Page 29 of One Sweet Lie
“It’s going fine, sir.” Her cheeks were red. “I do have one question, though.”
“Before you ask, is it something that you can’t find in the binder?”
“It is.”
“Okay, I’m listening.”
“Is it really necessary for me to use cloth diapers for the twins?” she asked. “Can I just run to Costco and get a bunch of disposable ones?”
I blinked.
“I’m assuming that maybe you didn’t know that these existed because you might be a little out of touch with the world, but William has pooped three times today.”
“And?”
“It would bea loteasier for me to throw his dirty diapers in the trash instead of washing them later. It probably would be a lot more sanitary for me, too…”
Silence.
“Are you there, Mr. Dawson?” She tilted her head to the side. “Can I go buy some paper diapers?”
“You can follow my instructionsexactlyhow they’re written, or you can be replaced within the next five seconds.”
“I’ll hand wash the diarrhea diapers.”
“Thank you.” I ended the call and remained in my car.
I shut my eyes and listened to the fans’ boos for a little while longer.
Twenty minutes later,I swiped my pass at the entrance and rode the escalator to the executive level.
My two best friends and lifetime business partners, Denise and Brian, were sitting at the board table, welcoming me back to the life I’d long missed.
“Welcome back, Mr. Dawson!” “Hey, Mr. New Dad is back!’ “Good to see you again!”
I shook hands with the entire staff before taking a seat at the head of the table.
Before we brought in today’s parade of consultants for ways to turn the franchise around (and to stop the fans from wearingsad paper bags over their heads at the games), I wanted to break the ice.
“Does anyone have any good news?” I asked.
Taylor from Sales raised her hand.
“We’re all ears, Taylor.”
“My fiancé proposed last night and we’re getting married!”
“Oh wow!” “Congratulations!” “About time!”
“I meantgoodnewsabout this organization,” I said. “Does anyone have something positive to tell me?”
Silence.
“Okay, then.” I refused to let anything ruin my first day back. “Let’s bring in the first consultant.”
Denise opened the door and motioned to someone in the hallway.
“Ladies and gentlemen,” she said, “Please welcome Mr. Gantz of Haven Consults.”