The End Zone: SPORTS ROMANCE (Contemporary Sport Bad Boy Alpha Male American Football Romance) (New Adult Second Chance Women’s Fiction Romance Short Stories) (69 page)
Authors: Jenna Payne
Sydney looked up as a truck and trailer pulled into the drive. Max had a cabin and stalls available on his property, far enough from the main house to afford quite a bit of privacy for the people who rented it. It was a common sight to see them pulling in on their way to the cabin.
The truck drove straight to the house, apparently unsure of where they were going. Sydney still couldn’t stand on her own yet, and was about to call for Max when the screen door to her left flew open and Max hurried out. He spoke to the driver for a minute and she parked the rig right there on their front lawn. Max walked to Sydney, his face covered with a broad smile.
Oh no,
she thought,
he’s bought me a horse.
Sydney didn’t know what to say to him. She wasn’t ready, but it was clear from his face that he’d done this for her and she didn’t want to hurt him.
He took the porch steps in one leap and scooped her up out of the chair. He carried her to the trailer as the woman opened the door and unhooked the horse. Sydney was trying to find the words when the horse began to back cautiously down the ramp. Her throat constricted with unshed tears as a scarred and battered Concerto carefully picked his way off the trailer. Max looked at her and her tears spilled freely. Somehow, Concerto had survived his fall, though his coat showed the leftover marks of his pain. He walked slowly, a slight limp in his bandaged leg. The vet walked him up to Sydney and she buried her face in his neck. He was alive and he was
here.
Max whispered in her ear, “Concerto belongs to you now. If there was any doubt before it’s gone now. I’ve seen to that. You never have to worry about your father coming for him again.”
Sydney started sobbing, rubbing her hands over his neck and through his mane. Her fingers caught on a tiny braid. She’d probably left it in the last time she’d prettied him up for some event. She pulled the band on the braid and started working the braid out when her fingers brushed against something hard. She pulled on it as she unwound his hair and the object out in her hand. The thin, simple ring was beautiful. Sydney looked at Max, confused. He smiled at her and winked, his intention clear. Not only was he giving her back her horse, but he was giving her the rest of his life. Sydney looked deep into his eyes and said the one word that would make everything right in their world.
“Yes.”
THE END
Twelve years ago, at eighteen years old and fresh out of high school, I dreamed of stardom and riches. I moved out to California hoping that Los Angeles would provide a better future for me than Iowa.
After multiple failed auditions and no money, I decided to apply for a part-time secretarial position with a little company, Jones Corp. I had no experience, but I did have my wit.
I don’t know what Mr. Jones saw in me, but he must’ve seen something good because he picked me over a whole slew of other applicants. It’s not like being a secretary was the “it” job, but I was satisfied.
Here we are today and I’m still working for Jones Corp. I am now working as the Executive Secretary directly for Mr. Jones. His little ten-employee business has grown to a multi-billion dollar corporation trading on the New York Stock Exchange.
Mr. Jones is not just a boss; he’s also been a father figure where I had none. My father left my mom and me when I was one. I hate to say it because it’s so cliché, but he left for beer and cigarettes one night and never came back.
Mom played both roles while I was growing up. And while she didn’t show it or say it, I knew she was heartbroken that such a man would leave his family to fend for himself. If I ever meet that bastard I’ll be sure to give him a piece of my mind.
Needless to say, I’m not famous nor am I rich, but I do make quite a nice living—all thanks to Mr. Jones. When he was successful in his business endeavors, he always made sure I received a nice bonus. Now don’t get me wrong, he didn’t play favors. All of his employees received bonuses as well. Of course that doesn’t stop the terrible office rumors going around.
Aside from that, life can’t get any better than this. What thirty-year-old can say they’re doing well in their job and loving it?
I’m still going to auditions every now and then and hoping that I somehow will get picked for a show, but that’s the last thing on my mind. Mr. Jones has always been there to take care of me so I will always be there to ensure his business runs smoothly.
Today, Mr. Jones has called a meeting with his top executives. While I may only be a secretary, Mr. Jones always includes me in all his meetings. I’m not there just to look pretty however. I take notes and follow up with deadlines and reports when he gives out assignments to his executives.
As I enter the room, I take roll call to ensure everyone is present. Mr. Jones normally likes a list of all attendees at the end of all meetings.
As I take note of everyone walking into the room, I notice a tall, brown-haired, blue-eyed man sitting in the corner. I’ve never met him before but he seems oddly familiar.
I ignore him for now and go about checking everyone off as they come in. Lastly, Mr. Jones walks in and starts the meeting.
“Good morning staff,” Mr. Jones starts off. “I called this unexpected meeting today to discuss my retirement and the way ahead for Jones Corp.”
I hear a few groans in the background. I begin to take note of Mr. Jones speech.
“As you all know, I’ve been running this company for a long time, but frankly, there comes a time when we must all move on. For me, that time is now. I want to introduce you to the new CEO of Jones Corp, my son, John.” Mr. Jones waves his hand to the man sitting in the corner.
Of course, that’s why he looks so familiar. I’ve seen his picture on Mr. Jones’ desk. Of course, that was a younger John. This John is much older than the one in the picture.
He’s no longer cute little John, but handsome and tall.
John stands next to his dad. “Hello everyone. It’s good to see you all here. A little about myself: I graduated from Stanford University with a degree in business. From there, I’ve operated a few small businesses overseas. I’ve had years of schooling and experience that I hope to bring here. With the new wealth of knowledge, I’m sure this company will remain successful and continue to grow. All I ask in the beginning is to please be patient with the changes that are going to happen within the next few months as I transition in and my father transitions out. I’m very excited for this opportunity and I look forward to working with each and all of you.”
John steps down and takes his seat. Mr. Jones takes over.
“Are there any questions?” Mr. Jones asks.
From the back of the room someone asks, “Sir, what’s your expected retirement date?” It’s Lyle, one of the newest executives who came on board a few weeks ago.
“Well, to be honest, I’m planning on handing the company over to John today. Of course the paperwork will follow suit. But, I’ll be in and out during the transition.”
Wow, this is right out of the blue. Mr. Jones never does anything without first letting me know. This comes as a surprise even to me.
“Allie? Allie?” I snap back into reality.
“Yes Sir?” I answer.
“Please see me in my office after this meeting,” Mr. Jones tells me.
He turns back around to address the rest of the staff, “That’s all folks! Please get back to business as usual.”
Mr. Jones and John exit first. I sit back and wait while everyone exits the room.
“I’m so excited for the new change!” I hear someone say.
“Not me, I love working for Mr. Jones! I’m sad to see him go,” someone else responds.
From across the other side of the room, I hear a female executive whisper, “John is so cute! I can’t wait to see what changes he has for this company.”
I roll my eyes. Girls in the corporate world are just like how they were in high school. It doesn’t change. While I try to stay out of the company gossip, I can’t seem to distance myself from being included in it. I’ve heard multiple rumors of how I’m the boss’s pet simply because they think Mr. Jones favors me over the rest.
All those rumors are simply not true! I’m just very good at my job. If only they could see that Mr. Jones likes me because I work hard.
After everyone exits, I head off to Mr. Jones’s office.
***
“Sir, you wanted to see me?” I poke my head through the closed door.
“Yes, come in Allie.” Mr. Jones motions me forward and gestures for me to sit next to John.
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.