Chapter 5
"We are pleased to announce that your nominee, John Castle, has been selected to receive the Inspiring Leader award. Your glowing recommendations made it clear that he is a more than worthy recipient.
… Please note that your introduction of the nominee is an integral part of our awards ceremony and our emphasis on the role community plays in building leaders. If you are unable to complete this duty, the award will go to one of the many other nominees…"
Francis felt sick as she read the letter. Why did she even go through with nominating Jonny? He wouldn't have known. Why did she have to be so honest about the man he had become, someone who could so skillfully balance compassion with high expectations, inspiring greatness by believing it was possible. Why did she have to make him sound like a damn hero?
It was her job to contact her nominee to let them know they would be receiving the award. Well, that made things easy, she would just say she couldn't attend, make up a family emergency, and someone else would get the award. No need to see Jonny again… except this award was very prestigious. It could open new doors for Jonny, bring him to the attention of important people. And what about the men who worked for him? More business for Jonny meant more business for them. Maybe he could hire more people, change more lives. No matter how she felt, the desire to do that for him was too strong to ignore.
She could do it. She could put on her big girl pants, keep it professional, and everything would be fine. Tomorrow she would call his secretary, give the necessary details, give her speech, then say goodbye to Jonny for the last time.
Yes, she could do it. She just needed to get through this week and then it would all be behind her.