Writer's Notes:
'Real Love' is my personal tribute to JammyJimmy's (JJ) story, 'Threads: The Island'. I give JJ credit, because credit is due, for this story and for my own inspiration and entrance into writing. 'Real Love' is actually the first story I wrote, even before 'Tale of Two Teens', my first published story.
As I was writing this story way back when, I was hoping JJ would be the editor. Having been unable to make contact with him, I have been reluctant to release it. Some say JJ has passed away, but I don't know. JJ, if you read this and want this story removed, please contact me. Several readers have relayed to me, both publically and privately, that they would like it released.
Therefore, 'Real Love' is an unauthorized, reimagined rewrite and sequel to JJ's story, 'Threads: The Island'. The general storyline in JJ's story is embedded in this story. Several of the character names have been changed because this is my story. Anyone who has read JJ's story will identify the characters quickly, starting with my main character, Bradley Weber, formerly known as Kyle Watson in JJ's story.
Feel free to leave comments about what you like and what you dislike about the story. Feedback is a good thing for those writers who want to know what reader's like and dislike about their stories.
Please don't be mean in the comments because those that put in many hours over a period of several months, and thought into designing and writing these stories don't appreciate it, nor do they deserve it.
JJ, wherever you are, whatever you're doing, fair winds and following seas my friend.
Let the saga of Bradley Weber continue...
MDSW
* * * * *
The next morning, Brad and the team get on the private jet and head back to Aspen. Arriving around two, they greet the newbies as they arrive at home and everyone gets swim suits on. They spend the day in or around the pool so Brad announces he would like to go sight seeing tomorrow and asks what there is to see. Kelly and Debi fill him in and they made some plans.
A short while later, Brad asks Kelly, "Would you like to stop by and see your family and if so, how long would you want to stay?"
"Yes, and I would say just a day trip would be fine this time. A longer stay when we can give them more of a warning," Kelly says.
"Make the arrangements Angel."
Kelly gives him a big hug, then gets on her phone and makes the arrangements. She's excited that Brad asked about her family. After hanging up from talking with them, she tells him it's a good time, then she hugs him very tight.
Brad calls the team together to talk about Packard Records.
"The first company we trained turned out to be a huge success. I would like each of you to reflect back on the training because Packard Records is what it is because of you. I think Packard Records will start going off the chart with sales in record production and new clients soon. Overall, the meeting and picnic with Packard Records was the best experience we've had since we became the new Packard Empire. We faced the first major challenge as a team and kicked ass, doing an excellent job and I would like to point out that you, our staff, played a major role to make that happen. That's very appreciated. The new wave of the Packard Empire has begun."
"Larry told me they're getting unsolicited applications for employment. Does this prove to us that this philosophy is the right philosophy for this company? What do you all think?"
Stacy replies, "It is proof enough for me, Brad. I was very impressed with the team at Packard Records. They're a very smart group of people, almost as good as the Packard team. In just a short period of time, their attitude changed just like ours did. It's an amazing experience. Thank you for doing it for us Brad."
The whole team speaks about their feelings and are convinced Brad is right.
"Great. Now, it's time to look to the future. We still have 29 companies to train. Sooo, I would like Team Brad to pick a company they visited and both Team Stacy and Team Peggy pick a company they visited. We should try to pick companies with the highest probability of success because word of what we are doing will spread quickly. The next company will be one we all agree on. When we get back to the Island, we will talk more about this. What do you guys think?" Brad asks.
"I'm all for it, Brad," Peggy says and everyone nods their approval.
"Cool. Now, about the next training class itself. Kelly, my sisters and I have discussed this and Kelly will explain what the preliminary plans are, then another discussion so you guys can add your thoughts."
"First," Kelly says, "the lesson plan will change a bit. We'll start, this time, with the entire team. That's a little different from the first one. The reason behind this is to let all of you in on the training we give to the guests. The seven new hires will listen, but not participate because they haven't completed their training. This will be an eye opener for them because they haven't yet seen the big picture about the way we operate here."
"And, no personal stories this time. How do you guys feel about it?" Kelly says.
If that is what you want, we will honor it," Nikki says and everyone agrees.
"Nikki, do you want to explain your personal life to strangers?"
"I'm sorry, Kelly, I agree with you. I don't have any desire to open my life to strangers," Nikki says.
"I'm sorry Nikki. The way you answered made me wonder," Kelly says. "It's okay Nikki, as long as we are on the same page," she says with a smile and giving her a hi-five, "Debi, how 'bout you?"
