Hello Quarterback (Hello #8)

57. Mia

57

MIA

I went into my office on Monday, a slight smile on my lips. Ford had spent last night at my place, and I’d never slept better than I did in his arms. I was happy to dive into my next project, a week-long orientation for the team at Andersen Avenue.

My life was great. I had the man of my dreams, parents who loved me, friends I could count on, and the best team.

What could go wrong?

My speaker crackled, and I heard Vanover say, “Look sharp.”

Straightening, I looked through the glass wall, seeing Thomas walking toward my office, a cream envelope in his hand. Before he could knock, I waved him in and gestured at the chair across from me.

“To what do I owe the visit?” I asked. Pleasure would be taking it too far. “I have a meeting with Tallie in fifteen minutes, so I can’t chat too long.”

“This will be quick,” Thomas said, not sitting down. He passed me the letter with my name printed on the front.

Taking the bait, I opened the envelope and pulled out the page. Flattening it on my desk, I read the words inside.

To whom it may concern:

Please consider this my official resignation. I am available and willing to work until one month from today, with emphasis placed on finding and training the next CFO. However, according to current company policies, I understand my position expires upon this notice.

Regards,

Thomas Weatherford

I looked up from the page, watching him. “You’re leaving?” I said, trying not to look too happy. I thought I’d be dealing with him forever.

“You’re a terrible actress,” he replied, disdain clear in his tone.

I stood to face him. “Look, Thomas, I know we’ve had our disagreements in my tenure as CEO, but I do hope you’ve found a better fit.”

“I have,” he replied, lifting his chin. “Although we may not hold much warmth for each other, I have dedicated nearly a decade to this company. Please let me know if there’s anything I can do to help with this transition.”

My heart warmed to him, even if only a little. “I appreciate that. I’ll have Vanover call security to escort you out.”

He nodded, extended his hand. “Good luck, Mia.”

I dipped my head in acknowledgment and shook his hand. At this point, I realized it wasn’t worth it to hold on to anger or resentment toward him. We were on different tracks in life, and it was good that we were heading in different directions.

Vanover had security in shortly, and I stood beside Van while we watched Thomas walking out.

Once the elevator doors closed, Vanover leaned over and said, “My red flag is that I think I could have changed him.”

I bumped his shoulder. “My beige flag is that I think you could have.”

He grinned over at me. “I’ll send Tallie in when she arrives.”

“Thank you,” I said and went back into my office.

I imagined working with a new CFO, someone as supportive as Tallie or Vanover.

A knock sounded on the glass, and I turned to see Vanover letting Tallie inside. “Hey,” I said to her, smiling warmly.

“Hi,” she said. But she seemed stiff.

I looked at her hands. They seemed emptier than usual. “What? Only one folder today?”

The door closed behind her, and she nodded stiffly, passed me her folder. This was beginning to feel a lot like déjà vu.

“What is this?” I asked.

“Just read it,” she said, closing her eyes.

Suddenly, my heart was sinking. I pulled open the folder, finding another letter inside. This one, hand signed.

Dear Mia Baird,

I would like to thank you so much for the opportunity to serve you directly. I have learned so much under your tutelage about being a leader with integrity and a successful woman in business. You have been, and will always be, an inspiration to me.

However, with your permission, I would like to accept an opportunity working directly with Andersen Avenue as their in-house public relations professional. I understand this position pays less than my current one, but I believe in the mission and my ability to help the company grow over time.

Thank you for your consideration,

Tallie Hyde

I was surprised to find moisture in my eyes as I set the letter down and faced her again. She let her feelings show in her deep brown eyes. “What do you think?” she asked.

My heart beat painfully. “I think I don’t want to lose you. As an employee, but even more so as a friend.”

She gave me a weak smile. “You couldn’t get rid of me.”

I got up and walked around the desk to stand across from her. “Then I guess all that’s left to say is... good luck.”

She sniffed, straightening her shoulders, and extended her hand.

But I pushed it away and gave her a hug. She wrapped her arms around me, squeezing me back. “Thank you so much, Mia.”

“Thank you so much.” I had to wipe my eyes when we pulled apart. “When do you start?”

“Two weeks from today, if that’s okay with you.”

“As long as you give me a replacement half as good as you. All of this is thanks to you, Tallie. I couldn’t have acquired the Andersen sisters... or fallen in love with Ford, without you.”

Her eyes widened. “You did?”

I smiled, nodding. “We made it official on Saturday.”

“I thought there was something there,” she said with a smile. “I’m glad it worked out.”

“Me too.”

We talked for a little while, but then it was time for my next meeting, this time with Vanover. I swore she passed him a note as she left the office, but I couldn’t be sure.

“I hope there’s less crying in this meeting,” he said when he walked in, adjusting his jacket.

I rolled my eyes at him. “We’ll have to see.”

Then he seemed apprehensive. “Is there a reason to cry?”

I shrugged. “You tell me.” I got out my phone and sent him an email I had drafted for this moment. “Check your inbox.”

His eyebrows drew together as he got out his phone and tapped on the screen. And then the rest of his features pinched. “This is an offer letter for Chief People Officer. Did you need me to proof it?”

My lips were spreading into a smile. “I need you to review it and let me know if you accept.”

His jaw dropped. And if I wasn’t so in my feelings about the possibility of him leaving too, I might have laughed.

“Wh-why-who?” He stumbled over his words.

I leaned forward, resting my elbows on my desk. “Look, Vanover, we both know you weren’t going to be my assistant forever. You have incredible talents, and you get people like no one else I’ve ever met. You’re qualified for this position too, and there will be a training period with Shantel and me as well to prepare you for the C-Suite. It will be hard, but I know you’re up for the challenge. I want you on my team for years to come. So please, take your time to review this, and when you’re ready, say yes.”

“Yes.” He nodded quickly.

“Van! You haven’t even read it yet!” I said.

“Yes.” He came over to me, giving me a sideways hug. “Yes. That’s all.”

“You don’t want to negotiate?” I asked.

“I know you’re fair, Mia. You wouldn’t screw me over.”

I smiled. This was exactly the relationship I was hoping to have with a teammate. “You’re hired. You’ll train your replacement before assuming your new duties.”

He wiped at his eyes. “Thank you, Mia. You have no idea how much this means.”

I grinned at him. “I think I do. Gage recognized the potential in me not too long ago when I was ‘just an assistant.’ I wouldn’t be here without him.”

Vanover nodded. “Is it okay if I take lunch early? My mom will want to hear about this.”

I chuckled. “Of course.”

As he rushed away, I turned to the windows in my office.

Today, it was a cool day with pale yellow sunlight coming through the cloud cover. I stared over the city, feeling like I was truly on top of the world. There would always be mountains to climb, new goals to reach, but for now, I’d let myself enjoy the possibility that lay at my feet.

I felt, deep in my heart, that the best was yet to come.