The Power of Connection

Eileen Sullivan woke up at 4:30 that morning, slipped out of bed without disturbing Claudia and went to the large kitchen and made herself a cup of tea. She sat there with the notes she had written about her morning meeting. She had memorized the key points she wanted to make and had rehearsed in front of her lover for days before. "I think you got this," Claudia assured her, but she couldn't shake the feeling that gnawed at her.

Something wasn't right.

Eileen understood what her mentor was proposing. The brilliant CEO had been paving the way for her to learn what she needed to know in order to take the reins at some future date. Eileen never thought about that time, not because she doubted she could do it, but because she could not face Helena not being there. What started to worry her the most was the feeling that everyone saw her ascension as the signal of Helena's abdication. What if Eileen really was ready someday? Would she make Helena think she wasn't ready just to make her stay? How could she manage people if they looked at her as the reason their beloved CEO wasn't there? The thought process started to weigh on the young woman and sleepless nights ensued. The cycle began as her fears fed off her fatigue and worry. To compensate, she pushed herself to prove over and over again that she could do the job.

The press took note.

'Is this the woman who will take over Wells Corp?' the news teaser read that morning as Eileen got ready for her meeting with Morgan Styles. Eileen should have turned down the volume, but she couldn't as she was drawn to hear what they had to say. The panel of commentators and business moguls questioned if this was a legitimate question. After all, Helena Wells showed no sign of slowing down or stepping down. But each panelist knew Helena well enough to know, her moves were rarely predictable. So they played the 'let's assume she does,' card and tossed their theories around.

"I think Morgan Styles would be a great addition to that company," one suggested.

"I just don't think this relative of Helena's has the wherewithal yet. Now, maybe someday she will," another added.

"It would appear Helena has been grooming this woman. Every project she's been on has added to the bottom line of Wells Corp," an advocator pointed out.

"We don't want the Peter Principle," a gruff older man pointed out reminding them that just because you do projects well, it does not make you CEO material.

"I just don't see it, yet," another commented.

Ever since news broke that Helena found a long lost relative right under the roof of Wells Corp, speculation began. Eileen tried to follow in her mentor's footsteps of never stepping directly into the media crap, but things seemed to be mounting lately. She and Claudia were talking about spending their lives together and it was bringing out the differences in how they handled things. Claudia stammered when she talked about how she wanted it to go; Eileen spoke in calligraphy letters of joy.

It was the typical emotional domino effect and by the time Eileen was on her way to work, the blocks just kept falling into each other.

Morgan Styles was more than curious about the invitation from Helena's protégé. He and Helena hadn't spoken since he told Myka he would consider any proposal Helena made when she was ready. Did Helena think he would respond differently to the future CEO?

Their meeting was cordial because Morgan Styles was a calm, polite man who took his time before answering questions. Silence didn't irk him the way it did some people and he never answered before he was ready. Most days, his hostess came from the same school of thought. But today, she had too much on her mind.

"Ms. Sullivan, may I ask you a question?" Morgan said, halfway through the opening remarks of the young woman.

"Of course," Eileen said, taking a gulp of water.

"Do I make you nervous?" Morgan asked, and knew the answer.

"No," Eileen said truthfully, and the pain in her forehead worsened.

"Why don't you tell me what we're doing here today," Morgan suggested in a low, calm voice. He had been there twenty minutes and he still wasn't sure.

Eileen knew he was right. She was talking to him about the proposal, but her head wasn't clear. Every time she talked about the idea of him working at Wells, with her, all she could see was people jumping ship.

"Mr. Styles," she started but he asked her to call him Morgan and she started over. "Morgan, I trust Helena will all my heart. If she says you're the person who should be here at Wells, I believe her. She wanted me to negotiate what it would take for you to agree and I'm afraid I've screwed it up royally," Eileen said.

Morgan smiled and looked over. His demeanor relaxed, and although Eileen didn't understand why yet, she relaxed, too. "Is Helena testing you?" Morgan asked, because he knew Helena wouldn't test him.

