October 5th, 2020, Monday morning
Mr. Johansen jammed down the intercom button and shouted, “Judy, come in here. Now.”
Blast it. He kicked the desk. Why hadn’t he seen this coming? He depended on her.
The growl of factory machinery rumbled beneath his office, and sunlight filtered through the Venetian blinds to splay across the walnut furniture.
Judy entered. “Mr. Johansen, what has you so upset?”
He waved a sheet of paper. “What’s the meaning of this letter?” he roared.
“It’s my resignation and should be self-explanatory.” She smoothed a wrinkle on her yellow skirt.
He ran his fingers through his dark hair. “Why are you leaving, especially with the competition breathing down our necks? If you’re not here, the upstart company on the other side of town will siphon off our profits.”
She brushed a loose strand of chestnut hair away from her face. “It’s necessary.”
“How can it be necessary?”
“I understand the difficulty my departure will create.”
He shook his fist. “No, you don’t. It’s not a difficulty, it’s a catastrophe.” He stomped his foot. “Aren’t you happy working here?”
“I’ve enjoyed working for you and have no complaints.”
He snapped the letter with his finger. “What are you doing after this two-week notice?” His chair squeaked.
She grinned. “I have a different job.”
He leaned forward and glared. “Did the competitor offer more money? I’ll more than match it. You’re like a partner.”
“I don’t believe you can match it because the new position is non-salaried.”
He roared, “Non-salaried? What in the world? I pay you a good salary.”
“It’s not the money. I’m getting married in three months.”
His mouth dropped open. “Oh.” His face softened. “I heard someplace that love is blind.”
“My fiancé, Jim, says marriage is a three-ring circus. There’s the engagement ring, the marriage ring, and the suffer ring.”
His tension eased. “I never knew you had a boyfriend.”
“I figured you didn’t. You’re preoccupied with work and haven’t noticed Jim’s weekly bouquets on my desk.” She displayed her left hand. “This ring has been here for six months, but you eat, sleep, and live for this company. It’s got you tied up like clear plastic wrap.”
He scowled. “You honestly mean that, don’t you?”
“I do. She’s your wife, and you act as if Johansen and Company can’t survive without you.”
He picked up a pencil and tapped his desk. His chair creaked again. “I’m thirty-four and started this company from scratch. Is focusing on the business wrong?”
“I’ve seen the figures. What would you do with another million in your bank account? You have influence, and people know your name. But you’re unhappy like a goldfish in a bowl.”
He jerked back. “Why do you say that? I depend on you. You’re my friend and confidant, and you provide details before I know what’s needed. You’ve been better than an assistant, and I beg you to stay.”
She shook her head, her shoulder-length hair flaring. “Thanks for the kudos, but it’s time to pursue my personal life. You can’t buy me as if I were a business contract.”
He spread his hands. “I’ll give you time off to get married, and you could come back to work.”
“Jim and I want to be parents to our children, not absent from the home.”
“Is there nothing I can say to change your mind? Your position is important.”
“To Jim and me, children are more important than working. I’ll not change my mind.”
“I can’t get along without you.”
She glanced around the office. “Your insight has built a company for others to admire. You don’t need me to move forward.”
“Don’t underestimate yourself. You and I form an integral part of this company.” He swung his finger to encompass the room. “Without you, this office won’t be complete.” His shoulders sagged. “Maybe I’m tired of it.”
Judy flickered a smile. “If you’re not happy with your office, you could remodel it or think about retiring.”
He shook his finger. “For crying out loud, Judy. I meant something else. I designed this office and don’t intend to remodel it. Why would I want to retire at thirty-four?”
“I knew exactly what you meant, and it proves my point.” She walked over to the large window overlooking the factory floor. “This plant is your wife, and you’re not happily married. To say you’re tired of the office says you thought about leaving her.”
He pointed at her and squinted. “Be careful what you say.”
“No, I won’t. You always encourage me to speak my mind and right now, you’re searching for happiness but can’t find it. You’re as empty as a bell without a clapper.”
His breathing deepened, and he squinted. “You didn’t have to be so blunt.”
“I needed to get your attention.” She returned to stand before his desk.
“You got my attention. But how do I fill your shoes? I need someone who can step into the job as if they’ve been here forever.”
“What about Mabel? She knows everything and has been here longer than me.”
“Not Mabel. She’s a doer. She’s good in the office but lacks business insight. I want someone who’s a sterling replacement for Judy Kensington. Someone who understands the world of competition. I need you to stay. How can I entice you?”
A phone rang from the outer office, and she said, “Excuse me. It’s a call from Acme, Inc. about a mismatched order. We don’t want to lose the account.”
“No,” he shouted. “Mabel can handle the problem.” He pointed to the polished oval table at the side of the room. “Sit down. You’re staying here,” he roared.
Her mouth dropped open. “What’s wrong with you? You never order me around.”
He jolted, and for a moment hesitated. “Judy, I apologize for my outburst. It was inexcusable. But for you to abandon this company is a disaster and we need to talk.”
“I accept your apology, but I’ve never seen you this angry. When you cool down, I’ll return, and we can talk like normal people.” She left the office.
He took several breaths to ease his tension. He depended on Judy because she knew the company inside and out. Her understanding of the competition was outstanding and she could discern problems before he did.
His mind whirled. He had to get away from the office. He stomped down the back stairs to the factory floor. Judy was right, as always. He was angry and couldn’t think clearly.