family. You keep the company within the family. I knew that when I came here and when you rehired me. I never expected…” My voice trailed off, amazement still rendering me incapable of coherent speech or thought.

He sat back, now relaxed and at ease. “I told you in our initial meeting that my company is family, Richard. That the people within the company are thought of that way. I meant it.”

“I know. I’ve told you often how much I admire the way you run the company. You know what a difference it, you, have made to my life—both professionally and personally.”

“That’s the difference between you and my other staff, Richard. You have become a part of my life personally. Your family is an extension of my own. Laura dotes on your children the same way she dotes on our grandkids. Jenna and Adam think of you as a surrogate brother. Adrian admires you.” He shrugged. “You have become…more.” He paused, smiling before he spoke again. “Laura and I feel as though you’re an adopted son to us, Richard—the same way Adrian did when he married Jenna. You have made me proud of the man you have become and the man I know you will continue to be. You deserve this.”