Post by matt on Jun 28, 2022 14:39:04 GMT -6
==========
Raleigh, NC
Off Camera
==========
This evening the beautiful blonde known as Glory Braddock must face the difficult task of returning to a world she had hoped to leave behind permanently. That would be the life of a powerful corporate businesswoman. Several months ago Glory Braddock had handed over control of her company to minority shareholder Aurora Alan. Years before that she had placed her trusted advisor Francis Taylor in the role of President of the company. Between Aurora and Francis, Glory had hoped that she would never again have to involve herself in corporate affairs. Her logic behind abandoning the corporate world was both mental as well as emotional.
Despite being a very successful businesswoman, Glory Braddock did not like what the corporate life had turned her into. The trappings of power, success, and wealth had made her into an egomaniacal monster During her tenure in the corporate world she had used her leverage and influence to intimidate and blackmail members of her Board of Directors into submission. Almost mafia-like tactics were utilized by Braddock just to remain in power with her company. It took a long time and more than one life threatening incidents before Glory recognized that she had gone too far and that she needed serious help. The best solution she could think of was to separate herself from the corporate world as much as she could.
Now she is in a good place both mentally and emotionally. Glory is once again happy with who she is; but this evening she finds herself in the Embassy Suites in Raleigh, North Carolina where she is about to be honored by her company at a party. And to say that she is reluctant to attend would be an understatement.
Braddock is standing in front of a full length mirror near the bathroom of her luxury suite. She is taking appraisal of herself and her outfit for the evening. Due to the formality of this event, she is having to depart from her typical tomboyish attire so that she can hobnob with the corporate snobs that will be in attendance. Glory is wearing a sleeveless black bodycon midi-dress and black open toed high heel pumps. The British Bombshell sighs deeply and shakes her head.
“I’m not sure about this…” there is a deep sense of concern in her voice. Kurt appears in the mirror behind her. She turns around to face her husband, who is wearing a black and white tuxedo. He smiles warmly and kisses her on the lips.
“You look gorgeous, babe. There’s nothing to worry about.”
“Thanks, love, but I’m not worried about my outfit and you know it.”
Kurt sighs and nods his head. He has had to hear his wife complain about this for the past few days leading up to this event. Glory first heard about the planned gala in her honor the night after competing. Talk about a double whammy for The British Bombshell, she now must return to this corporate world she had been fighting to keep away from for so long.
“I know that coming here isn’t exactly your cup of tea…” Kurt watches as Glory walks past him and over to the king sized bed. Glory sits down on the edge of the bed. Kurt sits down next to her. He wraps an arm around her shoulder to comfort her.
“You know why I don’t want to go.”
“I get it,” Kurt nods his head indicates that he does understand “but you have to go.”
“Why?”
“Francis Taylor, the President of the company, she is helping to throw this big party for you alongside the Board of Directors. Think of it, Glory; the board of directors, they used to hate you, you all used to be bitter enemies, but now they are celebrating you and everything you have done for the community and the company. Considering your history, don’t you think you owe it to them to at least make an appearance at this event?”
“Why should I make an appearance?” Glory asks, almost sounding like a petulant child. “Why can’t I just stay up here in the suite all night?”
“It wouldn’t exactly look good for your reputation.” Kurt says with a wry grin and a wink. “I mean, they did this all for you…and they DO know you are here in Raleigh.”
“You didn’t tell them I was here did you?!”
“No, Francis did.” Kurt answers. Glory rolls her eyes.
“Bloody hell…”
“Oh come on, Glory. It can’t be that bad. It’s just a party.”
“It is that bad, Kurt.” Braddock sighs deeply and shakes her head. Kurt rubs her back to try and comfort her. “Kurt, I have been trying very hard to distance myself from the corporate world. That’s why I handed the presidency of the company over to Francis Taylor, because she knows business and can handle things for me. That’s why I gave the position of CEO over to Aurora Alan. Aurora and Francis have full power to act within the company. I gave it to them so that I would no longer have to involve myself in the company.” There is a brief pause as Kurt gazes deep into his wife’s eyes. Eventually he sighs and pats her on the back.
“Look, I get that you are a busy person. You are an active wrestler…you are mentoring both Amelia and Fiona…”
“All the more reason to stay out of this corporate crap.” Glory counters.
