Chapter 1
336 Words
5 Years Later
“Another satisfied customer. Excellent job team!” Brian announced as he brings the meeting to a close. “Now Claire, your team has been on an exceptional path together this last year, but I want to see how we can make you even stronger. You guys are really holding your own against much bigger competitors, but don’t want you to have to work so hard at it. So, I am sending the entire team to an intensive training session. I’m sending you all the information. I know it’s short notice, but we got an awesome deal because another group canceled at the last minute. Let me know if anyone has any scheduling conflicts.” Claire was genuinely smiling again. It has taken a long time, but she finally feels like herself again. Plus kicking a** at work helps with the confidence.
“Look who is still on the boss’s favorites list,” Pat teased. Claire and Pat immediately became best friends when they met at work 4 years ago. She loves him like a brother and he was there for her during some very dark days. “It’s not my fault, I’m the best,” Claire sasses right back to him with a shrug. “But this team building trip should be really great too. I’ve heard good things about the program Brian is sending us to.”
The following weekend, Claire is driving up the mountain roads looking for the location of the team building retreat. She feels like this area is familiar but is so focused on the direction she doesn’t remember why. She finally pulls in and admonishes herself because she’s not the first one here like she wanted. She rushes to get her things out of the car and knocks on the door. A moment later the door opened and Claire cannot believe it. “Hey Claire Bear, been a long time. Please come in.” Chris smiles shyly and holds the door open for her to enter.
- Writer
