"Come in." Cadence called as response to the knock on her office door. She turned in her chair to try to see over the mountain of files in front of her at who was coming in.
"Miss Salinas?" Cadence would know that mouse-like voice anywhere. Gayle, the office secretary, her appearance matched her quiet voice. Her hair was always pulled up into a sloppy bun, her clothes hanging off her rail thin body, and she was forever pushing her thick glasses back up her nose. She was a lovely women though, she just lacked self confidence.
"Gayle, I've told you a million times to call me Cadence, Ms. Salinas is what you call my mom, and it makes me sound old." Cadence smiled softly at the older women.
"What is it?"
"You have a couple talent here to see you. Shall I bring them back to you?" Gayle asked.
"Is it already that time?" She asked looking at the clock on the wall. She groaned when she saw the time. She had been in the office since 6am, and now she realized she had completely skipped lunch, seeing it was near 4 in the afternoon.
"I'll come and get them, give me a few minutes, maybe I can scarf a couple hands full of cheez-its down. I didn't realize how hungry I was." She said.
"Thanks Gayle." She called as the door was already being pulled closed. She open the bottom drawer of her huge desk, and smiled. That's where she stashed all her treats to get her through the long days, and nights at the office. She grabbed a few bite sized crackers and tossed them in her mouth, chewing while getting up and grabbing a quick drink. She caught her reflection in the full length mirror right as she was reaching for the door knob, causing her to stop, and make some adjustments. She grabbed the light colored lipstick out of her jacket pocket before taking it off and hanging it on the back of the door. She smiled when she turned back to the mirror. Her tan skin reminding her of the family vacation she had just gotten back from. Even with the piles of work now sitting on her desk, she needed the time away from work, even though she had to cut it short and come back to take care of business. She had on a tight black business skirt, her matching jacket now hanging behind the door. Her white button-up sleeveless shirt fit her form perfectly. She stood 5'6" but was in heels, giving her a bonus 3 inches. She pulled the band from her hair, shaking her deep red locks out, the light curls a result of her having it in a braid for most of the day. She applied her lipstick, placing it back in her jacket pocket. Then she opened the door and started down the hall.
The two men looked up, hearing the sound of heels on the wooden floor. She smiled as she walked into the lobby area.
"Gentlemen, this is Ms. Salinas." Gayle said, standing when Cadence walked in.
"Thank you Gayle." Cadence said, her southern accent sounding in her voice.
"You can both follow me please? Right this way."
"Not a problem there." The younger one smirked. Cadence couldn't help but grin to herself when she turned around.
"You'll have to excuse my office. I just got back from vacation, and I'm playing catch up." She warned them, opening her door, and showing them in.
"Have a seat." She said, grabbing the stack of files that was sitting in one of the chairs in front of her desk.
"Would either of you two like a bottle of water?"
"Sure, I could use a drink." The younger one replied, as she just got a nod from the older man.
She grabbed a couple of bottles from the small fridge and handed them each one, then went behind her desk, clearing some more files, and papers.
"I apologize." She said turning to them.
"Time got away from me today. I didn't realize it was so late." She let a soft smile cross her face.
"Ms. Salinas, I was under the impression that we would be meeting with Jeff Jarrett today." The older man said.
"I'm sorry for the mix-up Mr. Richards. Unfortunately, when your meeting was scheduled, not everyone in the company was aware of Mr. Jarrett's position with the company, and we weren't informed of certain things, such as this meeting until a few days ago." Cadence tried to sound sympathetic, but in reality she was still ticked with how the Jarrett's leaving had happened. No real warning, and she was the one taking the brunt of the work they had left behind.
"Ok, I understand things like that happen, but then, with what we were told, I'm confused as to why Dixie Carter herself isn't here talking with us." Davey Richards responded.
"Not that we have a problem with talking to you." Eddie Edwards said kindly, giving Davey a stern look.
"We just want to understand what is going on here."
"You want honesty, I get that, but there are some things that I can't disclose at this moment. Ms. Carter tried to get here, but she had other obligations. Again, I apologize." Cadence tried.
"Like what, Ms. Salinas? Vacationing in the Bahamas?" Davey asked coldly.
"Davey!" Eddie said, surprised by his boldness.
"Ok, yes, she is in the Bahamas. But you have to understand, this was a family vacation that was planned over a year ago. She has her whole family there. Her kids, and grand-kids. And she has enough confidence in me to take this meeting."
"Didn't you just say you got back from vacation?" Davey asked.
"Yes I did. I actually had to cut it short to get back here just for this meeting." Cadence said.
"And you look awful tan. Tell me Ms. Salinas, is vacationing with the boss something Dixie offers all of her employees?" Davey smirked.
"No, only the ones which are her children." Cadence confessed.
"Holy Shit." Eddie gasped.
"You're Dixie's daughter?"
"Yes I am. And aside from that I wear many hats in this company." Cadence said.
"I do apologize for all of the mix-ups, Mr. Richards and Mr. Edwards, but truth be told I am one of the top people here rallying to sign you both. I have watched you both for a long time, and would love to have you both with our company."
"Why should we sign with you and not WWE?" Davey asked.
"I know when you think pro-wrestling, you think of WWE. But they aren't all that accepting. I think you both know that from your try out. TNA is smaller and can't offer the big bucks that WWE can, but we do allow you to preform at other shows that aren't televised. We also give you a larger percentage of merchandise sales. Tours are shorter, we tape several shows a night, or over a few nights back to back, which allows more time at home, or to do other things. And I'd like to think we have a better work environment. Just remember, all that glitters isn't gold. And most of all, we want you here. I want you here." Cadence tried.
"I think it sounds good." Eddie smiled at her.
"Eddie, quit being so eager." Davey said.
"I'm ready to offer you both contracts, one's that say you will have the tag titles with in two months of being with us." Cadence grinned.
"Give me the pen. I'm ready to sign." Eddie said, rubbing his hands together.
"Do you mind if I have a few minute with my partner?" Davey asked.
"Sure." Cadence smiled, standing up.
"I can show you to a small conference room just down the hall." They followed her to the room that she had set up for them. There was a small fruit basket, waters, and off to the side the tag titles were laying there, just back from being polished.
"Make yourselves at home, help yourself to anything you would like. And when you are ready, I will be in my office." Before she even had a chance to close the door, Eddie was already standing by the belts.