Page 9 of Dirty Fortune

"I thought I could call everyone together at the meeting room and introduce you and say my goodbyes. What do you think?"

"Is everyone here already?"

"Yes."

"Alright, let's get started then."

We walk together towards the conference room and I hear the group of voices coming from inside. Johanna never announced her intentions to sell, so they will be in for a surprise. We walk into the room, and suddenly, there's a deathly silence. I hear Julie gasp from her seat at the table when she sees me.

"Good morning, everyone. I don't really know how to say this, but this is Mr. Keith Matthews, the new owner of the magazine."

I'm standing behind her, and I just nod when she makes the announcement.

"Mr. Matthews will be taking over starting today. He's told me there'll be some changes in staff, but all for the better. I know this is a surprise. It all happened really fast, and I am ready to move on. Mr. Matthews, do you want to add anything?"

I step forward to say a few words. I'm used to talking to high-powered CEOs and high-profile businessmen, but this is a more laid-back group of people.

"This magazine has a vision, and just because the owner is a man now, it hasn't changed. Today, I'll call you one by one in my office to discuss how you fit into this company and what we can do to make it better. Thank you."

Everyone is just gaping at me, but I want to get back to work, so I just turn around and leave the conference room. As I walk towards my office, I feel a presence following me. I don't want to talk to Julie just yet. I have a surprise for her, but it's not ready. I walk into my office and almost slam the door in Julie's face.

"What the hell do you think you are doing, Keith?"

"I'm not ready to talk to you yet, Julie. Please wait until I call for you."

And with that, I gently close the door in front of her delicious but outraged form.

Julie

Keith is here, in my office, and he just shut the door in my face. My blood is boiling, and I'm ready to scream at someone, but he's not ready to talk to me. I can't believe the devious little shit. I told him no, and he's found a completely legal way to put himself in my life. This is crazy. I didn't even know Johanna wanted to sell. How much did he give her?

Besides, he's a high roller. He doesn't buy small companies like this one. I lift my fist to pound on the door once more when Johanna walks up to me.

"Hey, Julie, do you have a moment?"

"Jo, of course, let's go to my office."

I'm just two doors down, so in no time, we're there sitting next to one another on the couch where I've had so many sleepovers over the last five years, trying to meet a deadline.

"Why didn't you tell me, Jo?"

"It all happened so fast. I've been under so much stress. It was like a miracle had happened when Mr. Matthews approached me."

"Was it a good offer?"

"It was an amazing offer. I can't disclose it, but I won't have to work ever again."

"That's great," I say, my tone neutral.

"I'm sorry for not talking about it with you beforehand. You're an important part of this place. I made sure to pass that on to Mr. Matthews."

"Thank you for that. Won't you miss it, though?"

"Of course, but I couldn't pass this opportunity up."

I lean forward and take her into a hug. I've learned so much from working in this magazine. I really owe it to Johanna.

"I'm going to miss you, Jo."

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