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line. By his expression, I can tell that he assumed his dad was on his team. After an official review, the opposing team’s point has been revoked.
    Garrett continues, “Ryan, I came in here today to speak to Jerri about you, especially since you skipped our morning breakfast.”
    Ryan doesn’t look at Garrett. Instead he looks out the window of the boardroom.
    “But to my surprise, Miss Parker has said enough for all of us. I believe she got right to the point.”
    My face burns with embarrassment.
    Ryan slowly turns his chair back around. His gaze shifts between me and Garrett. Seven shades of red flash over his face as he listens stoically to the warning his father carefully lays out.
    “Listen, and listen good, son. If I experience any more problems from you, whether it is from this office/staff, on the track, off the track, and/or from any of our sponsors, I will fire your ass!” Another audible gasp goes up. “You got that, son!”
    Oh my God! This is not happening!
I am mortified as Garrett continues to reprimand Ryan.
    “Because frankly, son, I have had enough!” He pauses a moment for Ryan’s response, but doesn’t get one. “Are we clear?”
    Ryan doesn’t miss a beat and mutters, “Crystal,” through gritted teeth.
    Garrett immediately castigates him. “Don’t start with your damned smart mouth! Are we clear, son?”
    “Yes, sir,” he says with his mouth in a firm line.
    “Well then…good. I’m glad we understand one another. Now, I have some work to attend to, and I am sure the rest of you do, as well. Let’s get to it.”
    Jerri replies a soft, “Yes, sir!” for the group as Ryan slams his chair back and walks hastily out of the office, not making eye contact with anyone.
    I let out a huge breath that I didn’t even realize I was holding. I look around to find a chair to steady myself. I feel like I am about to fall over.
    As the other employees escape the boardroom and make their way back to their desks, Garrett turns to me with a straightforward command as he gestures toward the exit. “Miss Parker, walk with me!”
    Damn! He is going to fire me after all!

Chapter 9
    I follow Garrett out into the hallway, and we make our way toward the exit. He calls for the down elevator, which opens quickly, and we enter in silence. I have a huge lump in my throat and a feeling of dread in my stomach. I feel nauseous. The elevator doors close as Garrett inputs a special code into the keypad to reach the B level, which I assume stands for the basement.
    As the elevator begins its descent, Garrett turns to me. “I was quite impressed with your speech?”
    What?
    “I don’t believe anyone has every spoken to my son that way before. Well…except for his mother maybe!” He laughs.
    A gush of air escapes my lungs. “So, I’m not fired?” I mutter, sounding relieved.
    Garrett laughs heartily. “No, on the contrary, Miss Parker, I would like you to become Ryan’s permanent public relations manager.”
    I am shocked. I gape at Garrett, not sure of what to say. I start to stammer, “I…uh…Thank you, Mr. Carter.”
    “Please, call me Garrett.” He smiles as the elevator door opens.
    We walk into a vast open area that looks like a museum. The floor is pure white polished marble. There are stock cars and glass trophy cases placed strategically throughout the space. Racing photographs and mementos decorate the walls, all in tribute and celebration to the legendary career of Garrett Ryan Carter Sr.
    Garrett speaks as I survey the room in amazement. “Jerri said that you were new to stock car racing, so I thought I would give you some insight to me and my organization,” he explains as he waves his hand toward his collection.
    “Wow, this is incredible!” I say in awe.
    “Everything on this floor is in its original state and from my personal collection. We have reproductions on the main level for our fans and visitors.”
    I nod and automatically understand why.
    “That is the reason there is