All characters engaging in sexual activities are 18 years of age or older.
Any spelling or grammar mistakes are my own.
ONE YEAR AFTER THE DIVORCE.
Jackson was sitting in a meeting and staring at the numbers on the white screen from the power point projector. He didn't completely understand what was being said. Across from him was his business partner Joseph. He needed to understand all this, so that he could communicate with their current and future clients. Also in the meeting were the company tax attorney, business attorney, CPA, criminal defense attorney, two junior staff accountants, and the three shift leaders.
This was their quarterly financial staff meeting. It showed what money was spent. How it was spent. Where it was spent. Where they were in the financial plan set at the beginning of the year. What the projections were based on past years and current year. Leading the meeting was the Executive Staff Accountant, Sofia Hernandez.
Jackson had found Sofia by accident while he was divorcing his ex-wife Tara. She was working as a hotel maid at the Marriott Hotel where he stayed for a bit. Sofia was a quick learner and was not afraid to ask questions or have something repeated until she understood it. By the time her predecessor Denise Holcomb had retired in the spring, Sofia had earned the respect of everyone at American Network Security Systems.
Jackson understood enough to know that things were looking great. Expenses were down and profits were up. They now had contracts with all the top businesses in twenty-five states and ran network security for many city and town governments. Their advertising budget was almost nothing with social media outlets, word of mouth and their reputation. Sofia was speaking about plowing the employee parking lot, when Jackson noticed something about the numbers.
"Miss Hernandez, your numbers are off." Jackson interrupted.
"What! Are you serious? I got to memorize these things by next week." Joseph said as his head shot up and he stopped writing.
"What do you mean Mr. Brown?" Sofia asked.
"Every year our employees get a two percent raise. You do not have that figured in. Where is it?"
"Yes, I told you!" Joseph exclaimed loudly as he jumped up with his hands in the air.
Jackson heard groans from around the table. He looked and saw that everyone was reaching into their wallets or pockets. He noticed that Sofia was smiling, when there was a smack on the table. Jackson turned and looked at Joseph.
"Come here you big bear, I could kiss you right on the mouth."
Which made everyone around the table start laughing. Jackson noticed that everyone had put money on the table. Joseph got up and started walking around and collecting the money.
"What the hell is going on Joe?" Jackson asked.
"I made a bet with everyone that you'd notice that particular "oversight" in the presentation today."
"Ummmmmm, why would I not notice it?"
"Alright. Now that you've gotten everyone's money and proven that you're a weird creeper with googly eyes for your best friend (which caused everyone to laugh again), let's get to the reason those numbers are not here." Sofia said, taking charge with an ease that Jackson noticed.
The three shift leaders stood up and walked up front. Sofia stepped to the side. Allison, who was the second shift team leader spoke up.
"Jackson. The twenty-thousand-dollar gift that you gave all us employees at Christmas last year, meant more to all of us than you will know."
Allison had tears falling down her face, as she pulled out a piece of paper from a folder that she was holding.
"This is a petition with signatures from every single employee. We are forgoing our yearly two percent raise for the next three years as a thank you. I speak for everyone that signed this petition here, that if you do not accept, we are prepared to walk out at the conclusion of this meeting. We love working here at American Network Security Systems and we love having you as our boss."
Allison then walked over to Jackson and held out the petition for him to take. Jackson stood up, took the petition and gave Allison a hug. She walked back up front and stood with the other shift leaders.
"Well, you guys have me over a barrel with my pants around my ankles."
Everyone laughed as Joseph came over and put his arm on Jackson's shoulders and gave him a bro hug.
"On behalf of myself and Joseph, I accept this petition, with our thanks. We couldn't ask for better employees and people. We are blessed and grateful to have you work for us."
Everyone in the room clapped. Then they got back to business and finished the meeting. Jackson congratulated Sofia on a great presentation and her wonderful work. As she was shaking his hand, she said.
"Did you notice that Joseph didn't collect money from me?"
"No, I didn't."
"I knew that you'd notice. I'll never doubt that big heart of yours Jackson." Sofia said and then walked out of the meeting room.
Jackson went back to his office and typed up a thank you email for all the employees. He told them how touched and grateful he was for their sacrifice and hard work. He had just hit send, when Joseph came into his office and sat down in front of Jackson's desk.
"I have to admit, I like this new chair. It's much better than the last one." Joseph said as he rubbed the arms of the chair.
"I trust that you're going to report your winnings to the IRS right." Jackson joked.