Page 13 of Small Town CEO Grump

Jenna’s eyes immediately filled with tears, and I could see that she was shaking. She took a minute to gain her composure.

“Are you serious?” she asked softly.

“Yes,” I said.

“That would be amazing,” she said. “This is going to be a dream come true for Tyler. And if I’m being perfectly honest, for me as well. Getting to go to Yankee Stadium and getting to take my son to a game there? Oh my goodness. Thank you!”

“You are welcome,” I said. “The minute I heard how amazed he was that I had seen the Yankees play, I knew I had to try to work this out if we could.”

“Well, thank you again,” she said. She stood up, and headed towards the door of my office. “I’ll make sure I have everything taken care of.”

“Sounds good,” I said. I knew she would. I had only been there for a couple weeks, but I could see that she was very good at her job.

***

Three weeks later I stood at the entrance to the subway, waiting for Jenna and Tyler. We were going to ride the subway out to the Bronx, and then go to the game. Jenna had told me that Tyler was so excited when he heard he was going to get to see the Yankees play, and that he hadn’t stopped talking about it since.

I was really looking forward to it, too. He was a really fun kid, and I liked being around him. And I always enjoyed being around Jenna. She was smart and interesting, and undeniably beautiful.

As I waited for them I realized I was looking forward to seeing her a bit more than I should be. I could never forget the fact that she worked for me. It would be inappropriate to try and start any sort of dating relationship with her. Although, if she wasn’t my employee I would have asked her out immediately. I shook my head, and vowed to keep things as professional as I always had.

However, as I looked up and saw her walking towards me, it seemed like it was going to become more and more difficult. She looked absolutely fantastic. She was wearing a simple Yankees T-shirt and jeans, but she looked as if she could be a professional model. Tyler was walking next to her, wearing a brand new Yankees jersey.

I waved to them, and Tyler ran towards me.

“Hello sir,” he said, shaking my hand. “Thank you so much for taking me to this game. I can’t believe I actually get to see the Yankees play.”

I shook his hand, once again, impressed at his manners. I knew he was only seven, but he carried himself like someone who was much older.

“I’m looking forward to it too,” I said. “I always enjoy seeing the Yankees play.”

I turned my attention toward Tyler’s mother. “Hello Jenna,” I said.

“Hello Ryan,” she answered. “Thank you again for this. I know we have both been looking forward to it since we woke up this morning.”

“It’s absolutely my pleasure,” I said. “How was your morning and afternoon? I asked.

“Oh, it was wonderful. I was able to see all of the properties, and just get a feel for everything. I am so glad I was able to do that because now I already know some of what I want to say. The words have been going through my head all afternoon.”

“Good, I’m glad to hear it,” I said. I looked down at Tyler as we headed down into the subway. “And what about you? Have you enjoyed your day?

“Yes!” he said. “We started by walking through Central Park. Then we got on a subway and rode down to Brooklyn and I was able to walk back over to Brooklyn Bridge. I was able to do everything I wanted to do in New York City in the first two hours that we were awake today. Everything else has been so great, and now we’re going to this game.”

“Excellent,” I replied. “I absolutely love the city.”

“Then why did you move away?” He asked.

“Tyler, make sure to mind your manners,” Jenna said. She looked at me apologetically. “Don’t feel that you have to answer. I’m sorry.”

“I apologize, Sir,” Tyler said.

“It’s a very legitimate question,” I said. “You have nothing to be sorry for. You know, I just needed to get away for a while. I’ve lived here for so long, and as you see, the city is so busy and active, and there’s always something going on. And as much as I love it, I need to have a rest for a little bit. I have been going nonstop for a really long time. In Oceanview I can relax and rest more. But I still get back here enough to enjoy the city.”

“I guess that makes sense," Tyler said.

I laughed. “So you walked across the Brooklyn Bridge this morning? You saw lower Manhattan in the daytime?”

“Yep,” Tyler said

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