“...BUT I never understood what almost sounds like fear. You sound like you’re afraid to get involved. And that makes no sense, especially considering how hard you fought just to retake your company back in 2019.”
“I remember…” her voice trails off. Kurt presses on.
“Only you turn right around a few months ago and gave up that power you sought to retake? Explain it to me, Glory. What’s wrong?” Kurt asks. Glory sighs deeply.
“I took back control of the company in 2019 after a hostile takeover ripped power away from me a few years prior. People I had trusted took power away from me, Kurt. So you can imagine how paranoid I felt when I finally regained power. I no longer trusted anyone but I did have my power back, and I wanted to make sure that there was no way I could lose power again. That paranoia, that power, it turned me into someone I didn’t recognize. It made me into someone ugly, someone hateful and wrathful. I blackmailed and intimidated members of the Board of Directors in order to ensure their cooperation with my agenda. I had absolute power.” Braddock shakes her head. “And you know what they say about absolute power?”
“It corrupts absolutely.” Kurt answers. Glory nods her head.
“That’s right.” She points to her head. “The power went to my head. I betrayed my fanbase and all of the principles I once held true to my heart because I felt I knew better than everyone else. And because I had that kind of power I believed that I was entitled to have whatever I wanted…that’s why I…why I…” tears form in her eyes and she starts crying. Kurt embraces her in a tight hug.
“It’s ok, Glory. That was in the past.”
“But it’s still true! I cheated on you!” Yes, Glory briefly had an affair. And she blames the corruption and trappings of power. It nearly ended her and Kurt’s marriage but they did manage to work through it. The thought of that horrible time still gets to her. “The corporate world turned me into a monster. That’s why I’ve done my best to distance myself from the company. I don’t like what it did to me then and I do not want to expose myself to it any further.”
“So that’s what this is about?” Kurt asks curiously. “You’re worried about what happened in the past?”
“If you don’t learn from the past you are doomed to repeat it.”
“Gloria, you are a strong woman.” He places a comforting hand on her shoulder while she wipes her face dry with a tissue. “You were strong enough to admit the mistakes you have made and seek forgiveness. You were strong enough to give away the power you had long sought after because you were worried about what it might do to you. You were strong enough to not only recognize right and wrong but to do what was right even when the wrong thing was much easier. You are definitely strong enough to not let anything that happens tonight get to you.”
“You think so?” Glory asks. Kurt nods his head.
“I know so. Besides, it’s just for one night. It isn’t like you’re becoming Glory The Executive again. Aurora and Francis still have all the executive power. You’re still just a figurehead, the way you had always wanted it. Right?”
“Right.” Glory nods her head.
“So what’s the problem? After tonight, everything goes right back to normal.” Kurt insists. Braddock smiles half-heartedly and nods her head.
“Yeah, you’re right. I suppose one night couldn’t hurt.”
==========
Raleigh, NC
Off Camera
==========
“2012 was a year many of us remember quite well.”
This is Francis Taylor, the corporate president, on stage in a party room area of the Embassy Suites in Raleigh, North Carolina. The party honoring the company owner Glory Braddock is under way with Francis Taylor giving a speech to the assembled masses. Glory Braddock and her husband Kurt are sitting near the front by the stage. The British Bombshell feels the hot spotlight shining down upon her and it is making her quite uncomfortable. Being around all of these people is quite uncomfortable. She used to be one of them, she used to be a corporate big wig, a powerful businesswoman, but that isn’t who she is any longer. She feels like a stranger in a foreign land. Braddock can only sit patiently, force a smile upon her face, and hope that this all ends as quickly as possible.
“Our company had been bought out many years earlier by Global Division of Wrestling. But then GDW had been undergoing a financial crisis of its own. As a result the very future of what we ourselves had built up was in jeopardy.” Francis motions to Glory Braddock. “But then Glory Braddock took a big financial gamble of her own. She took a bet on us, she bet on our success with what little savings she had, and she bought our company back from GDW. Little did we know that simply giving us a new lease on life was just the beginning of her great vision.”
