down the winding drive. Birds fluttered in a nearby
bush.
Chapter Ten
Monday Morning
Madison had spent the weekend combing over every bit of
information on Fallington Enterprises from its founding to the present. Edna
Fallington had taken the fledgling two-year old company, after her husband left
her, and given it leadership to produce decent profits year after year.
When Edna stepped back somewhat, and her grandsons entered
the business, the company began to lose profits gradually, before plummeting
over the past year. Madison had sketched and graphed the various turning points
as expenses rose, productivity faltered, profits shrunk, and harsh loses came
in a rush. But the company had had a respectable financial cushion, so everyone
had been giddily happy. But not anymore.
Madison made her final notes for the staff meeting, as she
sat in her office. She shook her head thinking what a nightmare she’d stepped
into, but she was confident she could turn the company around. She’d let her
daughter know that she’d been promoted with additional responsibilities, but didn’t
want to worry her with the details. Her daughter knew their time would be
limited this week because of Madison’s extra work.
She walked over to the large office window overlooking
Asheville. She loved the city and what it had become. Trendy, but with a flavor
of country mountain simple. She loved the mixture of people, and how she and
her daughter had been accepted in their neighborhood, school, and church.
Asheville had truly become home for her.
There was a knock on her door. Janice peeked in. “Five minutes
until launch.”
Madison smiled. “Thanks, Janice. Be right there.”
She had decided not to mingle with the branch managers
during coffee, juice, and donuts. Although she’d had a couple of brief phone
calls with each one, she wanted their first impression of her to be as the CEO
of Fallington, not their pal. She’d socialize later during the week.
She gathered her thin leather portfolio and phone and walked
briskly to the conference room, heels tapping with confidence as she went to
the head of the conference table. She wore a black pant suit with jacket, soft
blue blouse, and simple pendant. Her full head of rich brown hair draped her
shoulders. Her hazel eyes were extra penetrating as she scanned their faces.
Her movements were sure as she placed her portfolio and phone on the table.
She smiled. “I’m Madison Winston, CEO of Fallington
Enterprises, and it’ a pleasure to finally meet you in person. We have a big
week ahead of us and a tremendous year before us to do some important things. I
encourage you to fill your coffee cup often, keep your eyes and mind wide open
because I’ve got lots to share with you.
“Each one of you has a phone. Take it out, turn it OFF, and
place it face-down on the table. We have three personnel in the office who will
take phone messages that you might receive during our sessions.” Madison picked
up her phone and demonstrated with a couple of hand motions. “See, mine’s off
also.” She placed it back on the table.
Hollis was feasting on Madison’s blue blouse that shimmied
every time she moved. He couldn’t take his eyes off her breast, imagining them
rocking unseen beneath the blouse. Her pant suit fit her hips perfectly and
showed her lean curves. He’d laughed when D.R. referred to Madison by phone as
‘taco lady.’ Hollis had no idea she was such an attractive woman. He’d have a
piece of that ass before the week ended, he thought. He grunted a low, “Uh
huh.” Phil squirmed and cut him a look. Nancy’s eyes shot daggers at him.
“So how was the Shiloh? Everybody get plenty of sleep last
night?” Madison asked.
Nancy nodded affirmatively.
Phil squirmed. “I loved it. Best coffee and breakfast I’ve
ever had. I’d like to bring my wife sometime.”
Hollis looked sour.
Madison gave him a nod. “How about you, Hollis?”
“Well, it’s not
bush.
Chapter Ten
Monday Morning
Madison had spent the weekend combing over every bit of
information on Fallington Enterprises from its founding to the present. Edna
Fallington had taken the fledgling two-year old company, after her husband left
her, and given it leadership to produce decent profits year after year.
When Edna stepped back somewhat, and her grandsons entered
the business, the company began to lose profits gradually, before plummeting
over the past year. Madison had sketched and graphed the various turning points
as expenses rose, productivity faltered, profits shrunk, and harsh loses came
in a rush. But the company had had a respectable financial cushion, so everyone
had been giddily happy. But not anymore.
Madison made her final notes for the staff meeting, as she
sat in her office. She shook her head thinking what a nightmare she’d stepped
into, but she was confident she could turn the company around. She’d let her
daughter know that she’d been promoted with additional responsibilities, but didn’t
want to worry her with the details. Her daughter knew their time would be
limited this week because of Madison’s extra work.
She walked over to the large office window overlooking
Asheville. She loved the city and what it had become. Trendy, but with a flavor
of country mountain simple. She loved the mixture of people, and how she and
her daughter had been accepted in their neighborhood, school, and church.
Asheville had truly become home for her.
There was a knock on her door. Janice peeked in. “Five minutes
until launch.”
Madison smiled. “Thanks, Janice. Be right there.”
She had decided not to mingle with the branch managers
during coffee, juice, and donuts. Although she’d had a couple of brief phone
calls with each one, she wanted their first impression of her to be as the CEO
of Fallington, not their pal. She’d socialize later during the week.
She gathered her thin leather portfolio and phone and walked
briskly to the conference room, heels tapping with confidence as she went to
the head of the conference table. She wore a black pant suit with jacket, soft
blue blouse, and simple pendant. Her full head of rich brown hair draped her
shoulders. Her hazel eyes were extra penetrating as she scanned their faces.
Her movements were sure as she placed her portfolio and phone on the table.
She smiled. “I’m Madison Winston, CEO of Fallington
Enterprises, and it’ a pleasure to finally meet you in person. We have a big
week ahead of us and a tremendous year before us to do some important things. I
encourage you to fill your coffee cup often, keep your eyes and mind wide open
because I’ve got lots to share with you.
“Each one of you has a phone. Take it out, turn it OFF, and
place it face-down on the table. We have three personnel in the office who will
take phone messages that you might receive during our sessions.” Madison picked
up her phone and demonstrated with a couple of hand motions. “See, mine’s off
also.” She placed it back on the table.
Hollis was feasting on Madison’s blue blouse that shimmied
every time she moved. He couldn’t take his eyes off her breast, imagining them
rocking unseen beneath the blouse. Her pant suit fit her hips perfectly and
showed her lean curves. He’d laughed when D.R. referred to Madison by phone as
‘taco lady.’ Hollis had no idea she was such an attractive woman. He’d have a
piece of that ass before the week ended, he thought. He grunted a low, “Uh
huh.” Phil squirmed and cut him a look. Nancy’s eyes shot daggers at him.
“So how was the Shiloh? Everybody get plenty of sleep last
night?” Madison asked.
Nancy nodded affirmatively.
Phil squirmed. “I loved it. Best coffee and breakfast I’ve
ever had. I’d like to bring my wife sometime.”
Hollis looked sour.
Madison gave him a nod. “How about you, Hollis?”
“Well, it’s not
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