“I think I can still help you. Please just be patient for a bit.” He replied.
She let out a sigh, but graced him with a smile. “I don’t deserve you” she said.
“It is I who doesn’t deserve you” he replied. Once dinner was over, they cleaned up and sat back down. “I have to go to work the rest of the week. Irene is taking you out Thursday, but the rest of the week you’ll be alone all day. I wish I could be here more, but I have to do what I have to do. I will leave a set of car keys so you can get out” he said.
She looked at him, and with a weak smile said “I can handle it. I’m already stronger after just a weekend here. Please don’t worry, but there is no reason to leave the keys. I don’t have a valid license anyway.”
He looked surprised, but said “We will rectify that situation as soon as we can. You need to be mobile.”
“Oh, I CAN drive, just not legally!” she said. They watched a movie and went to bed, each with their own thoughts.
In the morning, he got up, made a quick and quiet breakfast, and left. He left the keys to the Subaru on the table, with a note that said “Just in case. Love, Bro”. He got to work, handled a few issues, and then called Irene into his office. “Sit down, we need to negotiate!” he said.
She looked at him, slightly surprised, and said “No biggie, it will only be but a couple of months. I know you will pay me fairly.”
He paused, then said “I have a proposal for you. I want you to let me finish completely before you say anything, then feel free to ask any questions before answering.”
Looking slightly confused, she said “OK…”
“Now, first of all, this isn’t going to be a couple of months. Linda isn’t coming back. This is permanent. Second, I know you know what she makes. I’m going to equal that, starting now. Lastly, the most difficult part. As soon as Linda is gone, I am hiring Jill. She will make base level salary, but she is going to be duct-taped to your hip. You will teach her everything you know. I want her to take your job”. Irene started to speak, but Mike held up his hand. “Please, let me finish. Yes, I want her to take your job. This could take quite a bit of time. During the training time, a 25% Trainer addition will be added to your salary. Also, I don’t want to lose you. Even after she is fully trained, you will keep your salary. You will work in her spot if she is out for any reason, and you will be the senior secretary. I will need weekly progress reports every Friday. She needs this, Irene. She needs to value herself.” Mike stopped talking and looked at her with questioning eyes.
Irene took a deep breath. “This is weird, training my replacement if you will. But I like her and I love working here. I would really like this in writing, however. A girl has to protect herself, doesn’t she?”
“Your next task is to write this out. We will look at it tomorrow and if we both agree, we sign it. Also, don’t tell Linda I said she was leaving. She wants that to be secret.”
She smiled and shook his hand. “We have a deal!”
“One more thing” he said, “she will need some elegant clothes for this weekend. Make sure of that when you take her out shopping. Don’t let her tell you ‘No’ about anything. She needs elegant clothes, some work suits, and some everyday items. She gets them, and you may have to force her. Please.”