For what it’s worth, 11 isn’t bad for a voluntary get-together with guys who barely know each other. You’re building something from scratch—that takes time.
Griffin
Exactly. I’m encouraged by the guys who showed up. Quality over quantity. We’ve got a solid core to build around, and the rest will come along once they see what we’re creating.
But even as I typed the confident words, doubt gnawed at my stomach. What if the holdouts never came around? What if I couldn’t unite this fractured group? What if I was just a washed-up captain fooling himself about having what it took to lead an expansion team to success?
Wesley
Spoken like a true captain.
That got a genuine laugh out of me. Wesley had pegged my personality pretty accurately for someone I’d only known for a few days.
Griffin
Thanks for checking in. Wasn’t expecting to hear from you.
Wesley
Just curious about how the evening went.
There was a pause while the three dots danced, stopped, and danced again.
Wesley
Team chemistry affects everything I do on the PR side.
Professional justification, but it felt like more than that. Like Wesley was invested in my success for reasons beyond his job description.
Griffin
Well, mission accomplished.
Wesley
Get some sheep.
My mouth twitched.
Griffin
?
Wesley
Sleep! Darn autocorrect!
Wesley
Tomorrow’s a new day to win over the rest of the team.
I smiled at that. Wesley had a way of making things sound achievable, even when they feltoverwhelming.
Griffin
Night, Wesley.
Wesley