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PJ Harlowe
Starting a new job was always a bit nerve wracking for PJ. She had to figure out her new role and how she fit in at the company. She also had to meet and evaluate the people who would be working for her. She was the kind of boss who knew each and every person’s name who worked for her. As CFO of the entire company, that was going to be no easy task.
When she first accepted the job, she had Latti send her the personnel files on all the top executives in her department. She had studied them to get an idea of what each person did for the company, as well as to get a little about their personalities. They had all been required to take personality tests in the recent past, so everything she needed was in those files.
“Latti, I am so nervous to meet the staff.”
“Girl, you got this. I have called for an executive meeting so I can introduce you to everyone. Once we adjourn, you can start your personal interviews. We have lunch scheduled with a client and then you can get back at it. Don’t worry. Just be yourself and you’ll be fine. Remember, you are not there to make friends. You are their boss, and though I expect you to be fair, I don’t expect you to win any popularity contests.”
“Got it. So, I think I will drive myself to work because I will be late coming home. I don’t want to hold you up. Rumor has it you have a date tonight.”
“Oh, that’s right. I totally forgot about that. See, you’re already helping me, and your day hasn’t even started yet.”
“I can’t believe you are still seeing that chick. Mark my words, she is going to be a problem. Just don’t let her come between you and me. I have a feeling she will try.”
“You never have to worry about that. You are my family and there is nothing more important.”
“Okay, well let me get going. If you get back before I do, do not eat my bbq chicken and potato salad. I am saving that for my dinner. I don’t care how late I come home. I am killing that chicken.”
“Don’t worry. I am going out for dinner and doubt I will be hungry for food when I get home. If I come home tonight.”
“I hear you. Be safe and strap it up.”
“I always do.”
When PJ walked into the conference room, her palms were sweating, and she was in desperate need of a glass of water. She marched to her chair, which was on the left of Lattimore. His seat at the head of the table was one she never aspired to sit in. She arrived early and smiled at the people as they took their seats. The room filled quickly with men and women looking like they would rather be anywhere but in that room. This was nothing new for PJ. She was used to this type of reaction from employees. Change was something most people hated but got used to quickly.
“Good morning, ladies and gentlemen. Quickly take your seats so we can get started.”
Lattimore addressed the crew with a smile and a stern voice. It was evident that he meant business, but he remained approachable, so they didn’t fear him. That was the kind of boss that PJ aspired to be. She didn’t want people too afraid to come to her if they needed something, but she also wanted them to know if they didn’t do their jobs, she would replace them.
“Thank you all for being on time. You know how I hate tardiness.”
As soon as those words fell from Lattimore’s lips, in walked a very handsome man in a designer suit that was obviously tailored for his body. And boy what a body. This guy had to be at least six feet four inches in height, with a head full of salt and pepper hair. His hair hinted that he was a bit older than PJ usually dated, but the man’s gait was throwing youthful vibes. The air certainly got thicker in the room making it hard to breather.
“Nice of you to make it, Chase.”
“Sorry, boss.”
Oh shit! The man should be narrating naughty novels with a voice like his. PJ had to press her thighs together to make herself focused on her task. Chase was one fine man. She would have to resist him because there was no way in hell, she would entertain the thought of screwing another co-worker. Not after the fiasco that happened at her last job. Her ex, Nate, had damaged her heart to the point she would rather set her face on fire than to have another office romance.
“Have a seat, Chase. I was just about to introduce your new boss. Everyone, may I present Miss PJ Harlowe, our new CFO. PJ has close to ten years of experience in the industry and is amazing at what she does. I expect you to perform for her as you would me. She is an extension of me. My right hand, so to speak. PJ, I am going to hand this meeting over to you.”
“Thank you, Lattimore.” A collective gasp filled the room when she said that. PJ looked around at the shocked faces and then turned to her friend for answers.
“They are reacting to your use of my first name. Everyone here calls me Mr. Aston.”
“My apologies. Shall I follow suit?”
“Of course not. You’ve known me since we were kids. That would just be awkward. You are the exception to the rule.”
PJ smiled at her friend. She didn’t want the staff to think he was showing her favoritism, but she would feel very stupid calling someone she used to take baths with Mr. She turned back to the room of judgmental faces and continued the spiel she had practiced in the mirror most of last night.
“As I was saying, good morning, everyone.”
PJ paused, expecting the group to respond, but you could have heard a mouse pissing on cotton in that room.
“Well damn. What ever happened to southern hospitality? I said good morning.”
