25 to Life-On Hold

The Plan

Michael

I was just stepping off the elevator when I saw Mr. Jordan and Ms. Jordan at Tim Horton's. I wasn't scheduled to mop the floor for another couple of hours, but someone got sick right by the entrance. What a great way to start the week!

I trudged my way up the hall to the janitor's closet to retrieve my cleaning supplies. Come on people! If you have a hangover, don't come into work! Please!

As I was mopping up the bodily fluids the sloppy, previously inebriated "businessmen" from the 15th floor left behind, I thought I heard some sniffling. I turned around to find Mr. Jordan consoling Ms. Jordan. What is wrong with my baby?

"...I just don't understand dad!"

"I know, I know!"

"Why...not...me!" She asked him between bated breaths, with sorrow in her eyes.

"I can't tell you that here. Come with me to my office and we will have a little chat. How 'bout it?"

I finished cleaning the main entrance when the clock struck 5:30. Well, they are all going home now. I guess it's time to start the real cleaning. I think I will start on the 30th floor.

Come on, speak louder! I can't hear through these thick-ass oak doors! I settled in, leaning closer to the doors leading directly into Mr. Jordan's office.

"....board members decision. I tried to fight for you. I tried to assert my power as founder and CEO of this corporation, but that would have lead to unnecessary turmoil within the board. I had to relent for the good of the whole. I know all you have done for this company, as well as this family, and I know you would make an excellent CEO. You just have to convince the rest of the board."

"How will I do that? I don't even know why I wasn't even considered." Right! Why didn't they think of you? You would kill it!

"Think about everyone being considered. What do they have that you don't..."

"I don't know...I can't think of anything."

"I'm not supposed to tell you, but..." Tell me-her!

"Go ahead and spill it, dad! You know we don't keep secrets from each other."

He pretended to debate before finally relenting. "The board decided since the company is family run, the public image would be preserved if the face of our company was a steady, faithful, dependable, wholesome family man, instead of an independent, more-than-capable, determined woman to run the corporation. They want what looks best for the stockholders." What about what's best for the company? She is the only conceivable option!

"Their views are so old fashioned and outdated. Strong, independent, capable, courage, confident women rule the world. They didn't know?" She said, and I could hear the confidence returning to her voice. That's my girl! You are awesome. They would be blessed to have you as their CEO!

Mr. Jordan chuckled. "They must not know I have the most capable, independent, courageous, strong, confident woman in the world for a daughter."

"Thanks, dad, but what does that mean to them, if that's not what they want." It doesn't matter what they want! You deserve it!

"It doesn't matter what they think of you. I know what I think of you, and we will show the world what they will be missing out on if they don't hire you for the promotion." Show 'em!

Wait how! "How?"

"They want a family man, give them a family woman..."

Then I heard the most outrageous plan ever to be hatched come out of his mouth.