“Glory Braddock’s vision was not limited to merely one vocation. She put her own father’s wrestling academy, The Braddock Wrestling School in London, under our corporate umbrella. With the combined resources both her school and our company made more profits, but beyond the materialistic gains she had managed to assist in giving even more young people with a desire to wrestle the chance of a lifetime. And let’s not forget the expansion…Glory did not just give opportunities to wrestlers or those in the wrestling business…she wanted to give opportunities elsewhere. It was her idea to get the company involved in the modeling industry. As a result of placing her cousin’s modeling agency under our corporate umbrella she not only increased our profits and grew our company, but she saved the jobs and livelihoods of many employees and models at that agency. Shortly after the introduction of the modeling agency, Ms. Braddock continued to show just how generous she was by working to give everyone working for our company…from the janitor to the highest paid executives in the company…full health coverage. And perhaps one of her greatest contributions to the community is just recently when she put us into a working partnership with her sister’s rehabilitation clinic, giving recovering addicts of all stripes a second chance at life. It is my honor to present to you the woman of the hour, a great humanitarian, a woman who I am proud to call my friend, Gloria Marie Noel Braddock!”
Everyone in the room rises to their feet and begins to applaud. Many cheer and holler for Glory as she rises to her feet. At first The British Bombshell is somewhat red in the face, embarrassed at this show of affection from everyone in attendance. Slowly but surely as the applause goes on she begins to get used to it. Kurt gives her a gentle shove and motions for her to go to the stage and give a speech. Braddock turns and walks over to the stage and steps up onto it. Francis embraces Glory in a tight hug before stepping away from the podium allowing Glory the opportunity to speak.
“Thank you everyone, thank you.” Glory says as the crowd in attendance, mostly executives and other higher ups with the company, begin to quiet down and take their seats. “Francis listed off so many things I’ve done and yeah, I suppose you can say I have made a positive impact. But the truth is, all I ever wanted to do is the right thing. Even when you and I have disagreed…” she looks out at the crowd, making sure to make eye contact with the members of her corporate Board of Directors in attendance today “...understand that I only had the best of intentions at heart. We may have a rough road to this day but I’d like to think it was all worth it. Thank you for all of this…I certainly didn’t need a big party or all of this hoopla…but I do thank you for it. Now go enjoy yourselves.”
Everyone rises up out of their seats and again begins to clap and cheer loudly. Glory acknowledges the people once again. She embraces Francis Taylor again before turning and making her way down off of the stage. There she is met by her husband, Kurt Logan. Glory quickly leans in and whispers into his ear.
“There. I made an appearance. Now let’s get out of here.”
“We can’t.”
“Why the hell not?!” Glory snaps back at him, quietly so that she won’t be heard.
“Someone wants to see you.” Kurt motions to an older man and a younger woman approaching. Glory recognizes the man as Floyd Ryan, a member of the Board of Directors, but she doesn’t recognize the female with him, wearing a gold sequined cocktail dress and heels. Floyd approaches Kurt and Glory. He extends a hand to Kurt and shakes it.
“I am so glad you two could make it!” Floyd says as he then extends his hand to Glory, who reluctantly accepts the handshake. “The Board of Directors is so very grateful for everything you have done, Ms. Braddock.”
“Don’t thank me, Floyd. I’m just doing my job.”
“You have been doing a terrific job. That is why the board wanted to recognize you this evening. You deserve to be honored and praised.”
“I dunno about that, mate.” Glory is clearly uncomfortable with all of this. Even Kurt is beginning to regret bringing his wife here. Floyd is still talking but Glory is barely listening. She is scanning the room, looking for an escape. She notices a door that leads to a balcony area. She looks over at Kurt and shoots him a look. Kurt easily gets the hint and nods his head.
“Hey Floyd, I hear you’re trying to become Chairman of the Board. Is that right?”
“Yes! As a matter of fact I am!!” That was all the distraction Glory needed. With Floyd running his mouth about his ambitions, Glory approaches the balcony. She opens the door and exits the party room, stepping out onto the balcony. Outside it is quiet and peaceful. She is away from the noise of the party-goers. She still has to eventually go inside and make her way back through this mass of humanity to finally get away, but at least for now she has some semblance of peace. Or so she thinks…
“Uh, Ms. Braddock?” Glory turns around towards the sound of the voice. She finds that the woman who was with Floyd, the woman in the gold dress, followed her outside onto the balcony. Glory sighs deeply with some frustration. “Is something wrong?”
