Alex
MY EMPLOYEES ARE LIKE MY family. When my fiancé died, they became very protective. I think at some point over the years, at least half of them has voiced their opinion about the men I’ve dated, or been involved with.
So I was a little reticent about introducing Moses to them. Travis, my head of security, pulled me to the side after Moses and I started dating. He told me he checked Moses out, and felt he was a suitable companion for me. When he found out we had broken up, he pulled me to the side and made it clear, I needed to do whatever was necessary to get Moses back.
Apart from Bas, Travis is the only other staffer who knows I’m married. It only seemed fair to tell him, seeing he caught me and Moses making out in my office…and the store room…and the lounge. However, today, I’m going to introduce Moses to the rest of my employees…work family.
I went downstairs to the kitchen and saw my sexy husband dancing to our favorite song, the Gap Band’s “Yearnin’”. Watching him move is hypnotic. He gets into this little groove when he cooks. It’s like getting a show with my meal. Not to mention, I get to look at that tight behind of his. There have been a few times we’ve skipped dinner because I got so excited watching him cook.
He turned around, looked at me and a huge smile covered his face. “I thought you didn’t want to dress alike?”
“Oh,” I smiled and looked at the light grey Lanvin sheath dress I was wearing. “No, I didn’t.”
“Do you want me to change?”
“No, it’s okay.”
He put the plates on the counter, wiped his hands on his apron and extended his hand to me as he kept moving to the music. “Dance with me.” I took his hand and he pulled me to his chest. We quickly got in sync with the music dancing. “I love dancing with you.” He kissed me. “Nervous?”
“A little.”
“You’ll do fine.” He flung me out and quickly pulled me back to his chest.”
“I like it when you do that.” I smiled.
“Are you sure you don’t want me to change?”
His offer was sweet. I kissed him.“I like this suit on you.”
“It’s not a problem.”
I stroked the side of his face. “That won’t be necessary. So we look like a cake topper,” we laughed. “It’s very appropriate for today.” I kissed him again. “We better stop, otherwise we won’t make it to the store.”
“Yes, Mrs. Adair.”
This is one of the most difficult things I’ve had to do. I looked across the store and saw Moses smiling at me, and knew I could say what I wanted to say.
“Good morning. First, I want to thank everyone for the amazing job you’re doing.” I took a deep breath. “Okay, there are going to be some changes starting this holiday season. I’m canceling the Charity Shopping Party and the Employee Party. Instead, Bas has convinced me to host a Friends and Family Night where each employee and two guests can shop at fifty percent off.” The cheers of excitement were overwhelming. The regular employee discount is thirty-five percent and each season they can purchase three items at twenty-five percent above cost. “Settle down. Our charitable contribution will be based on department sales. The three departments with the highest sales percentage increase from last year, will get to select a charity for the contributions.”
“What if there’s a tie?” asked Ron, the Los Angeles shoe department manager.
“In the event of a tie, that charity will benefit as well. Next, bonus checks will be the same amount across the board.”
“What does that mean? Is that Bas’ idea too?” asked Teresa from Atlanta.
“No, it’s not Bas’ idea. I’m going to give everyone the same amount. How much? Only I know the answer. Will it be fair? Yes. I think the checks would be more beneficial after the holidays but it’s up to you. You’ll need to let me know by the end of next week when you want them. And, it’s majority rule.”
“What about the gift exchange?” Karen, the manager for the Orange County store asked.
“December twenty-third for the California stores and the week before in Atlanta. We’ll have a special breakfast meeting and do it then. Kim will be responsible for assigning the names. Same rules as last year, it cannot be a gift from here and no more than fifty dollars. Questions?” I looked across the store and motioned for Moses. “Some of you may have noticed I’ve been out of the store a lot lately and you’ve probably seen a tall, dark, extremely handsome man walking around the store.” I took a deep breath, continued and Moses casually strolled up and stood next to me, and grabbed my hand. “A few weeks ago or for the benefit of those in the Alex Romance pool, five and a half weeks ago, I got married.”
“Yes!” Screamed someone in the back of the store.
“That must be the person who had the impromptu wedding square who won’t be getting a bonus check.”
“That’s okay,” shouted the mysterious voice.
“As I was saying. I got married, and this is my husband. Moses Adair.” The sound of my thoughts and nervousness were hidden beneath the applause and cheers. “Settle down. You guys are wild. This means there will be some changes. I’ll be spending less time here, because my husband’s business is in New York. A few days out of the month we will be in New York or Atlanta. Before anyone asks, there will not be a New York store. Any questions?”
“How tall is he?” shouted Tina from the Fine Jewelry Department.
“Why?”
“I had that in the pool.” Tina replied.
“Honey.” A collective sigh floated in the air.
“I’m six four,” he responded.
“Yes.” Tina shouted.
“New rules. Although my door is always open, please knock first. Second, my mother will be returning to a more active role in the stores. She and Bas will be in charge when I’m not here.”
“When will the changes take place?” Ron asked.
“Today. Employee evaluations will be moved up to the middle of January. Additional changes will be implemented after I finish the evaluations. Any more questions?”
“Your husband is cute, and what kind of changes?” asked one of the concierges.
“Thank you and, I’m not ready to say. I’ll be in New York next week for Thanksgiving, and not back until the following Monday. I know Bas will be on vacation Friday and Saturday. While he’s gone, Ron will be in charge here. Any more questions?”
“Where did you get married?” asked one of the stylists.
“New York.”
“Where did you meet?” another voice from the back of the room asked.
“At a party.”
“How long have you known each other?” asked another stylist.
“Over a year.”
“Why weren’t we invited to the wedding?” asked a stylist from the Vintage Department.
“We eloped.” A sigh fell across the room. “People—”
“Just one more question Alex,” asked another stylist. “Will your husband be helping out in the store?”
“Honey, I believe that one’s for you.” I deferred to Moses. He’s quite used to giving interviews, but being interrogated by my staff was a lot like meeting the family for the first time.
“Only if my wife asks me to.” He smiled.
“That’s enough questions. It’s almost ten o’clock and we need to open. Remember I need to know about the checks by December second. And there’ll be a managers’ lunch meeting. Okay, let’s make some money. Thank you.”