Monday 28 April 2008

"No more sarcastic swearing" (2)

Gay Boss left last Thursday.

After two hours in the boardroom with CEO he knocked on my office door to say goodbye. He held out his hand in a professional manner and told me that he'd come to wish me luck. My eyes welled up. I ignored his outstretched hand and I gave him a hug.

"Keep in touch."

"I will."

Then he was gone.

I sat alone in my office for a while thinking about the past few months. I finally stood up and walked into the boardroom. CEO was sitting at the head of the table sorting through sheets of paper.

"Elise! Hello, how are you?"

He gestured to a chair. I numbly sat down.

"Well, I guess you've heard." He smiled in a friendly manner. "They'll be some good changes around here. You'll meet the new guy tomorrow. He's a very nice man. Over fifteen years experience you know."

His voice tuned out. I sat in silence. Unable to say a word.

After a while CEO got up to leave. I stayed seated. As he walked to the door he looked over his shoulder.

"You will be nice to him won't you?"

Of course I'll be nice to him! What the hell does he think I'm like? It's not the new guy's fault is it?

I nodded. He shut the door.

I sat in the empty boardroom for a while. For the first time since working there I felt alone. Stoner finally knocked on the door and let himself in. We sat in silence holding hands.

"You know, nothing is going to be the same."

"No more late mornings."

"No more long lunches."

"No more sarcastic swearing."

"No more secret office meetings."

"No more undercover spying."

It was the end of an era.

Bimbo called my mobile phone not long afterwards. I couldn't work out what she was saying, she was sobbing so loudly. I told her to meet us in the boardroom. A few minutes later she burst through the door. He face was swollen and red from crying so much. He hair was in a complete mess. She looked so ridiculous, I couldn't help but laugh.

We all spent the day in the boardroom swapping stories. Slowly more people joined us. By the end of the day all of the employees were sitting on and around the table laughing and joking about Gay Boss.

He will be missed by us all.

19 comments:

Sweets said...

wow, the end of an era indeed!! sweet how everybody joined in around the boardroom :)

FreeOscar said...

The Power Pricks always chase the good ones away.

Chickie said...

Well, damn. I'm sorry. Good bosses are hard to find.

i am the diva said...

nice that you were able to share stories. i'm sorry he's gone.

Verdant Earl said...

Well, it's not like he passed away people! Make sure he's around for happy hour every week or so...that way he can remain Gay Friend, instead of Gay Boss. Sometimes life throws you a bonus. :)

The Divine Miss M said...

Welcome to the real world of work Elise ;)

Lopz said...

Sounds like the episode of Friends where they all gather in Central Perk to discuss the death of Ross and Monica's gran. Earl is right, at least he's not dead! Good luck with the new guy though - hope he's half as entertaining. ;-)

Slyde said...

Thats too bad.. he really sounded like the kind of boss you could also be good friends with.

Lets just hope the new "undetermined sexual orientation" boss can live up to his predecessors standards...

Malach the Merciless said...

Sorry to hear that, when does he start his tell all blog?

Haylzc5 said...

Oh Elise, so sorry to hear! At least he got out there, i think he would have just got dragged down by the nephew or the newbie. Hopefully, you will stay friends and keep in touch!

xxx

Anonymous said...

Aw, sorry hon. I hope the new guy's nice!

Polgara said...

Hope you're feeling a bit more upbeat, get that business started girl!
Pol x

Lady Leather said...

Aaah no, Im sorry to hear that! Hope you guys do remain friends, and keep in touch. Sucks to have a good friend leave work, hope you all do ok.

Bruce Johnson said...

That has to be the best testimonial for a ex-coworker that I have ever heard. It rarely happens here, but it does happen once in a while. Those are the folks that they can least afford to lose, yet they always seem to.

linda said...

Hopefull the new guy will continue the tradition of late mornings, swearing, long lunches etc. Somehow though I think not.

Miss Caught Up said...

That is crummy :( Sorry to hear that Gay Boss left.

Cocaine Princess said...

I'm gonna miss gay boss but at least bimbo is still there. Hope you are doing well sweet Elise.

XOXOXOXO,
Cocaine Princess

Michelle Hix said...

Wow...maybe new guy won't be so bad? Too much change sucks though.

Kat Mortensen said...

Elise - Are you in for Post to Post? We need your address.

Kat