“Oh, uh, nothing. I just needed some air.” Glory turns her back to the woman, hoping she’ll catch a hint. Either she doesn’t get the hint or she’s too stubborn, either way the woman just walks closer towards Glory.
“Really? Cause you sounded fine in there.”
“Look, mate,” Glory is clearly annoyed as she turns back to face the woman “I just need some time alone.”
“You’re not happy here.” The woman states. “Are you?”
“Not one bit.” Glory shakes her head. “To be honest, I detest these corporate world stuff. I hate these fancy parties. They’re just not my kinda thing…they used to be, but not anymore.”
“I’m with you, Ms. Braddock. I hate these uptight parties. I’m only here because of my uncle.”
“Oh yeah?” Glory asks curiously. “Who is your uncle?”
“Floyd.” She says referring to the man who escorted her here today. “My name is Jamie, by the way. Jamie Ryan.”
“Nice to meet you, Jamie. So did your uncle make you come?”
“Well yes and no.” Jamie blushes. “To be honest, I am a big admirer of you and your work.”
“You are an admirer of me?” Glory asks, sounding somewhat surprised. Jamie nods her head.
“Yeah. I mean, look at what you done…you brought this company back from the dead and grew it from not just a wrestling company but into modeling and rehabilitation as well. You have done so much good with the power you have. To be honest, Ms. Braddock…”
“Glory.” She corrects her. “Call me Glory.”
“Well, Glory, I’d like to land a job with the company if that’s possible.” Jamie states. Braddock chuckles softly.
“Well I can’t exactly guarantee a job, mate.”
“Why not? You’re the owner.”
“But I’m not the CEO. I’m not even corporate President. I passed those duties and authorities to other people.” Braddock grins. “But perhaps I could help in some way…”
“Really?” Jamie asks excitedly. “You think so?”
“I mean, I’d have to think about it. I don’t want to get involved in the corporate life, Jamie, I’d rather leave that stuff for your uncle or for Francis. So if I were to help you out, I’d have to break a promise I made to myself to stay out of corporate affairs.”
“But you WILL think about it?” Jamie asks, almost begging her. Glory chuckles.
“Yes, I will think about it. Now come on, lets go back inside before anyone conducts a search party.”
Raleigh, NC
Off Camera
==========
This evening the beautiful blonde known as Glory Braddock must face the difficult task of returning to a world she had hoped to leave behind permanently. That would be the life of a powerful corporate businesswoman. Several months ago Glory Braddock had handed over control of her company to minority shareholder Aurora Alan. Years before that she had placed her trusted advisor Francis Taylor in the role of President of the company. Between Aurora and Francis, Glory had hoped that she would never again have to involve herself in corporate affairs. Her logic behind abandoning the corporate world was both mental as well as emotional.
Despite being a very successful businesswoman, Glory Braddock did not like what the corporate life had turned her into. The trappings of power, success, and wealth had made her into an egomaniacal monster During her tenure in the corporate world she had used her leverage and influence to intimidate and blackmail members of her Board of Directors into submission. Almost mafia-like tactics were utilized by Braddock just to remain in power with her company. It took a long time and more than one life threatening incidents before Glory recognized that she had gone too far and that she needed serious help. The best solution she could think of was to separate herself from the corporate world as much as she could.
Now she is in a good place both mentally and emotionally. Glory is once again happy with who she is; but this evening she finds herself in the Embassy Suites in Raleigh, North Carolina where she is about to be honored by her company at a party. And to say that she is reluctant to attend would be an understatement.
Braddock is standing in front of a full length mirror near the bathroom of her luxury suite. She is taking appraisal of herself and her outfit for the evening. Due to the formality of this event, she is having to depart from her typical tomboyish attire so that she can hobnob with the corporate snobs that will be in attendance. Glory is wearing a sleeveless black bodycon midi-dress and black open toed high heel pumps. The British Bombshell sighs deeply and shakes her head.
“I’m not sure about this…” there is a deep sense of concern in her voice. Kurt appears in the mirror behind her. She turns around to face her husband, who is wearing a black and white tuxedo. He smiles warmly and kisses her on the lips.
“You look gorgeous, babe. There’s nothing to worry about.”
“Thanks, love, but I’m not worried about my outfit and you know it.”
