25. Michael
Michael
beginning of october
“ Y o, Michael!” Adam pops his head up over the cubicle wall where I sit staring at the meeting notice that’s just popped into my inbox.
“Yeah?” I ask, twirling a pen in my hands. I’ve gotten a lot better at controlling my nervous habits when I’m anxious, but this email has my spine tingling. Could be good, could be bad… but my body’s signals never lie.
Recalling the last time I got called into Goldman’s office so he could read me the riot act, my chest tightens.
Even though it put my job at risk, I’d still have beat up that cheating douchebag again in a heartbeat; no one messes with my friends, and no one puts their hands on a woman and gets away with it.
He saved my ass that day, giving me a chance for a fresh start, away from the Charlotte drama.
First day at the Atlanta office, however, Goldman called me into his office and made it crystal clear that me being here was a favor, and that if I screwed anything up, I’d be out on my ass faster than the door could hit me.
I gave him my unwavering assurance, and we’d had a good working relationship ever since.
He gave me feedback on the projects I’d managed and connected me with more players in the industry.
He could tell I was hungry to move up and make my mark in the corporation.
However, in all these months there’d never been a reason to have such an official-sounding meeting again—until now.
“You wanna grab some wings after work tonight? We’re headed to Bennigan’s.” Adam asks.
“No, man, I got plans with my woman.” Just the thought of seeing Vivian tonight sets my blood aflame and distracts me from the unease swirling in my belly.
“Damn, you sure are pussy-whipped, aren’t you?”
“Watch what you say, Adam. That’s my wife you’re talking about there.”
“She’s not your wife yet, dude.”
“She’s got my ring on her finger, and she’s sleeping in my bed. Only thing left is to change that last name of hers.” Mrs. Stromberg . My mom’s always been the only Mrs. Stromberg in our circle, but there’ll be a second one come Christmastime if I have anything to say about it.
I love how Vivian Stromberg sounds. I love calling her “mi amor” even more.
“Well, you better get into Goldman’s office.” Adam jerks his thumb over his shoulder.
“You got one of these too?” I ask as he peers at my computer monitor.
“Yep,” he says. “Word has it some big changes are happening. Everyone’s getting called in for one-on-one’s, but no one’s spilling what it’s all about.”
“Huh,” I muse as I chew on the pen cap. Dammit, that’s the third one I’ve wrecked today. Throwing it on my desk, I push myself out of my chair. “Might as well go face the firing squadron.”
Everyone in the office has been a little on edge since the terrorist attacks, and understandably so.
Nothing like this has ever happened to us before and people tend to flinch every time they hear an airplane flying a little too close overhead.
Since we’re close to Hartsfield Airport that happens more often than not.
My senses have been on high alert. It’s like you can feel the tension in the city radiating off every single person. No one knows what to expect next.
After I walk down the hallway to my boss’s office, I pause and take a deep breath before knocking on the door.
I don’t know what I need to prepare myself for, but it’s definitely something if the nervous energy coursing through my veins is any indication.
“Come in,” his gruff voice orders. Stepping inside, I take in his slightly rumpled appearance with a bit of surprise.
Goldman is a mid-forties, retired military man who maintains that same imposing physique along with an impeccable appearance.
Today, it’s apparent that he has been sweating through his checkered shirt, his hair roughed up like he’s been messing with it.
And am I imagining it, or are those more gray hairs I see? “Michael, sit down. We need to talk.”
His stern voice pulls me out of shock, and I barely sit on the edge of a chair across from him. This isn’t going to be a comfortable conversation.
“I’m cutting right to the chase, young man.” He rakes a hand through his hair, confirming where the disheveled look is coming from.
“The Atlanta operation is shutting down.”
I swallow as my stomach drops and the band on my chest tightens. No. This is my job, my livelihood. My means of stability for what Vivian and I are building. I start to stand, but he must read the worry on my face as he motions for me to sit back down.
He continues in a softer tone. “I know it’s your job to analyze everything but hear me out first. We knew this project had an end date.
It was only meant to run for five years, and we’re over three years in.