"No, not in the conventional sense," Eileen shared. "I mean, she won't give me an F because I screwed this up. She'll talk about what I did wrong, how I could do it better and then send me out to do it again," Eileen said, describing the process.

"So it's important to her that you learn from this?" Morgan pointed out.

"Yes," Eileen said and Morgan nodded his head.

"OK, Ms. Sullivan, tell me why I should work here?" he asked, starting all over again.

Eileen drew a deep breath and told herself to get her head on straight. This was important.

"Wells Corp is the premier biomedical firm on the street. Not just because we are light years ahead of our competition, but because in the areas we are not, we are willing to extend ourselves and learn. We know how good we are, and that means, we know who can benefit from our products. We offer many of our devices for free to lower income families, rural hospitals and specific groups such as Veterans," Eileen started.

"Your social mission is admirable, your products beyond reproach, but why would I want to work here?" Morgan pressed.

If this had been any other meeting, with any other person, Eileen would have said with her whole heart and mind – 'Because Helena Wells works here' – but she couldn't say that. He knew that. And she was talking about a possible time when Helena would not be there. Eileen sat farther back in her chair and dug deeper into herself. It was a good question. Why would anyone want to be there if Helena wasn't there? She pushed herself to answer that very difficult question.

"I used to think Wells Corp was one person; Helena. As soon as I met her, I knew that if I could get past throwing up, I wanted to stay," she started and Morgan suppressed the laugh. "There is something magnetic about Helena, that draws people to her because ….well, because you just know you're never going to meet anyone else like her," Eileen said and needed another sip of water.

"But then I learned something else, Mr. …Morgan. Helena may have built this business from the ground up, but the people who helped her, also shared in her vision because they believed in her. They learned that it wasn't just a product we were putting out there – we were putting the future out there, one that we take very seriously. I've seen people leave Wells Corp and I see it in their eyes – that remorse over a lost chance to work in a place that is unlike any other. The team here embodies the same beliefs that Helena has. Helena has made sure that her vision is in every aspect of this building, so much so, that if she were not here, the vision will carry on. People want to do that for Wells Corp, for Helena, and because it's the best way to do things," Eileen said. "That, Morgan, is why you would want to work here. Not for any one person, but for a group of people who are the best at what they do."

Morgan smiled and looked at Eileen's desk. She hadn't touched a note in her portfolio where he was certain the apprentice had the notes she studied. This woman spoke from the heart. Morgan was certain he saw glimmers of his dear friend, whom he respected so much, in her. He was no clearer on if and when Helena was going to hand the reins over, but he was certain on one thing – he wanted to be there when it happened.

"I accept," he said, extending his hand across the desk.

"You do?" Eileen said, believing she had not convinced him of anything other than the fact that she believed what she said with all her heart.

It was exactly the reason why Morgan Styles accepted.

"Eileen, I have an enviable job where I am. I am in a position of authority and have clout. I make a good salary and most days, I have the respect of my colleagues. I have, in other words, the perfect job. And yet, when I see Helena and you and many of the people who work here, I go back to my perfect job aware that something is missing. You're right, the Wells vision is personified in the people who work here, and I want to be a part of that," he explained.

Eileen went on to expound on her thoughts of Morgan's position as Chief Marketing Officer responsible for overseeing the team of Engineering Managers who coordinate with surgeons, design engineers, manufacturing, regulatory affairs, sales consultants, product directors, and other functional departments to define and develop product requirements and concepts. At the end of the meeting, they shook hands and decided to discuss his start date later that week.

"He said yes!" Eileen said, running into the IT Director's office to share the news.

"Was there any doubt?" Claudia said sincerely, dropping what she was working on so she could join in the celebration.

"Doubt? Yes, of course there was. Helena couldn't get him to agree. Myka got him to reconsider," Eileen explained.

"But you have that dangerous combination of killer blue eyes and Wells-Sullivan charm that people can't resist!" her most avid admirer said. "Plus you bleed Wells Corp."

"I didn't use my notes," Eileen said, thinking back to it. "I just….talked."

"You are the poster child for this company so I'm sure everything you said was from the heart. I'm not surprised that he accepted," Claudia reaffirmed.