Kurt sighs and nods his head. He has had to hear his wife complain about this for the past few days leading up to this event. Glory first heard about the planned gala in her honor the night after competing. Talk about a double whammy for The British Bombshell, she now must return to this corporate world she had been fighting to keep away from for so long.
“I know that coming here isn’t exactly your cup of tea…” Kurt watches as Glory walks past him and over to the king sized bed. Glory sits down on the edge of the bed. Kurt sits down next to her. He wraps an arm around her shoulder to comfort her.
“You know why I don’t want to go.”
“I get it,” Kurt nods his head indicates that he does understand “but you have to go.”
“Why?”
“Francis Taylor, the President of the company, she is helping to throw this big party for you alongside the Board of Directors. Think of it, Glory; the board of directors, they used to hate you, you all used to be bitter enemies, but now they are celebrating you and everything you have done for the community and the company. Considering your history, don’t you think you owe it to them to at least make an appearance at this event?”
“Why should I make an appearance?” Glory asks, almost sounding like a petulant child. “Why can’t I just stay up here in the suite all night?”
“It wouldn’t exactly look good for your reputation.” Kurt says with a wry grin and a wink. “I mean, they did this all for you…and they DO know you are here in Raleigh.”
“You didn’t tell them I was here did you?!”
“No, Francis did.” Kurt answers. Glory rolls her eyes.
“Bloody hell…”
“Oh come on, Glory. It can’t be that bad. It’s just a party.”
“It is that bad, Kurt.” Braddock sighs deeply and shakes her head. Kurt rubs her back to try and comfort her. “Kurt, I have been trying very hard to distance myself from the corporate world. That’s why I handed the presidency of the company over to Francis Taylor, because she knows business and can handle things for me. That’s why I gave the position of CEO over to Aurora Alan. Aurora and Francis have full power to act within the company. I gave it to them so that I would no longer have to involve myself in the company.” There is a brief pause as Kurt gazes deep into his wife’s eyes. Eventually he sighs and pats her on the back.
“Look, I get that you are a busy person. You are an active wrestler…you are mentoring both Amelia and Fiona…”
“All the more reason to stay out of this corporate crap.” Glory counters.
“...BUT I never understood what almost sounds like fear. You sound like you’re afraid to get involved. And that makes no sense, especially considering how hard you fought just to retake your company back in 2019.”
“I remember…” her voice trails off. Kurt presses on.
“Only you turn right around a few months ago and gave up that power you sought to retake? Explain it to me, Glory. What’s wrong?” Kurt asks. Glory sighs deeply.
“I took back control of the company in 2019 after a hostile takeover ripped power away from me a few years prior. People I had trusted took power away from me, Kurt. So you can imagine how paranoid I felt when I finally regained power. I no longer trusted anyone but I did have my power back, and I wanted to make sure that there was no way I could lose power again. That paranoia, that power, it turned me into someone I didn’t recognize. It made me into someone ugly, someone hateful and wrathful. I blackmailed and intimidated members of the Board of Directors in order to ensure their cooperation with my agenda. I had absolute power.” Braddock shakes her head. “And you know what they say about absolute power?”
“It corrupts absolutely.” Kurt answers. Glory nods her head.
“That’s right.” She points to her head. “The power went to my head. I betrayed my fanbase and all of the principles I once held true to my heart because I felt I knew better than everyone else. And because I had that kind of power I believed that I was entitled to have whatever I wanted…that’s why I…why I…” tears form in her eyes and she starts crying. Kurt embraces her in a tight hug.
“It’s ok, Glory. That was in the past.”
“But it’s still true! I cheated on you!” Yes, Glory briefly had an affair. And she blames the corruption and trappings of power. It nearly ended her and Kurt’s marriage but they did manage to work through it. The thought of that horrible time still gets to her. “The corporate world turned me into a monster. That’s why I’ve done my best to distance myself from the company. I don’t like what it did to me then and I do not want to expose myself to it any further.”
“So that’s what this is about?” Kurt asks curiously. “You’re worried about what happened in the past?”
“If you don’t learn from the past you are doomed to repeat it.”
“Gloria, you are a strong woman.” He places a comforting hand on her shoulder while she wipes her face dry with a tissue. “You were strong enough to admit the mistakes you have made and seek forgiveness. You were strong enough to give away the power you had long sought after because you were worried about what it might do to you. You were strong enough to not only recognize right and wrong but to do what was right even when the wrong thing was much easier. You are definitely strong enough to not let anything that happens tonight get to you.”
