Hi folks, this is another slow burn story. As usual, I always appreciate your feedback.
I really hope you enjoy.
Chapter 1 of 6
Dove Publishing, one of the largest creators of books and content for kids to young adults in the country, had been an institution in the city for more than 50 years. Employing over 200 people spread out over 3 floors of a refurbished downtown warehouse. Dove was known for it's ability to create something for every age group - picture books for young preschoolers up to YA fiction for every variety for tweens to teens.
Bill Falcon, grandson of the original founder, oversaw all operations. He knew most employees, and a majority of their spouses or significant others, by name. He took pride knowing his staff weren't just numbers on a spreadsheet, but family he could count on. He'd visit each department daily for updates on sales, details on new titles launching or in the pipeline, and assurances books were making it out on time.
Once a month, on a Friday, department heads from all areas convened. Each manager was urged to bring a few members of their staff... for what Bill called 'transparency'. Information shouldn't just flow from the top down, but sideways as well.
-
THURSDAY
Bob Brown, head of creative, approached "Hey, Jack, you're good for attending tomorrow's staff meeting, right? Great, thanks." What Jack thought was supposed to sound like a question, was, in all reality, a thinly veiled directive.
Jackson "Jack" Poole was an extremely talented artist and illustrator who'd been with Dove three years. He was well known throughout the company, plus the publishing industry as a whole, as someone who could turn the most obscure topic or title into a prize winner. He also had the awards to back it up.
"C'mon, Bob, I've got more illustrations to do on that 'Princess Pig' book, plus two more projects lined up after that." Jack was hoping to appeal to Bob's love of staying on deadline. "Plus no one will even notice I'm there" or playing to his sympathy, hoping he'd remember how introverted he was.
"Delegate." You haven't been to one of these breakfasts in almost a year. You're going. Socialize. Enjoy a free meal."
Bob approached him and put an arm around the young man's shoulder "I'm not asking you to make friends" he said sympathetically "just be a warm body representing the department."
"Ok, fine, we'll be in right after it's over."
-
FRIDAY
Jack tried sneaking into the gathering unnoticed. As usual though, he had to wait for Theo... performing his meet and greets.
"Let's go already! The sooner we're seated the sooner this can all be over with" Jack whined to Theo "why must you be the fucking good-will ambassador to the damn company." He all but pulled him away.
They headed to the back of the room, not even stopping for food. Jack's stomach was in knots and food was the last thing on his mind.
Theo on the other hand couldn't help but check out the buffet.
"Here" one of the serving staff winked at Theo "I'll fix you a plate."
Theo plopped down next to Jack, his bacon and eggs placed in front of him. "Fine, go ahead. But don't whine to me when that greasy mess makes you sick later."
-
Bill Falcon took the podium to begin the presentation. "I see a lot of new faces here today. That's excellent. Glad to see everyone wants to take part.
"Wants to or is forced to" Jack muttered under his breath. He'd never volunteer for this. Too much pressure and too many people.
Bill glanced at his notes "I think we should start by having a few folks introduce themselves. I know some of you have been with us for years... maybe this is your first monthly. Or you're fresh to the company, and if that's the case, we'd like to get to know a little about you."
Jack slid down in his seat. "God, no" he muttered to himself "what am I going to do Theo?" It was a rhetorical question, there wasn't really an answer.
"Let's start with.... ummm.... let's see" Bill looked at his notes again "oh here's a good one. I'm sure many of you already know him, but it's been a long time since we've had the pleasure of his company."
'No, no, no, no...' Jack thought to himself 'please not me, please not me.'
"Jackson Poole. Please stand up and introduce yourself."
'Fuck! Fuckin' no!' he muttered again.
He reluctantly stood up, looking down at this feet... terrified to make eye contact with anyone. His mouth went dry and a lump formed in his throat. He felt like he was going to pass out. Bob said he just had to be a warm body, he never mentioned he had to be a talking warm body.
"Hi, I'm Jack Poole... I've been with Dove 3 years and I try to avoid these things" the room laughed, thinking he was making some kind of colossal joke "but here I am. I'm an artist, right now working on children's books." He was sweating profusely "so, yeah, that's me."
He sat back down quickly, shaking like he'd just returned from an alien abduction. He looked to Theo for support, but he didn't - or maybe wouldn't - acknowledge him. He was too busy finishing the last of the bacon on his plate and giving eyes to a girl at the next table.
The rest of the introductions were a blur, he wasn't really paying attention... he was too busy figuring out his escape route for when this was over. Fastest way out with encountering the least amount of people.
Bill released them after the presentation was complete.
'At last, freedom' he muttered under his breath 'C'mon Theo, let's get out of here.'
-
"Just be a warm body you said... did you know warm bodies were expected to speak?!"
Bob gave Jack a remorseful look "Jack, I'm so sorry. I had no idea Falcon would make you talk." He patted the young man on the back and led him to his desk. "Were you able to say anything?"
"He made me introduce myself! I've worked here for 3 years and he acted like it was my first day of kindergarten." Jack shook, unable to tell if it was anger, nerves or nervous anger. "Tell us a little about yourself Jackson" he said in mocking tone "like I was a child!"
The anger he began with was slowly receded to embarrassment "I tried keeping it as brief as I could... but he made me freakin' speak Bob!"