"It's a newly created position that will ….," the Associate Director of New Projects said.

"Why do you have trouble with saying 'will report to me'?" Claudia asked, as they sat down on the couch together.

"Because I'm afraid all these things bring us one step closer to Helena …..," Eileen said, and couldn't say it.

"Yeah," Claudia said, feeling the sadness tighten in her chest. "Still, she's not leaving now and …and I'm sure….we'll be sick and tired of her…..," the techie said and …burst into tears. She had been a bundle of mixed emotions lately. Thrilled that her girlfriend was being trained to run the company; incredibly sad that it could mean her dearest friend might not be there.

Eileen grabbed Claudia and shed her own emotionally soaked tears. Neither could stand the thought.

"Great, the two of us will be at Helena's party tonight with swollen eyes," Claudia laughed, shoving the emotions back under the proverbial carpet.

"Will people hate me?" Eileen asked, and the techie stared into pools of light blue worry.

"No! You're not pushing Helena out. You will be filling a void Helena leaves when she's ready. And we're acting like it's next week, so let's get a grip here," Claudia said, admonishing them.

"Okay, you're right, you're right," Eileen said because Claudia was always practical.

"Let's get ready for the party," Claudia said, thankful that the emotional outburst was over. She was just happy to see Eileen was smiling and everything was okay.

There wasn't anything they could do right now except – ask Helena what the hell was going on!

Bridget rented SixtyFive – the stunning and sophisticated lounge at the top of 30 Rockefeller Plaza, for Helena's book debut. She had wanted it to be at the MOMA, with hundreds of guests and the press, but Helena wanted a few friends and very little mention of the book. Bridget arrived with Sarah an hour before the others, to make sure everything was in place. She wanted to really impress Helena and that wasn't an easy thing to do.

"You're making yourself nuts!" Sarah said, in an exchange of roles. "What do you always tell me before every runway debut?"

"Fuck them, let's run away?" Bridget said and it was very close to the truth. She just didn't grasp the oohing and ahhing over clothes.

"No, you tell me to take deep breaths," Sarah said and before Bridget could comply, the fashion designer smothered her lips in a kiss.

"Now that could make me lose my breath," Bridget said, delighting in the taste of Sarah's lipstick.

The guests started to arrive and Bridget was the perfect hostess. It wasn't hard – it was a roomful of friends. "There's your brother," Bridget said when Morgan arrived, looking impeccable and handsome as ever. The couple greeted him and both inquired where his date was.

"Out there somewhere," he said looking out at the panoramic view of Manhattan.

"We have to get working on that," Bridget said in all sincerity. "Here, study this," she said and handed Morgan a copy of Helena's book. She thought about it and took it back. "Never mind," she said, not wanting him to get his hopes up. "Baby steps."

"I fear you have no faith in my ability to attract the perfect mate. Don't you know that skill is inherent in my family?" Morgan said, taking a sip of his neat scotch and winking at his sister.

"See, he got you there, Bridge. He's incredibly charming," Sarah said of her adored sibling.

"He does make it hard," Bridget laughed, as she kept one eye on the door for her friends.

Claudia had excused herself to go to the ladies room as Eileen and Steve shared some hors d'oeuvres with Pete and Jane.

"He's got four offers for his machine!" Jane was bragging about her boyfriend. "Are you going to wanna keep me when those big checks come rolling in?"

"Are you going to keep your job?" Steve asked and Eileen already knew that answer. "Of course he is," she said. People like Pete didn't see their jobs as a job – it was his calling.

Later that night, Pete would share with Jane that he was actually thinking of donating a large chunk of the proceeds to different organizations. It would only make Jane fall in love with him more.

While the friends laughed and looked forward to the guests of honor, Claudia paced the outside hallway waiting. She knew she only had a small window to talk to Helena – and she felt compelled to do it now. As soon as the elevator door dinged – she jumped. They were there!

