25 to Life-On Hold

The Board Meeting

A/N: A little bit of Mature Language.

---Michelle---

"Ms. Jordan, the big meeting is in 10 minutes. Are you ready," Valerie, my secretary asked.

I love Valerie. She is really sweet. She is truly my right hand. That's why I don't mind if she needs to take off or needs something from me. Working 2 jobs, and still going to school part-time is a great feat. I commend her dedication. I remember when I was her age. Finals, working with my dad, and taking care of my little brother sometimes, I certainly understand how time management can save your life. She is the queen of organization and perfection. She is always there for me when I need her. She really is the best secretary I've had, and she has only been here 7 months! How was I so lucky to find h-

"Ms. Jordan?" The sound of her concerned whisper pulling me from my thoughts...

"What did I say about calling me 'Ms. Jordan'?" Valerie blushed, and I chuckled a little.

"I'm sorry Miss Jor-I mean Michelle. Are you ready?"

"Yes, let's go."

"Hello, Thomas, Susanne, Anthony..." I continued to speak to everyone in the office as I made my way to the conference room.

"Everyone take their seats and we can begin." My father's voice rung louder than the rest, signaling for  everyone to quiet down and focus solely on him. Matthew Jordan is the kind of man that has a natural swagger to him. Not in the sense that everyone thinks. "Swag" is for misguided teenagers. Swagger is for distinguished, sophisticated gentlemen. He doesn't need to scream and shout for attention or respect. He isn't the type to demand admiration, when he walks into a room, he commands respect. He exudes grace and elegance, yet at the same time is powerful and revered. He is the true definition of a classic man. 

"Ladies and gentleman, present board members, we are here to discuss the countdown to my withdrawal." Throughout the boardroom, there were many surprise-stained faces, including my own. Almost everyone wore looks of confusion and bewilderment. 

He laughed at all of our faces. "Why are you all so shocked? It doesn't look good on you." There were a few light giggles and chuckles across the round table. "Don't worry, it is of my own volition." He continued to stare at us with laughter in his eyes. My dad has been the active CEO of this company since it started 20 years ago. He is a kind, welcoming, open, hilarious, lively guy. He always speaks to everyone, even those that some deem "lowly or second class citizens." No matter how old, how poor, how uneducated, or unappreciated you are, he always seems to be able to make someone smile. He can make the lowest man on the totem pole feel like he is king of the world. Everyone loves him. How could he retire?

"Yes, fellow colleagues, employees, and respected board members, I am retiring. I'm getting to old for this stuf-"

"Dad, your only 57!" I said still in shock!

"Yeah, well, I'm tired. Also, I know I can step down and there will be a very capable successor ready and willing to take my place. I will be retiring in 6 months. Or, as my countdown app on my phone says: 25 weeks, 3 days, 5 hours, and 15 minutes..." my father, stated with a chuckle.

He waited for the applause and whoops to die down before he started up again. "...Now, since I will no longer reside as CEO of Jordan Industries, the other board members and I are looking for my replacement. There have been numerous individuals who have pushed the limits and excelled in their respective offices. While we have seen many who are excellent candidates for the job, some who have worked countless days and nights of overtime, those who have brought in more clients than others, and even those who brought fewer clients, but of a higher caliber, we will only promote one person this year, all others will have to wait 3 years to reapply when Tommy boy here retires," my dad joked while slapping Thomas Bryson, our CFO, playfully on the back.