Page 37 of Miles. Alton & The 9:04
This made Mae laugh.She hugged the woman again as Thom shooed everyone out of his home.They all needed to leave.
He was quiet as he drove Mae to the train station.There were things to say, but he didn't have the courage to say any of it just yet.All she needed right now was his strength.
“No matter what you decide, I shall support your decision,” he told her.
“Thank you for everything,” she said.“I will call when I get in.”
“Have an amazing week,” he said, wanting to say more, but he didn't.He gave a solid hug and a kiss on her cheek and watched her board.She had several hours on the train to clear her head to decide her path forward.Tomorrow morning in the office, she would either dig in or peace out.
Thom could only wait to find out.
*****
MONDAY MORNING ARRIVEDwith Mae Weston dressed in her best power suit, her favorite pair of kick ass heels, and a Christian Louboutin Women's Cabata Large Grained Leather Tote Bag.She exited the elevator, walking through the bullpen and calling good morning to her team.Only one voice responded.It didn't matter.
She closed her office door and removed the degrees in frames from the walls.From the shelf, she removed her two favorite train engines and placed them in her shopper, along with her nameplate and one plant.It surprised her how little she had in her office, meaning mentally, she’d never planned to stay long term.A tap came to her door as her assistant knocked, then entered.
“Ms.Weston, there are several meetings on your calendar today, including Mr.Walker, who wants to see you right away,” Rosemary, her assistant, stated.
“I'm on my way to see Mr.Walker now; the other meetings, please cancel,” she said.
“When would you like to reschedule them?”
“Hold off for now,” she said, collecting her bag.Rosemary noticed the images were gone from the walls.She also noticed the nameplate no longer on Mae's desk.She opened her mouth, but Mae walked past her into the bullpen.
“Good morning, everyone,” Mae stated loudly.A groan came from the back of the room, and she actually spotted Holly Chambers rolling her eyes.This only solidified her decision.“It has been my distinct honor and pleasure working with you these past few years.Each of you, I hand-selected and trained to be a part of this team, and I am very proud of the work we have done, the schools we have helped, and the communities where we've made a difference.I hope that you show my replacement the support and loyalty you've shown me, especially over these past few weeks.I wish nothing but the best for each of you.Again, thank you for your hard work and dedication.”
She said no more as questions flew.
“You're quitting?”
“Where is she going?”
“Did she get another job?”
“Did she get fired?”
“What is happening?”
Before the scuttlebutt could begin flying, she walked down the hall to the corner office of the Chief Financial Officer, Clyde Walker.She tapped on the door, being bade to enter to find a woman sitting in his office with a smug look on her face.
“Ah, Ms.Weston, just the person I wanted to see this morning,” Clyde said.
“Well, before you go any further, let me give you this,” she said, passing him the letter, her office keys, and the company credit card.“It is my letter of resignation, effective immediately.”
The look on the woman's face showed visible shock.Her plans, whatever they may have been, just went down the drain, and Mae began to smile.Mae's shoulders were back as she stood tall.
“Mr.Walker, the past five years have been the most challenging and rewarding time of my life.The commitment to the brand, the long hours, and sacrifices made to build the corporate giving department to where it is today makes me proud to know I am leaving you in excellent standing.Thank you for the opportunity, and I look forward to seeing what the company champions next,” Mae told him.
“Wait a decimal point, Ms.Weston.You're quitting, no notice, just walking out on us?”he asked in shock.
“Sir, the past six months have taken a toll on me, and my heart is no longer in it.I prefer to walk away in honesty, knowing I gave you my best, than to hang on, giving you my least,” she reached for his hand, offering a shake.
“I find this to be unacceptable,” he said, trying to pass back the envelope.
“Sir, it's a job.There are other people who will eagerly take it,” she told him.“Thank you again.”
The woman she didn't acknowledge as she turned and walked out.She made it to the elevator and didn't look back.Clyde Walker knew because he watched her leave.