Helena wore an Yves St. Laurent black dress with a golden brocade across the top of the dress. Over it, she wore a matching long jacket with the matching brocade on the lapel and cuffs. Her necklace matched the glittery gold of the design. Myka wore a Sarah Styles original; a black pants suit, with silk black turtleneck and jacket that was adorned with large buckles on the sleeve and waist. Helena told her it was the best 'power' suit she had ever seen.

"I need to talk to you!" Claudia said, her nerve bundled up and propelling her forward. "You know, if you…can," she said, catching the look in Helena's eyes. "But now would be good."

The other elevator arrived and Irene stepped out with James. Bridget asked Helena if she should invite Irene with a guest and Helena suggested him. "Irene!" Myka said and it was a greeting and a plea. "James, good to see you." Myka took Irene by the arm and walked them inside, giving Claudia the space she needed. Myka knew that look – she was there about Eileen and only Helena could give her what she needed.

"Everything okay?" Irene asked in a tone that meant – 'Does Helena need me?'

"Sounds like our IT Director is in protective mode. I think Helena can handle that," Myka nudged Irene.

"Well, it would seem you have the floor," Helena said to her young charge.

"Okay, look, I don't think you've thought this through and I can't believe I'm saying that to you because you're like the most brilliant person I know, right?" Claudia started and Helena motioned to a waiter.

"Water, please," she said for her friend.

"You are thinking ahead, right, I get that. You probably think, hey, I have a relative. I can kick back and take off if I want. I mean, we all know you're grooming her for the job, right? Not that she's getting it unless she's the right choice, but still, there's no one else in the race. So …yeah," Claudia said, taking a gulp of the water the waiter brought back.

Helena stood there, clutching her pocketbook under her arm, waiting for her friend to get to the point.

"And she's trying to be ready. I mean, she studies and she gets all A's and does amazing things at work all because she wants to be the best…whatever it is you want her to be," Claudia said and she started to get agitated more.

"I'm glad to hear that…," Helena tried to say.

"But here's what you're not thinking about. When everyone looks at her preparing for whatever role it is, they also see the reason you won't be there. And NO ONE likes that idea, ok? You can't hand the baton over and expect people to feel good about it. We don't. I mean, sure I'm excited for her and know with my whole heart that she would do a great job, but she'll die if she thinks people hate her. She's not like you and me," Claudia said looking directly at Helena.

Helena wanted to know more about that. "How is she different?" she asked.

"She's had it good. Well, except for that being orphaned part. But, she has the Sullivan's and a good home, she's smart, and they worship the ground she walks on. It's the life we all wish we had. You and I, Helena …," Claudia said, the name rolling off her tongue easily now that she was connecting them. "We had it harder. But we came through it, you know? And we're okay, stronger maybe."

"Are you saying Eileen isn't strong enough?" Helena tried to clarify.

"No! No, she's one of the strongest people I know. But I don't know if she can handle people ….. people resenting if she takes your place…one day, in the future, like – far away in the future," Claudia said, the pain pounding in her head now. "I can't do this."

"Do what, Claudia?" Helena asked, gently.

"Protect her! I mean, how the hell am I going to stand by while people are nasty to her or hate her because they love you and don't want you to leave. It's gonna be ugly, I just know it," the techie said, all in one breath.

Helena understood the context, but more importantly, she understood the motivation.

"Claudia?" Helena said, taking the techie's hand and waiting for her to stop mumbling.

"Huh?" the distracted friend finally said.

"What did I tell you about Eileen?" Helena asked and Claudia had to think about that.

"That…you wouldn't let her …be in any position until she was ready," Claudia answered, taking her hands and shoving them in her back pockets.

"And?" Helena prompted.

"And…..that it …?" Claudia tried, but was too riled to get the right answer.

"It would change nothing," Helena said, reminding her friend of their connection.

Claudia got that, but she didn't like it. "Yeah, you say that, but you won't be there and we…we need you there."

The young woman's pain was palpable. Not just the stress of being caught between excitement for her girlfriend and her other friend's leaving, but the reaction to change that people who have suffered deep loses often have. They lose it.

