Chapter 3 The New Workplace

"Hugh darling, it's Stephanie. We're all here in the conference room and I'm putting you on speakerphone." Mrs. Raines replies.

I give her a stern look. That is so unprofessional. That's a problem that will be addressed. Respect and professionalism!

"Mrs. Raines. So, by now I'm sure you know why I've sent Miss Gilliam there. She has full firing, hiring, and rules authority. Bottom line, what she says, goes! That includes anything and everyone including you Mrs. Raines. Have I made myself clear?" Hugh asks.

No one says anything. "I believe the correct response is "yes sir Mr. Jackson"." I reply. Everyone except Mrs. Raines answers.

Everyone but Mrs. Raines repeats it.

"Good glad we are clear on that. Good day." Hugh Jackson replies.

"I'll be starting interviews immediately. Mrs. Raines you're up first in 15 minutes. Mr. Matthews my office please." I order.

"Yes Miss Gilliam." Max replied.

"So, I asked you in here as I want you to stay in my office during all the interviews. As a witness and in case I have any problems. We know how crazy people can be when they get fired. Is this a problem for you?" I ask.

"No ma'am. I love my job, and was taught you do whatever the boss asks." Max agrees.

"Glad you were taught the correct worth ethic." I reply.

It's time for Mrs. Raines interview, she of course was five minutes late. She didn't knock and just walked right in.

"Mrs. Raines I won't waste any time. You're fired due to the lack of respect and blatant lack of management. Please pack your personal stuff and leave. You may stop by payroll for your final check. Security will help you." I explain.

Two security guards were hired for this purpose. They waited outside my office ready to escort anyone I fired from the building.

"You no good bitch! I've worked here longer than you've had your degree! I'll call Hugh myself!" Mrs. Raines retorts.

I switch my cellphone to speaker. I already had Mr. Jackson on standby. He had guessed this would happen.

"Mr. Jackson, I have Mrs. Raines in my office. I have just fired her. She requests a word with you." I explain.

"Mrs. Raines, you've ran my office there in the ground. Your kind of management or lack of had cost me clients and thousands of dollars. You are fired. Now pack up and get out of my company!" He demands.

"Thank you, sir. Have a good day." I reply hanging up.

She storms out. Security follows her. This goes on through all the interviews of those I fire, except for having to call Mr. Jackson.

"Miss Gilliam, you wanted to see me?" Vicki Reynolds asks.

Vicki is dressed nice and neat in a business suit. She had gorgeous red hair that is neatly styled. She has great work ethic as well.

"Take a seat Ms. Reynolds. I've went over your work load. No complaints. No IRS issues. I've pulled a few of your more complicated returns and I'm impressed. You seem to know your job well. I'm happy to say you're one of five staying with the company. Keep up the excellent work.

"Thank you so much!! I love my job!" She replies.

I fired everyone but five. Four accountants and the receptionist.

"Now last but not least Mr. Matthews. You'll also be staying on with the company. However, I'd like to talk to you about a new position." I explain.

"Thank you, ma’am." Max replies.

"I'd like you to work closely with me and promote you to manager. You've got the skills in all financial matters; you've been with the company a long time and you have a respectable business presence.

"l... I don't know what to say!" He stutters.

"I have one question. Are you up for the job? Tell me now. I hate wasting time." I explain.

"Yes ma'am!! I am!" He agrees.

"Good that's settled." I agree.

"I have one question. It's personal and I'd never bring it up in business. But since you want to put me in a high-powered position, I feel I must ask. Especially with social functions etc." He replies.

"Go ahead." I reply.

"I'm gay, and I have a partner, will that pose a problem?" He asks.

"Your personal life is none of mine nor our company's business. How you conduct yourself her in the office and how you manage it is all that concerns us. Call a meeting for 9am tomorrow. Let's call it a day. It’s after 6." I instruct.

"Yes ma'am." He agrees.

I leave the parking lot and notice a black SUV with tinted windows pass by slowly. I go get in my car. Food then home. I'm mentally and physically exhausted. Tomorrow starts laying down the rules and hiring.

ADAM'S POINT OF VIEW

Found you. You're just as hot as you were this morning.

END OF ADAM'S POINT OF VIEW

Tuesday morning meeting I explain all the rules moving forward. Business, respect, 100% effort, the whole what we will give the clients speech. I discuss the commission. After all they need initiative to give 200%.

"Ms. Smith my office please." I order the receptionist.

"Yes ma'am." She replies.

"These are the hiring ads I need placed. As the receptionist I also want to strongly stress the importance of never, no matter what, interrupting an employee who has a client in their office. No visitors, no phones. Understood?" I ask.

"Yes ma'am." She agrees.

"These are some high-profile clients and they pay us extremely well. They will get our full attention the whole time they meet with us." I explain.

"Yes ma'am." She agrees.

"I need you to place these ads, and start scheduling interviews as they call in. Make sure they understand to bring a resume and any license they may have." I explain.

"Yes ma'am. Right away." She agrees.

The week finally ends. What's left is running great. Now to get employees hired. And start the task of contacting clients.

"Ma'am several of us are getting together at a club to hang out, let off stress. If you'd care to join us?" Ms. Smith asks.

"Sure, that sounds good! This is my first trip to California so I know nothing about the area. If you could give me the address?" I ask.

"Sure, here it is." She replies.

"Ok what time?" I ask.

"8pm, we meet out front." Angel replies.

"Ok thanks!" I smile.

I get dinner then head home. And get ready. Little did I know I had a second stalker. I dress in a black leather look bodycon dress that hugs my figure.

It gathers into a V in the middle looks like lots of small scrunchy material. The bottom of the dress hits mid-thigh. The top is a V across my chest leaving my shoulders bare. The sleeves fall just below my elbows and are see through.

I'm ready to head to the club. It's ok to hang with coworkers after hours. Just as long it’s strictly business at the office.