"I'm on board with your wishes Kelly," Debi says. "I thought my story got far too much attention but, I'm also glad to see it did what I wanted it to do. I'm not fond of exposing myself to strangers and would rather not do it again. The only reason I told my story was because I put my foot in my mouth and didn't know any other way to get it out," she says. "In the future, I will make a serious effort to avoid that scenario."
"Okay then. It sounds like we are all on the same page," Kelly says. "Time off is in order."
The team does do some sight seeing around the area and others go out for some night life action. Overall, it's very enjoyable, but they do want to spend more time in Aspen.
Time flies when you're having fun and sooner than not, it's off to Ohio to visit Kelly's family.
The team flies out very early in the morning, to spend the day with Kelly's family. She introduces the whole team, including the seven new staffers, to her family. They have a great time for such a short stay and leave Kelly's folks late that night. Kelly has tears in her eyes again, but Brad is there to support her. He asks the pilots to arrive at the destination about 8am or later and they sleep as much as possible as they fly through the night sky.
Kelly is impressed with the performance of the seven new staffers. She does manage to add two men to the team, one is married and the other has been assigned to work in the office. She's hoping Debi will take a shine to him, but Kelly personally stays out of it.
Kelly and Brad don't shy away from sex while on the trip. They get their fair share, and more, but they're always horny. They're still in love and it gets deeper every day. They may even be getting close to announcing their wedding day to the team.
Debi does take a shine to the single guy Kelly hired, but it didn't last long. Kelly feels sad for her and Debi feels bad too. It's one of those things you can't count on, but you can hope, can't you? Kelly makes it a point to follow up with her later to find out the details.
Overall, it's a great trip. The team discussed Brad's philosophy as a group and everyone agreed they should start expanding and get more companies involved in the training.
Overwhelmingly, they thought it's a huge success and congratulates Brad on his winning philosophy. It will be the future of this company. The newbie's even express interest, wanting to get more involved in the training.
* * * * *
Arriving back on the Island, Brad gives everyone the day off to get caught up to themselves. Some hit the sack not even putting their luggage away. Others spend some leisure time by the pool. The new hires voluntarily went to the office to catch up on the workload, unknown to Kelly and everyone else.
Yes, it was a great trip, but it's also great to be back on the Island and back to the Packard version of reality.
During the next couple months, Kelly keeps close tabs on the new hires. She talks to everyone they interface with and the reports she receives as a result are impressive. Kelly sets up a meeting with the owners to talk about them now that she has more facts about their performance for the owners to hear.
They assemble in Brad's lounge as Kelly takes control and begins the conversation.
"Overall, I believe the newbie's will fit in and do the job as well as the rest of us. Their attitude models our's and they understand their place. They're willing to pitch in and help out. So, I'm recommending they be included in our team meetings and we should think about integrating them into the team."
"Do you feel they have sufficient training to deal with us as a team?" Brad asks.
"I believe they do Brad," Kelly says.
"Including our affection and antics?"
"They will fit right into both departments."
"Peggy, Stacy, any questions or comments. You've got her right where you want her, on the hot seat," Brad says smiling.
Kelly laughs, swats him on the shoulder playfully and says, "I owe you for that one mister. Better watch yourself," she says smiling, then gives him a kiss.
Stacy and Peggy smile and say they're fine with Kelly's evaluations and recommendations, that they feel the same from their own observations. Stacy says she likes the couple that will be working with her. Peggy says Rick and Nikki seem to be happier now and she's happy with them. She says the thing that really helped her was taking the flight with them to pick up their families. They got well acquainted then.
"We still need to get caught up with the workload, do we not?" Brad asks.
"Actually, we don't. The newbies caught us up this morning after we arrived so we are good. They did all the work while we were resting and relaxing and we didn't even know they were doing it. That's one thing I like about them. They don't have to be told when to work and they seem to work well together."
"Wow," Brad says. "I don't know what to say. Are you planning on giving them a raise?"
"Not for a while, Brad. They still have to prove themselves. Its only been a short period of time."
* * * * *
Two weeks later, they have another training class with a company from New York this time. The training goes smoother and no personal stories were told. The guests seem to appreciate the training and promise to put it to work as soon as they return to New York. The newbie's didn't participate in the training and just observed, but they're wide-eyed during and at the conclusion of the training. The guests like what they hear and are ready to go back and make it happen. They're pumped up just like Larry was when he went through the training. Kelly speaks with them as a group and likes what they tell her, and they like what she tells them.
The next week, another training class visits from Packard Publishing, the second company that Team Brad visited in LA. Jackie, Ron and both their secretaries were excited to get the invitation and when the training is complete, they're as pumped up as Larry and his team was. They want to go home early as well to hit the company running.