Helena got that. She reached out and pulled the board-like woman into a hug. "Then we will have to plan for all of this very carefully, won't we?" Helena asked and released Claudia so she could look into her eyes. "None of this will happen before we're ready," she assured her friend.

"It's just…that I can't…imagine…," and that was all Claudia could admit before the lump lodged in her throat.

"Perhaps you and I could spend some time imagining the best way this should happen," Helena suggested and Claudia liked that. She liked anything that included her and Helena using their imaginations.

Claudia nodded and wiped a tear off her face before shoving her hands back into her back pockets. "You won't say….," the techie wanted to ask, but Helena was already there.

"Not a word, Claudia," her soul-mentor said.

"Okay, and one more thing," Claudia said, pulling Helena closer and farther away from the room where the guests were.

"Yes?" Helena said.

"I'm going to propose to her," Claudia said, looking around to make sure no one heard.

"That's wonderful news," Helena said and the techie begged her to lower her voice.

"Not now because I have to ask her father and mother for their blessing and everything. And I have to get a ring, but …will you help me? I mean, I read the book. Geez, how do you write all that deep stuff and all?" Claudia asked.

"It would be my honor to help in any way I can," Helena said, noticing how nervous her friend was. "She's a very lucky woman."

"Yeah? I mean, thanks. Okay, let's do this," Claudia said, wanting to compartmentalize all her emotions so she could rejoin the party like nothing happened. What she couldn't contain were her feelings for Helena that were exploding inside her. She stopped, turned and the lunged at Helena to hug her. Helena, who was only slightly surprised, gently accepted the hug and embraced her friend.

"Thanks, Helena," Claudia said, before swinging the door opened and announcing; "Look who I found outside!" The room exploded into applause as one particular set of eyes locked onto Claudia with worry.

"Are you okay?" Eileen asked, immediately aware of her girlfriend's emotional state.

Claudia looked over at Helena before she smiled and answered; "Yeah, it's going to be okay now."

Myka immediately took in Helena's mood and could tell everything was okay. She joined Helena, grabbing two champagne filled flutes as Bridget began the toast.

"I dared this woman to write a book about relationships one night and she replied ' 'I think I have a couple of hours free tomorrow,' " Bridget said in her best imitation of her friend and the room broke out with laughter. "And tonight we celebrate the brilliant writing of someone who understands love and relationships better than anyone I know. Damn, Wells, who knew you could write so well? Cheers."

The group toasted the Author who thanked them.

"When Bridget asked me what name I wanted to use on the book, I realized that there isn't one person in this room who hasn't taught me something I know about love and friendship. So, in one sense, everyone here has contributed to this book," Helena said humbly and then added, "It just sounds brilliant because I penned it." Everyone laughed and cheered and Helena thanked them for their contributions.

"What do you think I taught her?" Pete asked as the group sat down at tables to eat.

"Undying loyalty," Jane said without skipping a beat.

"I taught her how to spot a liar," Steve said, puffing out his chest.

"Now, there's a lie if I ever heard one," Claudia teased her friend.

"I have to thank Helena for writing this book," Sarah commented later on.

"Because of everything I learned?" Bridget teased, pushing her shoulder into Sarah.

"No, because it actually kept you quiet when you read it over and over," Sarah said back and Bridget voiced her protests loudly – contradicting her promise that she could be quiet if she had to be.

"That's a bet I would take," Myka said, when she and Helena joined them.

"Et tu, Bering?" her friend feigned surprise. "Fine, I will not talk all day tomorrow."

"I'll take one hour," Morgan said, taking out a ten dollar bill.

"You're gracious," Myka said, taking out her money. "Ten minutes."

"That's terrible!" Bridget responded. "Helena, how did you marry someone who demonstrates so little faith in her friends."

"Sixty seconds," Helena said much to everyone's delight as they joined in the pool.

Helena was happy to see everyone there and approached Artie and Vanessa to engage them in a special request. "Helena, I appreciate the vote of confidence, and I'm thrilled that you're looking for someone, but I can't just go back to school to become an obstetrics doctor. I'm an ER doctor," Vanessa explained.