“You think so?” Glory asks. Kurt nods his head.
“I know so. Besides, it’s just for one night. It isn’t like you’re becoming Glory The Executive again. Aurora and Francis still have all the executive power. You’re still just a figurehead, the way you had always wanted it. Right?”
“Right.” Glory nods her head.
“So what’s the problem? After tonight, everything goes right back to normal.” Kurt insists. Braddock smiles half-heartedly and nods her head.
“Yeah, you’re right. I suppose one night couldn’t hurt.”
==========
Raleigh, NC
Off Camera
==========
“2012 was a year many of us remember quite well.”
This is Francis Taylor, the corporate president, on stage in a party room area of the Embassy Suites in Raleigh, North Carolina. The party honoring the company owner Glory Braddock is under way with Francis Taylor giving a speech to the assembled masses. Glory Braddock and her husband Kurt are sitting near the front by the stage. The British Bombshell feels the hot spotlight shining down upon her and it is making her quite uncomfortable. Being around all of these people is quite uncomfortable. She used to be one of them, she used to be a corporate big wig, a powerful businesswoman, but that isn’t who she is any longer. She feels like a stranger in a foreign land. Braddock can only sit patiently, force a smile upon her face, and hope that this all ends as quickly as possible.
“Our company had been bought out many years earlier by Global Division of Wrestling. But then GDW had been undergoing a financial crisis of its own. As a result the very future of what we ourselves had built up was in jeopardy.” Francis motions to Glory Braddock. “But then Glory Braddock took a big financial gamble of her own. She took a bet on us, she bet on our success with what little savings she had, and she bought our company back from GDW. Little did we know that simply giving us a new lease on life was just the beginning of her great vision.”
“Glory Braddock’s vision was not limited to merely one vocation. She put her own father’s wrestling academy, The Braddock Wrestling School in London, under our corporate umbrella. With the combined resources both her school and our company made more profits, but beyond the materialistic gains she had managed to assist in giving even more young people with a desire to wrestle the chance of a lifetime. And let’s not forget the expansion…Glory did not just give opportunities to wrestlers or those in the wrestling business…she wanted to give opportunities elsewhere. It was her idea to get the company involved in the modeling industry. As a result of placing her cousin’s modeling agency under our corporate umbrella she not only increased our profits and grew our company, but she saved the jobs and livelihoods of many employees and models at that agency. Shortly after the introduction of the modeling agency, Ms. Braddock continued to show just how generous she was by working to give everyone working for our company…from the janitor to the highest paid executives in the company…full health coverage. And perhaps one of her greatest contributions to the community is just recently when she put us into a working partnership with her sister’s rehabilitation clinic, giving recovering addicts of all stripes a second chance at life. It is my honor to present to you the woman of the hour, a great humanitarian, a woman who I am proud to call my friend, Gloria Marie Noel Braddock!”
Everyone in the room rises to their feet and begins to applaud. Many cheer and holler for Glory as she rises to her feet. At first The British Bombshell is somewhat red in the face, embarrassed at this show of affection from everyone in attendance. Slowly but surely as the applause goes on she begins to get used to it. Kurt gives her a gentle shove and motions for her to go to the stage and give a speech. Braddock turns and walks over to the stage and steps up onto it. Francis embraces Glory in a tight hug before stepping away from the podium allowing Glory the opportunity to speak.
“Thank you everyone, thank you.” Glory says as the crowd in attendance, mostly executives and other higher ups with the company, begin to quiet down and take their seats. “Francis listed off so many things I’ve done and yeah, I suppose you can say I have made a positive impact. But the truth is, all I ever wanted to do is the right thing. Even when you and I have disagreed…” she looks out at the crowd, making sure to make eye contact with the members of her corporate Board of Directors in attendance today “...understand that I only had the best of intentions at heart. We may have a rough road to this day but I’d like to think it was all worth it. Thank you for all of this…I certainly didn’t need a big party or all of this hoopla…but I do thank you for it. Now go enjoy yourselves.”
