Read Online Taking a Chance by KC Ann Wright - Free Book Online

who dared cross her. Fierce when she needed to be, Sheri was one hundred percent loyal to those close to her and she worked hard for Maddie.
    “Thanks, you’re the best boss.”
    “Right, you just say that because of the other people here you compare me to. Either way, I guess it’s nice to hear.”
    Sheri laughed. “You know that’s not true. You really are great.”
    Maddie sighed as she dropped into her chair. She picked up an empty paper cup that had been left on her desk. As she turned to toss it in the garbage, she smiled to herself as her eyes scanned the many trinkets in her office. Many of the businesses she had worked with gave her items including bobble heads, stress relievers and pads of paper with their company logos, pictures and other unique items including an engraved horseshoe, which made her laugh every time she looked at it.
    She booted up her laptop, slid her workbag under her desk and dropped her purse into the bottom drawer. She shrugged her suit jacket off and hung it on the back of her chair. Today was going to be busy with conference calls starting at ten, so she wanted to get started right away. Her boss stepped into her office and sat down in one of the leather chairs in front of her desk. They reviewed the upcoming day.
    “Everything okay, Maddie?” asked John.
    “I’m fine. Just focused on today to make sure I’m prepared for the new clients coming on board.” Maddie managed a smile, but she knew it looked forced.
    “I’m in my office if you need anything. Otherwise, I’ll see you in the conference room just before ten.”
    Maddie hid her feelings well, but somehow her boss always knew when she was holding back. Maddie had been promoted up the chain until she now sat in the position directly below John, so they had worked together for four years. She was lucky to have a boss like him. He had helped her grow along the way and supported her decisions and work. He cared about Maddie’s growth in the company and personal matters too. He never meddled in her life or asked too many questions, but Maddie knew he was always there if needed.
    Maddie called Sheri into her office.
    “I have a lot of materials to be printed for today’s conference calls; do you have time to get them done? If not, can you have Janice or Tracy help you?”
    “Sure, not a problem. I’ll have Tracy help if I get behind,” said Sheri.
    “Great. I put most of the materials together already, so I just need them printed and maybe a little bit of touch up. Just let me know if you have any questions.”
    “Will do,” Sheri chirped as she practically skipped out of Maddie’s office.
    Something was up with Sheri and Maddie hoped she wasn’t afraid to tell her. She had noticed people holding back lately around her or apologizing when they shared good news. Maddie did not want people treating her as if she was fragile and might break by hearing other people’s happy news.
    The day flew by as most of the calls had few issues. John seemed pleased, which always made Maddie breathe easier. Although he was one of the easiest senior executives to get along with and he had a great sense of humor, he was all business when they were dealing with clients. They both had an excellent work ethic and strived for perfection. She would not have survived as long without John as her boss.
    Maddie had a few things to follow up on, but she had plenty of time to get them resolved before they became major problems. Near the end of the day, Sheri came into her office.
    “Do you need anything else? If not, I’m outta here.”
    “I’m good. By the way, you seem to be extra happy today. Is something up?”
    “I guess.” Sheri smiled as she shrugged. “The friend coming in is a guy I’ve been dating for a short while. We met a couple months ago and have been doing the long distance thing. He lives in Wisconsin, but he has a work function in the city tomorrow and then he’s staying in the city this weekend.”
    Sheri’s cheeks