Total pages in book: 95
Estimated words: 88742 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 444(@200wpm)___ 355(@250wpm)___ 296(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 88742 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 444(@200wpm)___ 355(@250wpm)___ 296(@300wpm)
“I think I want to talk to Brick first. He's always so tied up at these gatherings, and I just want to say hello now before we miss our chance.” My dad scans the crowd for his boss. Brick's a hard guy to miss, and I'm sure if I help look, we'd find him in seconds, but I keep my head down.
I continue whispering affirmations to myself. Keeping my confidence and spirits up.
“There he is, George. I can't believe you didn't see him. He's so tall!” Sounds like my mom has spotted the man of the hour. I look at where she’s pointing, and my breath leaves my body. Jesus Christ, he is a beautiful man. I know I just saw him, but memories and pictures are nothing like seeing him in the flesh.
I could die.
“Come on, family. Time to go say hi.”
I follow my parents to what is most certainly going to be a very uncomfortable interaction.
5
Brick
Today is another one of our company functions. It's a barbecue this time since we are in the warmer months. We try to do fun events like this for the employees a few times a year. I believe in maintaining a fun and comfortable work environment for others, even if I myself do not get the most joy out of these events.
“They're not totally horrible, Brick,” Robert says. “Maybe they suck a little, but I wouldn't call them hell on Earth.”
“Okay. Maybe I exaggerated a little bit.” Socializing might feel like a personal hell at times, but I could cool it on the hatred.
Robert is always trying to convince me that these functions we put on for the company are actually a good time. I don’t know, maybe they are. I’ve just personally never found them particularly enjoyable. I mean, don’t get me wrong, I don’t mind mingling with my employees or getting to know them, but they all treat me with this reverence that I just find annoying. I know they are all just trying to stay on my good side. I’ll be the first to admit that I have a bit of a temper, but it’s not like I bust it out of nowhere.
I reserve my wrath for people who truly deserve it. As long as someone does a good job and doesn’t overstep, I’m happy. But I’m not going to leave Robert to handle this all by himself – even if he is the one who started this situation in the first place.
“Clearly, Brick. If I recall correctly, you have had fun at these events before.”
“You may be recalling some events in a correct manner,” I admit. “Dude, I’m just a little tired. There’s so much I am trying to get done this year with Brick Productions, and I’ve only got a few months left. I just don’t want to mess any of this up.”
“I know. Which is why a relaxing Saturday barbecue is just what you need.” I’m never going to get one over on Robert. He’s too fucking astute. “I’m going to hit the showers. Don’t want to be all stinky and sweaty in front of our employees.”
“I’m going to take one when I get home.”
“Okay, then. I’ll see you at the campgrounds. At eleven. Don’t be late,” he jokes. He heads in the direction of the locker room while I go to my car. I’ve got about an hour before I’ve got to be there, which is more than enough time.
As I climb into the driver’s seat, I smile. I was putting on a bit of a face earlier. For the first time in years, I’m actually looking forward to one of these events. All because I think Tammy might be there. I’m pretty sure she hasn’t come to one in the past couple of years, but I’m thinking that given recent events, she may have changed her mind about attending this one. Her parents are always at company parties, and while I do like George and Margie, today, I’m really more interested in whether or not their daughter will be tagging along with them.
We’ll just have to wait and see, I guess.
I’m in and out of my apartment in no time, making my way to the barbecue. I really have nothing to do with these events except sign the checks and attend. Every year, though, Robert makes them more and more elaborate. I know this because I have attended every single one of these events, and the checks increase without fail annually. It’s always fun explaining to our accountant the justification behind the charges. I just hope we never find ourselves in a serious audit. It’s one thing talking to an accountant we hired about a weird bill; it’s another situation entirely when the conversation is with the IRS.
I honestly wonder how Robert has time to come up with all of these novel ideas sometimes. His work ethic never ceases to amaze me.