Eden's Secret

Chapter 1

Jordan Phillips made her final remarks to the marketing team. "Before you leave, please pick up your assigned group packets. It would be a good idea if you met with your individual teams one last time before the big event. I'll see you all again together on Thursday morning for last minute instructions. I hope you got sleep this past weekend, because you probably will not sleep at all until next week. If you have any questions, feel free to stop by my or Heather's office or give us a call. We'll be glad to help. Remember, we're in this together and this is going to be the best company picnic ever!" The group of 30 or so people began to disassemble from the conference room on the 22nd floor of the downtown highrise building.

The annual company picnic was a multi-million dollar event that Southern Insurance Company held for their company every fall. Over 5,000 employees, and their families, from across the southeast were invited to the event. On the schedule of events were carnival rides, food booths, a car show, a demolition derby, and several local performers with music, magic and comedy routines. The main headliner of the weekend was Will Worthington, a popular award winning country singer, who would perform twice. Once on Friday evening, to mark the opening of the company picnic and again on Saturday night to close the picnic out.

The marketing team had been working on this huge production, headed up by 28 year old Jordan Phillips, the marketing director. Since she had been promoted to the position two years ago, the youngest woman ever to hold such a high position with SIC, she had the resposibility of organizing the much looked forward to picnic. This would be her third and she hoped it would be her best. Recently, she had been contacted from several different companies trying to recruit her talents to their benefit. So far, she had turned them all done, though she had to really consider a couple. But for now, she had a major job to take care of in the present, the picnic. And among the many responsibilites she held in her hectic job, this was by far her favorite. She and her best friend, Heather, had been deep into the event project as co-planners for the past six months. And Jordan couldn't think of anyone better to work so closely with. The two had been best friends since Jordan hired onto SIC as a college graduate. Heather was hired on at the same time as Jordan and the two hit it off immediately. The two were polar opposites. While Jordan was tall and lean, Heather was short and has always struggled with her weight. Jordan was serious, Heather was the cut up. But despite all their differences, the two were inseperable. This made work easier for both of them. What each one was weak in, the other made up for in a strength.

This was the week everything came to a head. The picnic began in less than five days and the marketing department was scrambling to iron out all the last minute details. Jordan had always been a strong leader for her team. And her ability to stay focused and keep the team encouraged was key to her success. She always worked the hardest and set the example. She knew the importance of making sure no one was overwhelmed with their tasks. This job was her life.

As Friday approached, everything was done that could be done. Jordan and Heather spent most of Thursday at the event site, making sure everything was set up. Friday started earlier than normal and she spent most of the morning on her phone answering questions and directing people to their assigned tasks. So far, set up was running smoothly and it looked like everything was ready for employees' arrival late this afternoon.

Jordan's phone rang again, she looked down to see who was calling before she answered. Heather's cell phone flashed. Heather had been at the site all morning, getting check in tables set up. "What's up?" Jordan answered.

"Well, we've had a slight monkey wrench thrown in to the plans. Although, I don't think it will be too big of a deal," Heather replied.

"Alright, give it to me. What's going on?"