But with how things have changed…” He trails off and I’m certain he’s referring to the state of emergency that we’re currently living in.
“Anyway, we’re wrapping up operations early.
But there are still opportunities to be had.
Particularly in Florida. That’s where you’re from originally, right?
” I swallow and nod, surprised he remembers that detail.
“The Miami project would be perfect for your skillset.
They could use your experience and leadership.
“Of course, this is all entirely up to you. You’re under no obligation to keep working for us.
We’re giving everyone a two-month’s salary payout, and if you choose to move, we’ll cover travel expenses.
The Miami office is much larger, and they have a department specifically to help with relocation services.
You’re one of the ones I’m telling early because rumor has it you have someone new in your life, am I right?
” I nod, barely able to keep my head attached to my body as I take in everything he’s saying. Because it’s not just about me anymore.
“Is she special to you?”
“Yeah,” I swallow. “I mean, yes, sir. She’s my wife. I mean, she’s going to be. She’s my fiancée.”
He waves away my stammering, a knowing smile on his face. “She’s yours is what you’re saying.”
“Yes, sir, she is.”
“Okay then. So you have more than yourself to think about.” I nod slowly.
Oh, do I ever . “I wanted you to be the first to hear about this. There’s only a few openings in Miami, and I can recommend you for a promotion.
It’s more responsibility, of course, but it also comes with a pay increase.
Something you could use if you’re starting out a new life together.
It could help smooth the path for a newlywed couple. ”
The realization that this could be good news and not a catastrophic job loss begins to sink in.
“But you’re going to need to act fast. These roles will get snatched up quickly.
In fact, you’ve only got until the end of the week to make a decision.
” My entire body freezes. FUCK! I just got Vivian to agree to move in with me.
How the hell will she respond to this news?
I know she loves me, but everything she has is here—Claire, Raelynn, her mom, the restaurant.
Even though she has agreed to spend her life with me, there’s a big difference between moving in and moving states.
That night at the restaurant proved how too many changes at once can be overwhelming for her.
I know she loves me, but this is a big ask.
Will the jump be too far for her? Only one way to find out.
“Thank you for letting me know, sir. I really appreciate it.” I rise, a little dazed but already planning how I’m going to break the news to Vivian.
“You’re one of the good ones, Michael,” he says, standing and shaking my hand.
“I knew that bringing you down here would be good for the team. And they never should’ve done you like that back in Charlotte.
If you’re serious about this girl, don’t wait.
Sooner is better than later and life is too short.
As we’ve seen,” he says with a grim look on his face.
“What are your plans?”
“I’m going to offer my consulting services. The government runs contracts for veterans who still have the desire to help our country.” He steps back and folds his arms over his chest. The glint in his eye is sharp, but solid. I can imagine what a formidable opponent he must have been in combat.
“Good for you, sir,” I say with a tip of my head.
“You let me know as soon as you talk to your girl, all right?”
“I’ll have an answer by the end of the week. Thank you again for the opportunity.”
The spicy blend of picadillo fills my small kitchen, and I’m glad I went with comfort food tonight when Vivian unlocks the door and steps inside.
Her shoulders are slumped. She sets down her purse gingerly and sighs as she kicks off her shoes.
Either it was a bad work day, a bad fibro day, or both.
Awful timing for the bomb I have to drop tonight.
But we need to talk. This is gonna be the first of many challenges we’ll weather together as a couple, so may as well start now.
I take off the “Real Men Rub Their Meat” apron that usually makes her smile and hang it up, not wanting any of the grease to transfer to her work clothes.
Taking in her appearance, I make a mental note to run her an epsom salt bath later and make sure those pink sweatpants with “Juicy” on the butt are laid out on the bed.
The rhinestone label is ridiculous, but the soft fabric makes them one of her favorite things to wear, and based on her expression, she’s going to need some serious care tonight.
We meet in the entryway and without saying a word, I wrap my arms around her, breathing her in as she curls into my chest. I run my hands along her back, pulling her to me carefully in case her trigger points are acting up.
Just enough to let her know that I’m here.
That I’ll protect her and make it all better, no matter what it is.