Talk about walking into my office in a great mood. I felt so great this morning, I had a whole new outlook on life. I walked back out and said hi to everyone and told Shirley she looked great today.
"Shirley anything pressing?"
"Not yet, we are up to date."
"Let's see about that."
"Good morning, everyone, anyone finding themselves behind, or stressed this morning, other than me I mean."
One guy sheepishly raised his hand, "Mark, speak up what can this fine group help you with?" He shared his issue, and everyone looked at me.
"Well, everyone can we get this solved this week?"
The crew got together to talk to Henry, they shared the load to help him. He smiled at me.
Shirley, "That was amazing, you are good at this."
Brenda stood at her door and smiled, "Tucker you have a minute?"
"You gave this group the day off Friday and come in today and find our week link and the crew is attacking the issue. Congratulations, I have never had a keen eye like that. Tucker, I have been offered a new position, would you like to take my place?"
I turned and looked at Shirley. "Honestly no. I think you are missing a true leader of this crew."
"Shirley, I thought she would be great, but I wanted to check on you. You really think Shirley is the right one?"
"Look at her, she is right over there in the group, adding ideas. I think she will keep it where you are or do better, no disrespect."
"None taken, I am impressed, you wouldn't mind working for her?"
"Not at all."
"Call her in please."
I walked up to Shirley, kind of stern. "Shirley, could I see you in Brenda's office now please."
"Yes Tucker, right away, she walked ahead of me, looking back as if she did something wrong. I stopped and laughed at the group.
I closed the door.
Brenda, "Tucker that was mean."
"I know, but I will pay for it, I'm sure."
"What's going on?"
"Shirley, you have been in this office several years. How would you like to become the new Director?"
She looked at me, "That was mean Tucker."
Shirley, "Tucker you're more qualified than I am?"
"Seriously? I don't know half of what you know. This place would burn to the ground without you."
"Would you stay on as my assistant?"
"I don't know, working for a blonde?"
"Excuse me, but Brenda is blonde?"
"I never noticed."
She laughed; "Brenda I would be honored. And I think it would be fun working here with Tucker?"
"This comes into effect next Monday. Congratulations."
Shirley smiled and thanked her. "So can I ask you both to lunch."
Brenda, "I can't Shirley, I have to go let the owners know you're taking over and do the paperwork."
"Tucker?"
"If you're buying, sure."
Brenda, "Then lets let the crew know."
"Tucker get their attention please."
"Okay you group of money wasting pour excuse for professionals, may I pull you away from your coffee and donuts?"
They all laughed, and Brenda stepped up.
"I wish I had the charisma of Tucker, but I don't think we could handle anyone else this crazy. I would like to inform you I will be stepping down as director in a week, and I have already picked your new Director."
I took a step forward. Everyone clapped. I laughed.
"I'm sorry boss I was trying to get out of the way."
"Sure Tucker, thanks. Everyone your new Director is Shirley.
The office went crazy congratulating her; I stepped behind Brenda. "Told you."
"I have no problem saying you were right."
Shirley turned, "You all should know every Director needs an assistant they can trust, you all know Tucker has been doing an okay job for Brenda, do you think we should take a chance of keeping him on?"
They all huddled then looked at me, with a look of discuss on their faces. Then they yelled yes. Shirley laughed.
Brenda returned to her office. Shirley and I went and talked to everyone. Then she said get to work and we went to Brenda, "Sure you can't go to lunch?"
"Sorry but enjoy."
We headed out and talked about the job and Shirley told me she would drive.
Shirley took us to a nice restaurant, and we were seated.
"Tucker, thank you for coming. I just wanted you to know I am shocked you didn't take the job. I know Brenda recommended you, so why would you say no?"
The waiter interrupted and we gave our order.
"I am a happy man when I am doing a job that gives me freedom to be myself, and I have had that these couple of weeks. The idea of me being the director over someone a thousand times more qualified makes no sense to me. Brenda originally recommended you for the Director position. She fought for you; thou I am not sure I will like working with someone as much as a smartass as me."
She smiled and our lunch arrived. We ate in silence then she looked at me.
"Will you help me keep it running as smooth as it is now?"
"Shirley, you are going to do great, those people love you, you may not see it, but you have been the backbone for years. I will be right behind you."
"Tucker, are you married, or dating? I have been afraid to ask."
"Why would you be afraid to ask me? I have met a young woman; she has asked me to move in with her."
"That's nice. Are you going to?"
"Working on it."
"We should head back, thank you again Tucker."
Shirley, "cheers, I hope we rock that place."
The rest of the week went slow, so much paperwork for the change. Then Friday I helped Shirley move into her new office, I noticed one of the guys watching, I wondered what he was looking at. I stopped Shirley.
"Shirley, have you thought of replacing yourself?"
"I was just going to use you; make you do some real work." She smiled. "What are you thinking?"
"I noticed the guy in the front watching us move you, not sure if he is checking out your ass or your desk?"
"That is Petro, he has been here several years, very impressive man, hard worker. You think he could handle the pressure?"
"We can test him."
I walked out and asked everyone to wake up. "I know you all probably finished all your work on Monday, but you should at least make me feel like you're busy."
Everyone laughed. "Serious question, yes, I know I said that. But we are looking for someone to take over Shirley's job someone competent, who will always be on time, do all my work and give me the credit,
So, I was wondering if anyone here knows how to type, take notes, get me coffee, do my laundry, oh forget all that you would be working for Shirley, so there may be real work involved." People were giggling and as I hoped Petro raised his hand.
"Petro, you are awake."
Petro, "Would I be able to apply for the job?"
"Well, no one else asked I guess we could test you; can you type?"
He laughed, "I hear I'm better than you."
First test, typing, I put one finger to the keys, "Okay see if you can type this faster than me. Ready, "Tucker is a better typist than I am."
Shirley and Brenda burst out laughing.
"Dam, I only got one letter."
I walked to Petro, "so you think you can put up with me?"
"We do every day."
"Okay boss he is yours to cross examine, I rest my case."
Everyone clapped and I took a bow and went to my desk pretending to cry.
They laughed watching me. Shirley invited Petro into her new office, then invited me. Then she told everyone to go home.
We talked to Petro. He would be great for the job.
We said good night to each other, and I wished Brenda good luck in her new position.
Brenda, "Did I mention you and Shirley will be reporting to me?"
I burst out laughing and left. I went back up, "I'm sorry do you need me bosses?"
"Get out of here." I waved goodbye. I went to the store and bought some groceries and went home.
**************************************************
When I arrived, there was a Porsche in our driveway. I got out and two tall women got out of the car.
"You must be Tucker?"
"That would be me."
"I am Anna, and this is my sister Max."