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Title: Madison
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Blog Entry: MADISON December 16, 2014   FROM THE PREVIOUS PAGE “Don’t you dare interrupt me! Your incompetence almost cost us the Palmer account. Now you go back to your desk and somewhere in that mess is that report. Find it and bring it to me immediately. Do you understand me?” “Yes,” Vicki said, hesitantly. “And one last thing,” Madison said. “I will not tolerate mistakes. You’re off my team. I will not accept your unsatisfactory performance. If it were my decision, I’d fire you immediately. Now go find that report.” **** Stepping into Madison’s office an hour later, Mary said, “Got a minute?” Madison signaled for Mary to enter and close the door. She did not speak nor did she make an effort to hide her sour mood. Refusing the offer to sit, Mary said, “You don’t look very happy.” Dismissing Mary’s comments with a wave of her hand, Madison said, “Staffing problems.” “I heard about it. I’m sorry it happened,” Mary replied, soberly. Remembering the reason for her visit to Madison’s office, she said in an upbeat tone, “I saw you come back from lunch with Peter. You seemed very happy.” “It was a nice lunch.” “May I give you a heads-up?” “About what?” Madison replied, confused as to where Mary was taking the conversation. “You’ve met Grace Parrish, the family law division manager?” “We’ve talked briefly several times,” Madison said. “I don’t know her very well.” “Madison, I need to talk to you about Grace. She and Peter’s wife Lori were close friends for years. Grace is desperately in love with Peter. Probably has been for years. I see it in her eyes every time she looks at him. Trust me, she never did anything inappropriate. And Peter, well he’s in love with Grace. He just doesn’t know it yet. They need each other and they belong together.” “Madison, I know you’re attracted to Peter. My money is on Grace.” Before Madison could react to the crushing news, Heather stepped into the office and said, “Excuse me, Madison. Peter would like to see you in his office.” **** The atmosphere in Peter’s office was as cold as the countenance on Peter’s face. The raw smell of defeat, and the death of her dreams, permeated the air she breathed. Her mind was numb when she sat in front of Peter’s desk. The smiles and light banter between them had evaporated. She sucked in air trying to shore up her defenses but it did little to help her. Even her long-standing resolve to hide her emotions was gone. Panicked, Madison waited for Peter to speak. Her destruction was at hand. Peter folded his hands on the desk and spoke with a cold icy tone in his voice, “First of all, Madison, lunch with you today was a mistake that I do not intend to repeat. I am very angry with you for your uncalled for outburst at Vicki. I want you out of the office. Go home. I don’t want to see you again until you decide where you want to work. Do you want to work under Wall Street rules, or under my rules? “If you decide to come back, you will immediately apologize to Vicki and ask her to rejoin your team. Vicki needs a job. She is a single parent with three children. And I need her talent in the office. She made a mistake. We all make mistakes. “And let there be a clear understanding between us, Madison Belmont. One more outburst like your performance today and you’re fired.” TO BE CONTINUED