Everyone rises up out of their seats and again begins to clap and cheer loudly. Glory acknowledges the people once again. She embraces Francis Taylor again before turning and making her way down off of the stage. There she is met by her husband, Kurt Logan. Glory quickly leans in and whispers into his ear.
“There. I made an appearance. Now let’s get out of here.”
“We can’t.”
“Why the hell not?!” Glory snaps back at him, quietly so that she won’t be heard.
“Someone wants to see you.” Kurt motions to an older man and a younger woman approaching. Glory recognizes the man as Floyd Ryan, a member of the Board of Directors, but she doesn’t recognize the female with him, wearing a gold sequined cocktail dress and heels. Floyd approaches Kurt and Glory. He extends a hand to Kurt and shakes it.
“I am so glad you two could make it!” Floyd says as he then extends his hand to Glory, who reluctantly accepts the handshake. “The Board of Directors is so very grateful for everything you have done, Ms. Braddock.”
“Don’t thank me, Floyd. I’m just doing my job.”
“You have been doing a terrific job. That is why the board wanted to recognize you this evening. You deserve to be honored and praised.”
“I dunno about that, mate.” Glory is clearly uncomfortable with all of this. Even Kurt is beginning to regret bringing his wife here. Floyd is still talking but Glory is barely listening. She is scanning the room, looking for an escape. She notices a door that leads to a balcony area. She looks over at Kurt and shoots him a look. Kurt easily gets the hint and nods his head.
“Hey Floyd, I hear you’re trying to become Chairman of the Board. Is that right?”
“Yes! As a matter of fact I am!!” That was all the distraction Glory needed. With Floyd running his mouth about his ambitions, Glory approaches the balcony. She opens the door and exits the party room, stepping out onto the balcony. Outside it is quiet and peaceful. She is away from the noise of the party-goers. She still has to eventually go inside and make her way back through this mass of humanity to finally get away, but at least for now she has some semblance of peace. Or so she thinks…
“Uh, Ms. Braddock?” Glory turns around towards the sound of the voice. She finds that the woman who was with Floyd, the woman in the gold dress, followed her outside onto the balcony. Glory sighs deeply with some frustration. “Is something wrong?”
“Oh, uh, nothing. I just needed some air.” Glory turns her back to the woman, hoping she’ll catch a hint. Either she doesn’t get the hint or she’s too stubborn, either way the woman just walks closer towards Glory.
“Really? Cause you sounded fine in there.”
“Look, mate,” Glory is clearly annoyed as she turns back to face the woman “I just need some time alone.”
“You’re not happy here.” The woman states. “Are you?”
“Not one bit.” Glory shakes her head. “To be honest, I detest these corporate world stuff. I hate these fancy parties. They’re just not my kinda thing…they used to be, but not anymore.”
“I’m with you, Ms. Braddock. I hate these uptight parties. I’m only here because of my uncle.”
“Oh yeah?” Glory asks curiously. “Who is your uncle?”
“Floyd.” She says referring to the man who escorted her here today. “My name is Jamie, by the way. Jamie Ryan.”
“Nice to meet you, Jamie. So did your uncle make you come?”
“Well yes and no.” Jamie blushes. “To be honest, I am a big admirer of you and your work.”
“You are an admirer of me?” Glory asks, sounding somewhat surprised. Jamie nods her head.
“Yeah. I mean, look at what you done…you brought this company back from the dead and grew it from not just a wrestling company but into modeling and rehabilitation as well. You have done so much good with the power you have. To be honest, Ms. Braddock…”
“Glory.” She corrects her. “Call me Glory.”
“Well, Glory, I’d like to land a job with the company if that’s possible.” Jamie states. Braddock chuckles softly.
“Well I can’t exactly guarantee a job, mate.”
“Why not? You’re the owner.”
“But I’m not the CEO. I’m not even corporate President. I passed those duties and authorities to other people.” Braddock grins. “But perhaps I could help in some way…”
“Really?” Jamie asks excitedly. “You think so?”
“I mean, I’d have to think about it. I don’t want to get involved in the corporate life, Jamie, I’d rather leave that stuff for your uncle or for Francis. So if I were to help you out, I’d have to break a promise I made to myself to stay out of corporate affairs.”
“But you WILL think about it?” Jamie asks, almost begging her. Glory chuckles.
“Yes, I will think about it. Now come on, lets go back inside before anyone conducts a search party.”