"You know the basics, no? And if a woman comes into the emergency room, do you not know how to deliver a baby?" Helena countered.

"Well, yes, but we would first call someone from the OB/GYN department. Things can get complicated," Vanessa said.

"Hence the additional training you'll need," Helena said, unrelenting.

Vanessa laughed and excused herself, not realizing this wasn't a request she actually had a choice about.

"Your girlfriend is incredibly stubborn," Helena complained to Artie.

"Fiancée," Artie corrected his boss.

"Arthur! Why didn't you tell us?" Helena asked, thinking this worked to her advantage.

"It just happened. I have to get the ring ….," Artie admitted sheepishly. Then he stopped and looked right at Helena. "We read your book," he said in a low voice. "It was…inspiring," he relayed, unable to hold back on the laugh that came with that confession. "I proposed that night."

"Well, I should have included something about getting the ring first," Helena laughed and Artie blushed. "Congratulations, Arthur." She would make sure to tell Claudia about that important detail.

Helena joined Myka at the table and Irene watched as both their faces lit up when they were next to one another. "So, James, what do you think about our little group?" Helena asked, sipping her drink.

"Everyone is great," the man admitted because they all made him feel at home.

"Wait until you get to know them," Irene joked, making everyone laugh.

A few minutes later, James went to the bar to get Irene a drink as Helena and Myka were making their rounds. "Thank you for including me in your party," he said to Helena. Myka watched as Helena smiled graciously. "I look forward to reading your book," he said, trying to keep the conversation going.

"Here's all you need to know," Helena said and Myka could tell her words were not tense or threatening. "Always do right by that woman."

James stared and laughed nervously. He got that Helena was protective. "I have always treated Irene with the utmost respect," he shared, thinking Helena didn't know their history.

"Yes, but I wasn't there to tell you if you were doing it well enough. Now, I am," Helena explained because she was in a patient mood.

"Got it," James said because he knew that was the right answer.

"Hey you," Myka said, when they finally had a moment alone.

"Hey you," Helena responded, kissing Myka's waiting lips. "Can we leave yet?"

"Sure," Myka said and then stopped. "Wait, I want to see if I can get the author to personalize my book."

"Oh, I believe she already has," Helena said, opening to the dedication page for Myka to read:

To Myka, My One, – you not only inspired these words, you created the world in which all of these lessons were made possible. As we travel through time together, I am your most devoted passenger. Thank you for the ride of my life.

Love,

Helena

Myka's eyes filled with emotion and tears trickled down her face. "That's…beautiful," she said in a breathy tone before closing the book and pulling it to her chest.

"You, Myka Bering-Wells are my inspiration," Helena said, gently wiping a tear away.

"What do I inspire you to do, Helena?" Myka asked sweetly.

Helena smiled warmly and cupped Myka's face as said:

"Wondrous things, Myka. Always wondrous things."

Several weeks later:

Irene walked home from church and waved to her neighbors as she made her way up the steps. She saw the Sunday edition of The New York Times on her top step and hastened her pace. She announced to the canine who greeted her that they needed to check the listing again this week. Irene felt very fortunate to know two of the authors on the Times Best Seller's List. The dog took his seat next to Irene, as he had done every Sunday morning when the woman checked the paper. There was a loud snap of the paper opening and then he heard the anticipated – 'Well, what do you know!'

'What?' he howled, unable to see the list.

"Oh, sorry," Irene apologized for keeping him waiting.

"'The Real HG Wells by Mary Verne is still number two after all these weeks," Irene shared and Bandit nodded his head. "I'm afraid my sister's book will never push - The Time Traveler's Guide to Romance out of the number one spot," she said laughing and Bandit joined in with his howl.

She closed the paper, sat back in her chair, and said – "Good job, Helena. Good job."

The End

*Helena and Myka's outfits can be seen on Pinterest at Manhattanite.

Thank you to everyone who joined me on this installment. A special thank you to those who were gracious enough to comment, make suggestions and lend a hand when a took the corners too quickly. As always, the ride is far more enjoyable with you all along.

Until next time,

Cheers,

Manhattanite.